Nick Churton of the Chase International, London office, dips his toes in the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe. He soon becomes crystal clear about the charms of a beautiful lakeside family compound.

The Property: The Pines, 1820 Highway 50 Glenbrook, NV

The Broker: Chase International Real Estate

The Agent: Trinkie Watson

There is nothing quite like Lake Tahoe. Snow-capped mountains surround a sparkling lake of unimaginable beauty. In the summer the lake attracts all sorts of water sport enthusiasts while in the winter the mountain slopes offer world-class skiing and snowboarding at Heavenly Valley. It is all a bit heavenly.

But what sets Lake Tahoe apart are the fabulous homes – often screened by lofty pine trees – that discretely stud the lakeshore. Like their owners, these home don’t make a noise. Lake Tahoe is like that: if you want bling and brash and open display, you will choose somewhere else.

Landmark homes around the lake are highly sought after and then become famously hard to wrestle away from their owners. When they do come available, it is best to strike while the iron is hot.

Such a prize is now on the market. The Pines is a family compound comprising principal residence, guesthouse and second guest or caretaker’s house. In front are a white sand beach, a great jetty and an excellent boathouse. Behind is a three-hole golf course with practise green, swimming pool and spa, waterfalls, covered bridge and trout ponds.

So it is clear as crystal that there really is no reason to ever stay at a Lake Tahoe resort again. This is a Lake Tahoe resort – but the ultimate, private one.