South Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Baldwin House & Tallac Museum
Rustic Gem
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
1. Baldwin House & Tallac Museum Marker
In 1920, at age 19, Dextra Balwin ordered construction of her summer house. The architect created a picturesque summer residence that reflected the simple, natural style favored by the wealthy in the 1920s. The house was completed in 1924 and is an outstanding example of rustic architecture.
Inside, hand-hewn walls and exposed rafters warm the spacious 5,000 square foot home. The house includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large living room area, a butlers pantry and a kitchen. Time spent here by family and friends was devoted to quiet pursuits. Children and close friends spent their time swimming, boating, and hiking.
Erected by Tallac Historic Site, Tahoe Heritage Foundation and the US Forest Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 38° 56.379′ N, 120° 2.846′ W. Marker is in South Lake Tahoe, California, in El Dorado County. It can be reached from Heritage Way east of Emerald Bay Road (California Highway 89). The Baldwin House is located on the grounds of the Tallac
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sacramento Metro, in the Sierra Nevada, and in the Lake Tahoe Basin. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Anita Gibson & Dextra Cabins (within shouting distance of this marker); Lucky's Legacy (within shouting distance of this marker); A Rustic Retreat: The Baldwin Estate (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to the Historic Tallac Resort (about 400 feet away); Discover the Tallac Historic Site (about 500 feet away); Tea Time at the Gazebo (about 600 feet away); The Pope Estate (about 700 feet away);
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
2. Baldwin House & Tallac Museum Marker
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
3. The Baldwin House
Marker can be seen at the foot of the steps between two pine trees.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
4. Rear of the Baldwin House & Tallac Museum
The "A Rustic Retreat" wayside marker is seen at the foot of the pine tree.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
5. The Kitchen
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
6. Stove on Display in the Kitchen
This wood burning stove is from Lucky Baldwin's Cottage at the Tallac Resort, (circa 1900).
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
7. National Register of Historic Places Plaque
The plaque is mounted on the rear of the building at the Museum entrance door.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
8. A Pet Carrier From 1880 on Display
Sign on carrier
Imagine the pet riding from San Francisco (by train) to Truckee...then by stagecoach to Tahoe City...and finally by steamer to the Tallac Pier.
Imagine the pet riding from San Francisco (by train) to Truckee...then by stagecoach to Tahoe City...and finally by steamer to the Tallac Pier.
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
9. View of the House From the South Gardens
Photographed by Syd Whittle, August 14, 2010
10. View of Lake Tahoe Seen From the Front Entrance of the Baldwin House
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 3,469 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on June 16, 2025, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on August 16, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
