Homes for Sale in Truckee's Martis Valley
The Martis Valley at the base of Northstar Ski Resort has to be one of the prettiest places in the world. With sweeping vistas of the Sierra mountains that rim Truckee, it feels like a vast expanse of open plains. But remote as it seems, you are close to all the action here (click here to read more ... )
Martis Valley Homes for Sale
With SurfAir just 5 minutes across the highway, you can be in San Carlos in under an hour. (or any of the destinations SurfAir flies to). Downtown Truckee, with its excellent restaurants & shopping, is just minutes away. Lake Tahoe is just over the hill, and all of Tahoe's major ski resorts are just a short drive from here (most of the gated country clubs in the Martis Valley offer shuttle service).
The Valley is home to three of Truckee's gated communities:
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Lahontan Golf & Country Club
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Martis Camp Homes for Sale
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Schaffer's Mill Homes for Sale
Want to Browse other golf Course communities?
*Click here for a quick Guide to Tahoe Truckee Golf Course Homes
Lahontan Homes: from Tahoe Lodge to Contemporary
Lahontan was the first of the three to be developed. Established in the late 1990s, it's the oldest of Truckee's gated communities. And while it remains true to its exclusive resort-style experience, the architecture at Lahontan has changed over the years. Craftsman-style homes (think Ahwahnee meets Greene & Greene) characterized much of the early development in Lahontan ~ gorgeous designs utilizing big timbers, steep-pitched roofs supported by scissor trusses & massive granite hearths.
Over the years, that style gave way to more contemporary designs with walls of glass, steel beams, and flat roofs that met the demands of homebuyers looking for more of a Mountain Modern motif. Many architects pivoted toward the clean lines of these contemporary designs. Even artists like Greg Faulkner, who designed the gorgeous Lodge-style Lahontan Clubhouse, have in recent years been showcasing a more austere aesthetic.
Martis Camp Homes: Luxury & Exclusivity
Martis Camp at the end of the Valley (adjacent to Lahontan) set out to become the the most exclusive of the Martis Valley trio at the most inauspicious time. It was the early 2000s, and like someone who booked a deck chair on the Titanic, Martis Camp homes were on the rise just as the U.S. economy was on the decline. By 2009, just two homes had sold, one under $2 million, and the other at $3.6 million.
Despite the looming Recession, the developer forged ahead to build the golf course, the Family barn, and the sprawling 55,000 square foot clubhouse. It was a decision that paid dividends in the years to come. As the economy improved, the pace of sales followed suit. By Q4 of 2022, 29 homes had sold in Martis Camp with a median sales price of almost $8.3 million.
Schaffer's Mill Home: Casual Elegance
Schaffer's Mill, long considered the more affordable of the Martis Valley Trio, saw an impressive jump in demand and pricing in recent years, with one golf course home selling in 2022 for $5 million (a price rivaling its tonier neighbors). From 2010 through 2013, only three homes sold in Schaffer's Mill, and the median price was just under $1 million. By 2022, sales had tripled, and the median price shot up to $3.3 million.
The atmosphere at Schaffer's Mill is more laid back. The restaurant is open to the public (no dress requirement), and the overall vibe is more casual in a way that appeals to some buyers. Short term rentals are allowed in parts of Schaffer's Mill, which also makes it attractive to those want to cash flow their vacation home when they're not using it.
