Chester Ca. 2023 – The Timber House Restaurant, built in 1962 but closed for many years in Chester, CA, is now
open with new owners and business partners, Toni and Robert Vanella and Carol and Berton
Bertagna. “While growing up, we have many great times at Lake Almanor. When the
opportunity of restoring the Timber House Restaurant came along, we knew this was a chance
to become part of a community where we made so many memories,“ says Carol Bertagna.
On our recent visit to the Lake Almanor and Lassen Volcanic National Park, I escaped for an late meal at Timber House. We arriving just before 8pm, I found that the establishment busy with locals seemingly having a great time. Timber House was full of energy and conversation. Finding a seat at the bar in the back corner of the restaurant, I was warmly greeted by staff and enjoyed a beer before ordering a burger. The burger and fries were delicious after a day exploring Lassen.
As already established distillers in Durham, CA, the owners built the Timber House Brewery and Distillery adjacent to the refurbished restaurant and lodge. Their craft beers, which vary from season to season, are available on-tap in the bar. The restaurant offers popular pub fare and a
menu that gives guests a variety of entrees with an array of sides to complement the meal. “We were so excited when we re-opened since the restaurant was one of Berton’s and my first dates after a day of snowmobiling,” she adds with a smile.
The couples also restored the Timber Lodge Hotel, which re-opened three years ago. The lodge features nine themed rooms with décor suited to the unique environment and mountain lifestyle of Lake Almanor and Chester. Rooms include such designs with befitting names as Buck
Wild to Winter Wonderland … from The Rebel Heart to Hook, Line and Sinker, an ideal choice for the avid fisherman. Options are from queen to king to a suite with a kitchen and a living room. “Redoing the lodge was quite an undertaking as our first step in re-establishing this once very popular lodge and restaurant,” she adds. Guests seem to like the “swanky designs,” as owners refer to them, since many have already have become regulars and are slowly
experiencing the different rooms, theme by theme.
The Timber Lodge Restaurant, Distillery and Lodge is located at 501 Main Street, Chester, CA,
96020, 530.815.8459. Restaurant hours are Friday to Monday, 11:00am to 2:00pm and 5:00pm
to 9:00pm. Bar open Friday to Monday, 11:00am to 9:00pm. 530.816.1426.
