The Beachcomber Inn: A Small Resort with a Big Heart
Nestled on the shores of South Lake Tahoe, the Beachcomber Inn is more than just a resort—it’s a beloved sanctuary that exudes warmth and camaraderie. Managed with care by Robert Townsend, this small resort has captured the hearts of many, creating a tight-knit community of owners and guests who return year after year. The Beachcomber Inn isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a place where memories are made, traditions are honored, and deep bonds are formed.
The Hazeltine Family: A legacy of love
Sue and Rick Hazeltine have been coming to the Beachcomber Inn for decades, and their connection to the resort is rooted in family tradition. Rick first discovered the resort in 1992, drawn by its prime lakefront location and the sense of peace it offered. “We fell in love with this place,” Rick reminisces. “There’s no other way we could ever own a property on Lake Tahoe’s shore except here. It’s our little slice of heaven.”
Over the years, Rick’s love for the Beachcomber Inn grew, and he became an active member of the community, serving on the Board of Directors from 1992 to 1998. His efforts, alongside others, helped rejuvenate the resort during a time when it needed it most. But for Rick and Sue, the real joy comes from sharing this special place with their extended family.
“We have five of the six units on the beach this week,” Sue shares with a smile. “Our large family group, about ten or twelve of us, gathers here every year. Some even bring friends along for a few days. We look forward to it all year.” Their week is filled with simple pleasures—early morning fishing trips, group dinners, and quiet moments by the lake. For the Hazeltines, the Beachcomber Inn isn’t just a vacation spot; it’s a family tradition that’s been passed down through three generations.
Corinne Brown: A family by choice
Corinne Brown, a close friend of the Hazeltines, has been a part of their Beachcomber experience for years. Though not an owner, she cherishes the time she spends at the resort, staying in units that once belonged to Sue’s late father. “Sue’s dad passed away a few years ago, and she kept his unit in the family,” Corinne explains. “I’ve been staying in his unit this month of August, and it’s like he’s here with us in spirit.”
The Hazeltine family’s kindness extends beyond blood relations, welcoming friends like Corinne into their Beachcomber traditions. For Corinne, the appeal of the resort lies in its homey atmosphere and the strong sense of community. “We cook together, eat together, and share every moment as one big happy family,” she says. “The Beachcomber is more than just a place to stay; it’s where we feel most connected to each other.”
The heart of the resort: Robert Townsend
At the core of the Beachcomber Inn’s success is its dedicated Resort Manager, Robert Townsend. Having been with the resort for nearly nine years, Robert has become an integral part of the Beachcomber family. His commitment to the resort and its guests is evident in everything he does, from addressing minor issues to sharing meals with the guests he considers friends.
“Robert is an excellent manager,” Corinne praises. “He’s always responsive and goes above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. We even have him over for dinner sometimes. He’s just that much a part of our Beachcomber family.”
Robert’s deep connection to the resort is shared by the guests who return year after year. “I’ve seen the kids grow up here,” Robert reflects. “They came as toddlers, and now they’re young adults. It’s incredible to see how this place has become a constant in their lives.”
The unmatched appeal of the Beachcomber Inn
The Beachcomber Inn’s unique charm lies in its unbeatable location and the sense of exclusivity it offers. “We sit right on the lakefront, and the only other people who get to do that are millionaires or billionaires,” Rick points out. “This place is the best-kept secret on Lake Tahoe.”
The resort’s units, each equipped with a full kitchen, allow guests to create a home away from home. For families like the Hazeltines, cooking together is a cherished tradition. “We plan a menu for the week, and every night we gather for a big family dinner,” Corinne says. “It’s one of the things we love most about staying here.”
Despite the allure of South Lake Tahoe’s many attractions, the Hazeltines and their friends find little reason to leave the Beachcomber. “We bring our fishing boat and dock it right here,” Rick explains. “We spend our days fishing, relaxing by the water, and just enjoying the tranquility. There’s no need to go anywhere else.”
A generational bond
The connection to the Beachcomber Inn runs deep for the Hazeltine family, with three generations now sharing in the tradition. “My father bought units here for his granddaughters,” Sue recalls. “And now, my grandson comes up with us every year. It’s something we’ve passed down, and it’s so special to share this place with him.”
Rick, too, is committed to keeping the Beachcomber legacy alive. “As I get older, I’ve thought a lot about what will happen when I’m gone,” he admits. “But my stepdaughter Tiffany has promised to keep our units in the family. She’ll never sell them, and that means the world to me.”
The essence of the Beachcomber experience
For those who have made the Beachcomber Inn their vacation home, the resort is more than just a beautiful spot on Lake Tahoe. It’s a place where lifelong friendships are formed, family traditions are honored, and every moment is savored. “We’re middle-class families, and we could never afford a place like this anywhere else,” Corinne says. “But here, we’ve found our paradise.”
Robert couldn’t agree more. “This resort is special because of the people who come here year after year,” he says. “They’ve created something truly unique—a place where everyone belongs, and everyone feels at home.”
As the Beachcomber Inn continues to welcome new generations of guests, its legacy of love, family, and community will only grow stronger. For those who have discovered this hidden gem on the shores of South Lake Tahoe, there’s no place they’d rather be.
A Family’s Love for the Beachcomber Inn:
A second home in Lake Tahoe
The Sauer-McCaffrey family, led by Bob and Eileen (who uses her maiden name McCaffrey), have found a second home at the Beachcomber Inn in South Lake Tahoe. Their story is not just one of vacationing but of building lasting memories and friendships at this unique resort.
After decades of visiting the area, they have come to cherish the Beachcomber as their favorite getaway spot, thanks to its serene environment, welcoming staff, and the bond they have formed with other timeshare owners.
A connection to Lake Tahoe
Bob and Eileen first started coming to Lake Tahoe shortly after their wedding, about 34 years ago. “We’ve been coming to Tahoe since 1990,” Bob explains. “At first, we stayed at various lodges, but when Rob Townsend, the Beachcomber’s current general manager, introduced us to this place, we fell in love instantly.”
Eileen adds, “It was Rob who suggested we check out the Beachcomber, and as soon as we saw the view and the atmosphere, we knew this was where we wanted to be.”
Now, with seven units spread across summer and winter weeks, the Beachcomber is truly a family affair. They are often joined by their daughter Jackie, who fondly calls it “Ta-home,” and other family members when schedules allow. “Our boys, who are busy with careers, will join us when they can, but Jackie is usually with us, and she loves it as much as we do,” Eileen says.
Outdoor adventures
For the Sauer-McCaffrey family, Lake Tahoe is all about being outdoors. “We’re a very outdoorsy family,” Bob says. “Kayaking is one of our favorite activities. We bring our own kayaks and spend hours out on the water.”
Cycling is another passion for them. Jackie adds, “We love the bike trails around here. We do anywhere from 18 to 50 miles each visit, depending on the weather. And then we head straight to the lake.”
Even Eileen’s mother, who passed away just short of her 100th birthday, was a part of these outdoor adventures. “Mom would kayak with us even at 98 years old,” Eileen shares with a smile. “It was truly special to share those experiences with her.”
The quiet and the community
The peacefulness of the Beachcomber is what makes it so appealing to Bob and Eileen. “We love how quiet it is here,” Bob says. “At the previous places we stayed, it could get pretty rowdy. But here, it’s peaceful, and every room has a view of the lake. It’s a perfect place to unwind.”
The sense of community at the resort has also played a huge role in making the Beachcomber feel like home. “We’ve made lifelong friends with other owners,” Eileen explains. “We even met the previous owners of one of our units, Kathy and Bob, and we hit it off so well that we’ve stayed in touch.”
Rob Townsend, the general manager, agrees that the tight-knit community is part of what makes the Beachcomber special. “We pride ourselves on being like family here,” Rob says. “We all look out for each other, and it’s what keeps people coming back.”
Weathering all seasons
The Sauer-McCaffrey family embraces Tahoe no matter the weather. “We’re always outdoors, even if it’s raining or snowing,” Eileen says. “This past winter, we arrived in a blizzard and ended up walking around in the snow like kids. It was such an adventure!”
When forced indoors by extreme weather, they make the best of it. “We watch old DVDs about the history of Tahoe or just relax in the rec room,” Bob adds. “The indoor hot tub is great after a long day in the snow, too.”
A family tradition
As dedicated owners of seven units, Bob and Eileen have ensured that their children are listed on the deeds, keeping the family tradition alive for future generations. “Our kids love it here, and we know they’ll continue coming long after we’re gone,” Bob says proudly.
Eileen agrees, adding, “We’ve traveled all over the world, but nothing compares to Lake Tahoe and the Beachcomber Inn. This place has everything we could ever want in a vacation home—peace, beauty, and a wonderful community.”
Rob Townsend smiles when he talks about the Sauer-McCaffrey family. “They’re the heart of what makes this place so special. Their love for the Beachcomber is infectious, and it’s families like theirs that keep us going.”
As they continue to enjoy their time at the Beachcomber, it’s clear that Bob and Eileen have found more than just a vacation spot—they’ve found a true home.