The property was acquired by Swankitecture’s because it significantly reminded me of the Department 56 homes that comprised mom’s Christmas Dicken’s Village.  Growing up in Chicago, my sister and I were no strangers to snow and winter weather.  However, the first time I witnessed snowfall here I knew at least one of those homes in mom’s Christmas Village had come to life. 

The exterior was largely inspired by the once classified SR-71 Blackbird developed by Lockhead Martin’s Skunkworks Division. In the spirit of strategic reconnaissance, classified sorties, and clandestine activity, the other letters in B[REDACTED] Chalet have been removed.  You will only discover the name once booked and on site.  Those who don’t know any better and most don’t, love the “cute lil’ guy” on the front of the property, they refer to him as Pepe Le Pew.  But those who are in the know, know that isn’t Pepe Le Pew.  We nod to the most famous strategic reconnaissance aircraft in U.S. history and its stealth fighter counterpart, the F-117A Nighthawk. Hence, the exterior’s matte black stealth finish.  The red cross on the front door represents the ultimate sacrifices of countrymen, countrywomen, and all first responders since we became a nation.  They kept us safe at night while we slept and will continue to do so for years to come.

Interior inspiration takes us back to a time in American history that has influenced many classic Hollywood pieces and specific subcultures throughout the country.  We speak vaguely here for a reason.  There are secrets throughout the home and hidden compartments.  Some décor and hidden gems were purposely not photographed to maintain the integrity of the experience.  Some secrets may be uncovered during your stay.  Some may not.  We aim to keep those nuances fresh for our guests, which we refer to as “Members.”  As esteemed Members of the B[REDACTED] Society, we look forward to staying tight knit and keeping our secrets amongst ourselves.  We trust you will respect The Code even after you’ve hidden out at our hideaway.

Swankitecture Properties was meticulous during this 22-month renovation.  The challenge was maintaining the original rustic and vintage elements of the home while only mildly modernizing it.  Original timber beams and cedar walls gave the property its warmth from the beginning. There was no better way to create healthy tension between building materials than to juxtapose the warm woods with cold steel.  We seized this opportunity to inject chic industrial flare into the renovation.  It all started with the fireplace and hearth.  Once we determined it would be the center stage for ambiance the remainder of the home would request steel accents throughout. The challenge was to make everything look like it had been there for at least a century.  Over 100 hours were dedicated to the custom lighting plan.  Most of the fixtures were designed and hand-crafted in Texas.  Some fixtures were reclaimed from abandoned Eastern European power plants.  All bulbs are Edison-styled and consistent in temperature and color, where most of them were manufactured and shipped from Chicago.  All steelworks were completed by a U.S. artisan who shall remain anonymous.

In the kitchen, chefs can flex their muscles on solid granite.  Mixologists and wannabees can work their magic at the massive steel frame island topped with finished concrete.  Eight can dine spaciously at a custom hot blacked rolled steel table, assembled onsite, while his lil’ brother separates bosses from one another in a living room straight out of the most sophisticated of gentlemen’s lounges.

The home sits in God’s country and on His grounds, which minimizes our need to landscape.  Let it be as it may.  Though we have the right to improve the land as we see fit, we don’t feel we have the authority and we’re okay with that.

B[REDACTED] Chalet is our interpretation of all the things we love about America’s history.  Her trials and tribulations are nostalgically acknowledged on the inside.  Her protection by the most powerful armed forces and military advancements are conveyed on the outside.  Our expression just happens to be located in one of California’s best kept secrets, Lake Arrowhead.

– Swankitecture Properties’ Founder