Outdoor Sauna with Mountain Views in South Lake Tahoe

8x8 backyard sauna with a view of Freel Peak, WiFi-controlled heater, and three-tier benches.

This sauna in the Myers neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe was really designed around one thing: the view. The property has an unobstructed sightline to Freel Peak, which is the tallest peak in the Tahoe region, and the owner wanted to be able to see it from the sauna. So we put a large picture window on the back wall and oriented the whole bench layout to face it. The top bench is 24 inches wide so you can lay down comfortably and just watch the snow come in over the mountains. We went with a Harvia Kip 80 electric heater with Xenio WiFi controls — so you can turn it on from your phone inside the house and have it hot by the time you walk out. The sauna sits right next to the house with a gable roof designed for Tahoe snow loads. Dark black penny tile on the floor for a durable finish that'll last.

Location: South Lake Tahoe, California

Size: 8x8 ft (7.5 ft ceilings)

Heater: Harvia Kip 80 Electric with Xenio WiFi

“I had a great experience working with Tahoe Sauna Company. They did an excellent job designing the sauna around our mountain views and the WiFi heater setup means it's ready to go before we even walk outside. Couldn't be happier with the result.”

Sachin SawantGoogle Review

Design Goals

Orient the interior around the Freel Peak view. The window placement drove everything else in the layout.
WiFi-controlled heater so the owner can start it from the house — in Tahoe winters you want it hot before you walk outside.
Three-tier bench system that fits 4-6 people, with the top bench wide enough to lay down.

Key Specs

Stove: Harvia Kip 80 electric heater with Xenio WiFi for remote on/off.
Interior: Cedar paneling on walls and ceiling.
Benches: Three-tier L-bench seating 4-6 people. Top bench is 24 inches wide for laying down.
Windows: Large picture window sized to frame the Freel Peak view.
Flooring: Dark black penny tile. Durable long-term finish.
Roof: Gable style, designed for Tahoe snow loads.
Foundation: Deck block footings.

Budget

Estimated material cost: ~$5,400 (not including labor). Total design/build range: $10–15k depending on contractor rates, heater selection, and site conditions. This is a planning range only; your contractor provides the final price.

Get the Full Plan for This Project

Includes the layout, materials list, heater sizing, bench dimensions, and design notes — everything you need to use this project as a reference for your own build.

8x8 Outdoor Sauna Plan – Mountain Views & WiFi Heater — $49

Your plan package will be delivered to your email within 24 hours of purchase.

Want a Sauna with a View?

If you have a great view from your property, we can design a sauna that takes advantage of it.

Start the Design Process

Tahoe Sauna Company provides design and consulting services only. Construction was performed by an independent, properly licensed contractor hired directly by the client under a separate agreement.

Tahoe Sauna Company