Home that has South Shore meadow used in the series "Bonanza" for sale

A home that could be right out of an episode of "Lifestyles for the Rich and Famous" is for sale at Lake Tahoe, and it comes with a $59 million price tag.

Palatial homes and mountain style architecture are common along Lake Tahoe’s shoreline, but it is very rare to find equestrian properties with large land tracts.

Named Sierra Sunset, this estate boasts a 16,703-square-foot main house, 13-acre irrigated meadow for horses and a 378-foot stretch of sandy beach and pier with boat hoist.

Located in Zephyr Cove, Sierra Sunset sits on 31 acres nestled against the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. Owned by telecom executive George Schmitt and wife Clare, the property has been a proven haven for prized racehorses. The barn houses 15 heated stalls, an office, grooming area and an adjacent 1,348-square-foot caretaker’s quarters.

The main residence boasts commercial grade construction completed by Q&D builders in 2004, with more than 400 tons of Montana stone gracing the exterior. It features eight bedroom suites. most with fireplaces and lakeside terraces, grand foyer, great room, gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry, formal dining room, wine room with seating, craft room, game room, home theatre, rear staircase and four-car heated garage. A two bedroom guest home with lower garage is set just outside the main house gates.

Many in South Lake Tahoe already know the property from the view as they drive by north of Round Hill Pines. The property’s meadow is recognizable to those who followed the hit series Bonanza which was filmed along Tahoe’s shores and aired between 1959-1973. The opening scene was filmed in the meadow with views of Lake Tahoe in the background.

"The quality and detail of this spectacular custom home sets it apart from other lakefront estates," said co-listing agent Lexi Cerretti, of Sotheby’s International Realty. "Rarely do we find recent construction of this scale, combined with coveted lake front amenities of a long sandy beach and pier.”

"What's special about the private location is the proximity to world class skiing, dining and entertainment just minutes from the front gate." Both South Lake Tahoe and Minden Airports are easily accessible for private jets, and the Nevada address is coveted for tax reasons," added Dan Spano, co-listing agent for the estate.

The Schmitts are extremely proud of the thoroughbreds raised on the property. Their prize-winning horses include Sierra Sweetie (two-year-old Filly of the Year in California), Cinderella Liberty (two-year-old Filly of the Year in Washington), and the namesake Sierra Sunset, a leading Sophomore Sire in the California and Kentucky Derby qualifiers.

According to the current owners, the estate’s buyer will be provided with the opportunity to submit a name to be considered for the next yearling raised on the property that is in line to become a bonafide racehorse, within reason of Jockey Club approval.

For more information, go to SierraSunsetTahoe.com.