Premiere Beach House, Family Friendly, West Lakeshore Drive

History:: The Gumprecht House sits on property once part of Fort Sherman, founded in 1878 to protect settlers, one of a string of forts built in response to the 1876 Custer massacre. After the fort was disbanded, the property was auctioned off. It was then subdivided in 1905. The lot was purchased in 1906 by the Nevers family and the house built in 1907. It was the first private beachfront house, had the pick of the lots and, consequently, an unsurpassed view. For many years the house was occupied, then owned, by the Graue family who graciously allowed the Gumprechts and others to use the beach. The Gumprecht family acquired the property in 1977 and extensively remodeled in 1981. Elderly grandchildren of the original owner knocked on the door in 1982 to tour the changes and warmly approved. One of them had actually been born in the original master bedroom. They had all passed by the house on annual summer visits to Coeur d'Alene but had not been in the house since before 1920.

Bike Storage: Bikers should like our property as there is a side entrance that proceeds directly to the finished basement which is suitable for keeping their bikes. There is a bathroom, shower, and change room in the basement as well that could be useful for runners or others. The Ironman Triathlon starting point is across the street and the 24-mile Centennial trail passes directly in front of the house. And, yes, we have a large pasta pot.

Family room & game room: To provide a break from the elegant main floor spaces the back porch was enclosed years ago, creating a casual and comfortable family area just off of the kitchen and breakfast nook. It contains a digital TV with home theater system and DVDs as well as a broadband Internet connection for your laptop. See an earlier description of the game room located in the basement.

Silver Mountain is a roughly 25 mile ride up Interstate 90 where a gondola ride takes one to the top. Sweitzer Basin is roughly 56 miles North off of highway 95. It offers a majestic view of Lake Pend Oreille below.

Please check the Coeur d'Alene Visitors Bureau website for a review of the many, many activities and amenities of the Coeur d'Alene area as well as a photo gallery. The website for the Coeur d'Alene Resort can also be very helpful, keeping in mind (as you can see from our pictures) that the Resort is just two blocks east. When you view aerial or panoramic photos, keep that orientation in mind if the house is just off the edge of the photo or obscured by distance or trees. The Tubbs Hill nature area is just east of the resort and can also be used for orientation when viewing pictures. The lake is south of the house since it sits on the north shore.

The Coeur d'Alene Resort course features the world's only floating golf green and a world class experience. The Coeur d'Alene Public course is within 3 miles and is beautiful, having been cut out of the pines. Constructed in 1957 it was once out of town but is now really close in. The real estate investors at that time decided to place the residential lots around the outside perimeter of the property rather than lining both sides of each fairway as commonly seen today. The course also owns itself (no one siphons off profits) which means the earnings are plowed back into the course, making it immaculate. Several other high end courses receiving national attention are within an easy drive. There are many other public facilities nearby as well. No lack of golf variety and all are very scenic. The Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe recently added a world class golf course near their casino.