Every auto enthusiast’s car-collecting dreams must include at least one vision of something like Carriage House, i.e., one of the most surprising, awesome, and largest underground private garages in the United States. After all, what good is a collection of cars if you have no room to keep them safe?
Carriage House is just one of the four different properties that make up the Sierra Star estate, a gorgeous enclave on Lake Tahoe, Nevada, in an area that became known as Billionaire’s Row over the past decade or so. No points for guessing why.
It was built by former software engineer and former founder of Commerce One, Tom Gonzales, who took particular pride in designing Carriage House.
If the name of Tom Gonzales’ company rings a bell, it’s probably because it became a symbol of the dot-com boom and bust. He sold the company as business was taking a turn for the worst, which just happened to give him enough free time to build his dream home – one that would also include a dream garage.
Tom, you see, was no regular overworked multi-millionaire with dreams of lavish estates. He was also a passionate car and motorcycle collector, so he wanted to combine the two in a single property. His home, Sierra Estate, would end up doing just that, offering incredible amenities from separate properties, man-made waterfalls, private beaches, and expansive waterfront areas, with a garage that at one point held over $30 million in collectibles.
Urban legend has it that Tom’s collection was on par with his dreams for the ultimate garage. Over the years, he reportedly collected some 400 cars and more than 150 motorcycles, though the space in Carriage House would only fit 40 autos in the underground garage and some 50 motorcycles in the upper structure. This would be where he’d bring his most prized possessions.
Over the years, Sierra Estate was valued as low as $50 million and as high as $65+ million. The garage under Carriage House alone cost Tom more than $5 million to build, as he made sure to tell the media when he was trying to unload the property in the early 2010s.
In 2017, Sierra Estate was still for sale, either as a single property or divided into any of the four components. Tom wasn’t the owner anymore, though, having sold it to a group of investors. Asked why he’d decided to sell it years prior, especially after investing so much time, money, effort, and soul into the project, Tom was honest to a fault: it might have been his dream house and dream garage, but the place was simply too big for him.
To this day, Carriage House still holds its own as one of the most impressive private garages ever built. And yes, “big” doesn’t even begin to do the place justice.
Carriage House: The Ultimate Haven for Auto Enthusiasts
In the world of car enthusiasts, there exists a place that can only be described as a shrine. Carriage House, located in an undisclosed location, is a haven that any auto enthusiast would give an arm to own. With a staggering total of 12,000 square feet (1,115 square meters), this hidden gem is the ultimate dream for car collectors.
The upper part of Carriage House offers a generous 2,500 square feet (232 square meters) of living space. However, it is the underground space that truly sets this place apart. Hidden away from the world and protected from the elements, this underground sanctuary spans an impressive 6,000 square feet (557 square meters).
Upon entering the ground floor, one is greeted by a sight that would make any motorcycle lover weak in the knees. This five-door garage has enough room to house an astonishing 50 motorcycles. During the media showcase, Tom, the owner of Carriage House, proudly displayed a third of his extensive bike collection. Among the impressive lineup were various anniversary editions of Harley-Davidsons, some of which were still brand new with their dealer plates and price tags. One particular piece even took center stage on a rotating display, captivating all who laid eyes on it.
However, the true highlight of Carriage House lies beneath the surface. Accessible by either a two-bike elevator or a gigantic aircraft elevator, the underground “bunker” is a sight to behold. Measuring an impressive 60 feet (18 meters) in length and 12 feet (3.6 meters) in width, this underground marvel can carry up to a staggering 250,000 lbs (113,398 kg) on its two levels. Designed to seamlessly blend in with the environment, it even features artificial trees and rocks on its upper part.
Tom, the visionary behind Carriage House, took great pride in the design of the elevator. It was his brainchild, the only way he could transport his cars down to the underground garage. Even if it meant moving five or six vehicles at once, he was determined to make it happen. The garage itself was meticulously crafted, heated, ventilated, and completely protected. Notably, it lacked any pillars, allowing Tom to maneuver his vehicles without any obstacles in his way. In fact, he once put the space to the test by driving nine Prevost RVs into the garage simultaneously.
At its peak, the underground garage held an astounding $30 million worth of collectibles. However, during media appearances, these treasures were nowhere to be seen, presumably for security reasons. Instead, the garage was filled with more everyday models such as Audis, Range Rovers, Jeeps, and a couple of ATVs. Additionally, a luxurious 45-foot RV was parked, ready for Tom’s next adventure.
Described by Tom himself as “the most amazing garage ever built,” this two-level, dual-elevator masterpiece is a testament to his passion for cars. While some may argue that a four-home compound is excessive, there is no denying the sheer joy that this garage brings to any car collector. It is a space that could even make James Bond villains or Batman crack a smile. Carriage House is truly a haven that any auto enthusiast would be proud to call their own.
