The descendants of the San Francisco coffee dynasty are parting ways with their long-held Lake Tahoe retreat. Known as Coffee Grounds, the 84.5-acre estate sits along the Truckee River and served as a summer sanctuary for the Hills family for over a century. The property was originally acquired by Austin Hills, co-founder of Hills Bros. Coffee, in 1925. It stayed within the family for generations, eventually becoming the primary refuge for his daughter, Phyllis Hills Meek Jayred.
Today, the compound is listed for $5.7 million. It includes three separate residences, riverfront access, and expansive forested acreage. The current listing reflects a broader trend in the Tahoe region where families are choosing to sell historic estates that have been in their care since the early twentieth century. Unlike the modern development seen across the river at the nearby ski resorts, this property remains a quiet time capsule of old mountain living.
The main house, which started as a modest 1916 cabin, features a vintage feel with original board games and decor preserved from years of family summers. Beyond the architecture, the land offers private access to the Western States trail and various mountain recreation spots. It remains one of the last large, undeveloped parcels in an area that has otherwise seen significant transformation over the last several decades.
Despite the proximity to the bustling Highway 89, the estate maintains a sense of seclusion. The riverfront includes a stone patio, a swimming hole, and fishing access points that were central to the family history. For the Hills family, this land represented more than just a real estate asset. It was a place for multi-generational gatherings and outdoor life. With the sale, a significant chapter of regional history closes as the property moves to its next owners.