Birkin Proves to be A "Dark Horse" at Blackhorse Ranch

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TRUCKEE, Calif. (July 13, 2009) – Perched on a picturesque 20-acre parcel in Juniper Hill, Blackhorse Ranch is the kind of place where dreams come true for both horses and their equine-loving owners. Chase International currently offers this distinctive equestrian property for $12 million.

The owners spent three years creating a home that would luxuriously accommodate not only their own active Sierra Nevada lifestyle, but also house a prizewinning, retired English Shire draft horse.

Located in Truckee’s gated Juniper Hill subdivision, Blackhorse Ranch was designed by RWR Architects who enthusiastically responded to the couple’s wish for a spacious and welcoming home for two-legged and four-legged occupants.

Indeed, what truly distinguishes this property is the equestrian facility that has allowed the couple to help rehabilitate Birkin, a famous English shire draft horse. Birkin did extensive exhibition work throughout California and Nevada with upper level dressage movement and was the hit of the Draft Horse Classic event. When the owners met the horse, it was retired from exhibition activities and suffering from an extreme arthritic condition.

“He was approaching the end of his time and we were given the rare opportunity to help this wonderful special shire and extend his life,” explains the Blackhorse Ranch owner, who cares for many critters in need. “Two years later he is the boss of the barn and going strong!”

In the lap of Blackhorse Ranch luxury, it’s no surprise Birkin is thriving. The 18,700 square-foot heated free span steel building includes a fabulous indoor arena, eight oversized stalls, rubber mat floors, felt footing and even a stereo to sleep by. The facility also offers video monitors, a hoist, seven pasture turnouts, arena turnouts and Kentucky Bluegrass/Rye sod. Other features include a tack room, guest bath with washer and dryer and an 800 square-foot air-conditioned one-bedroom apartment. A smartly designed passive solar heated gallery links the main house to the equestrian facility.

The rustic, yet elegant, main home has 6,200 feet of living space with four bedrooms and four full baths and one half bath. With its soaring 22-foot Western red cedar open beam ceiling, the great room’s finest features are the dramatic windows that offer 180-degree views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, lakes and forest. When the sun goes down, two massive, custom-made chandeliers, created by a local artist, magnificently light the interior.

“We entertain a lot,” the owner explains. “We wanted the house to feel welcoming … a sit-down-wherever kind of place. Our visitors always comment on our home’s serenity and the peace they find here.”

The home has an abundance of entertainment hubs. The kitchen/dining room, which seats 20 people, features beautiful rainforest marble slab countertops quarried from India and a striking tile backsplash from New England. Additionally, the kitchen has dual Bosch dishwashers, 48” Wolf range with dual ovens, warming drawer and custom Sub Zero refrigerator-freezer drawers and wine storage. Between the kitchen and the 800-square-foot garage, is the “Costco” room – a large pantry with a rolling ladder for easy access.

Nearby, a billiard area features plenty of seating and a bar, complete with dishwasher and icemaker. Outside the main room, a huge deck allows people to take in the sweeping views, while seated next to a cozy fire pit. Adjacent to the main living area are four bedroom suites. The master suite includes a lovely Chateau gas fireplace between the bedroom and bath with a massive window-side bathtub. On the other side of the house, an eight-person spa offers yet another relaxing entertainment area.

“These kinds of properties don’t come on the market very often,” says Trinkie Watson, Chase International listing agent. “The attention to detail for both the house and barn, with emphasis on comfort and ease of care for the horses, is amazing.”

For more information about the Blackhorse Ranch, contact Trinkie Watson at 800.783.0722, twatson@chaseinternational.com. Visit www.tahoeblackhorse.com for a virtual tour.

Headquartered in Lake Tahoe, Nevada since 1986, with eight offices in the region (Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Tahoe City, Squaw Valley, Truckee, South Lake Tahoe and Reno) and one in London, England, Chase International and its exclusive affiliations handle a large share of the country’s property. A recognized leader in the world of real estate, Chase International has once again taken the reins of cutting edge technology by launching www.ChaseNation.com, the first interactive social networking website created by a real estate brokerage as a vehicle for direct interaction with consumers online.

With more than 160 professional Realtors® boasting an array of industry certifications and the highest volume per sales agent in the area, Chase International successfully represents homes at all price levels. For more information about Chase International visit www.chaseinternational.com