The history of Big Bear Lake is a fascinating one. How could it not be? It’s a town that resides in the middle of a mountain. Obviously, the major driving force was mining. From gold to quartz, Big Bear was a hotbed for miners for many years. Then, with the advent of motor vehicles, travel to and from the mountain became quicker and easier. It wasn’t long before the Bear Valley area was a tourist attraction. Villages grew. Resorts opened. The dam was built. Finally, an idea was born.
Guy Maltby
In 1925, Harry Kiener conceived the idea of a mountain community in the east end of Bear Valley. Development began almost immediately. First, a system of roads was put into place. Then, water was piped into all the lots. Finally, electricity was made available. In 1927, a Los Angeles truck-body builder, Guy Maltby, received a contract from Keiner to build a wooden power launch to be used on Big Bear Lake in promotion of his new Big Bear City development. When Maltby delivered the boat, he was fascinated by the area, and soon he opened the Bear Valley Milling and Lumber Company. This company supplied building materials and went on to build some 600 homes in Big Bear City and the surrounding area.
Rim Of The World
At present, the house at 39000 Rim Of The World in Fawnskin is the largest Maltby home still standing today. It is a one of a kind, classic, character mountain lodge. Not to mention, the house is surrounded by incredible views of Big Bear Lake, San Gorgonio Mountain, Snow Summit and adjacent National Forest. Character floods this home with knotty pine paneling, half log stairs with bent branches railing, balcony hallway overlooking the vaulted ceiling living room. There is a 20′ waterfall outside the kitchen & dining area with pools for water to flow over into.
Take a look at some of the biggest homes available in the Fawnskin area!