Nestled on 51.85 lush acres with coveted water rights, this one-of-a-kind legacy property blends natural beauty, craftsmanship, and comfort into a peaceful mountain haven.
Aptly named Origin, this magical year-round retreat is located at the very genesis—the origin—of Northern California’s pristine North Fork of the Yuba River.
The property has been thoughtfully preserved and treasured for over 50 years by Osha Reader, a Northern California author and recognized wellness practitioner.
Reader discovered the property by chance. “After nearly seven years of searching the West for the perfect place to call home, I was headed up Highway 395 to see a large ranch near Susanville. On the way back to the Bay Area, I took a shortcut over Highway 49. Just after crossing Yuba Pass, I noticed a For Sale sign and turned in for a quick look. It was love at first sight. The sense of peace and privacy was exactly what I’d been searching for. I made an offer the very next day and it’s been one of the best decisions of my life.”
The appeal extends well beyond the property boundaries.
“What I didn’t realize when I bought this property was everything else that came with it—the hidden alpine lakes and swimming holes on the Yuba River, the nearby Sierra Hot Springs, the solitude of Sierra County, and proximity to skiing without the crowds of Tahoe,” says the owner.
In September 1973, National Geographic cast a spotlight on the property in a feature celebrating the hidden gems of the Lost Sierra, a region celebrated for its raw beauty and undiscovered charm.
At the center of the property is a warm and well-crafted main residence with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, alongside two storybook one-bedroom guest cabins and a one-room sleeping cabin—ideal for hosting friends, family, or retreat groups.
The guest cabins were built in the 1950s by Mabel and Frank Delaney, who lived on the property until Frank was in his 80s. During that time, they rented the cabins to visiting families who came to fish for rainbow trout in the tranquil half-acre pond affectionately known as “Delaney’s Trout Fishing Lake.”
“Sometimes old-timers still stop by to say they were brought here by their parents to fish,” shared Reader—a reminder of the deep roots and memories held for this cherished space.
Inside the main home, expansive windows reveal stunning views of forest, meadow, and water. A chef’s kitchen—with double ovens, pantry, oversized refrigerator, and a maple butcher block island—opens to a vaulted living room centered around a stone hearth and wood-burning stove. Rich, handcrafted details abound: wool carpeting, Portuguese tile, vintage stained glass, and woodwork built by yacht craftsmen lend warmth and authenticity to every room. “Some of the stained glass dates back to the 1800s,” said Reader.
The primary suite is a tranquil retreat with redwood detailing, cedar-lined closets, and a sleeping loft. Additional rooms include a guest/study with built-in shelves and clerestory windows, and a flexible family/guest room with loft.
A dedicated wellness wing brings spa-like luxury home, with a teak hot tub, cedar sauna, massage area, and indoor pool that opens to a sunny deck overlooking the pond and meadows—perfect for sunrise yoga, afternoon lounging, or evening stargazing.
According to Reader, the teak hot tub is her favorite thing in the whole house. “I found it at a custom woodcraft store in San Francisco, and the house was built around it. In the evenings, I love settling in with the lights dimmed, watching the daylight fade from the sky. It’s incredibly peaceful.”
A strong connection to nature embodies the character of the property. “I’ve always been enchanted by the wildlife at Origin, especially the deer and owls, and the ducks that came to swim in the pond,” Reader fondly recalls, highlighting the special bond between the land and its stewards.
Additional features include:
• Radiant heat flooring
• Central vacuum system
• Wine storage
• Two hot water tanks
• Laundry and utility rooms
• Two backup generators
• Custom window treatments
Beyond its physical beauty, Origin has been a place of connection and healing.
“I set up a nonprofit organization and hosted year-round wellness retreats here for almost 50 years,” Reader shares. “The property is beloved by so many people who have gathered here over the years.”
Situated on scenic Highway 49 and minutes to swimming, boating, fishing, and unspoiled hiking and biking trails, this property is a mere 40 minutes from Truckee, 20 minutes from Sierra City, and an hour from Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Origin offers seclusion without sacrificing access.
Whether you’re seeking a private sanctuary, multi-generational compound, or a lifestyle rooted in nature, Origin is where the river begins—and life slows down.
For more information or to schedule a private showing, please contact:
Barbara Hartley 530-412-1469
Brit Crezee 530-412-1477
