Marni Coyle, Managing Partner and Founder
On October 13, 2003, Buckingham Luxury Vacation Rentals was launched when one dream shared between a mother and daughter came to life. Marni and her daughter, Devon, decided to create a memorable, luxurious accommodation that would be a pleasurable experience for both renters and owners. This goal, along with having a big emphasis on preserving and caring for each luxury home and its homeowner, made Buckingham different than other competition. Due to her experience in the vacation rental industry, Marni understood the value of upholding quality relationships between owners and guests. Buckingham still operates on these principles today.
Marni continues to cultivate and maintain long-lasting relationships with all her owners. Each home and homeowner receives the same care and attention, whether it is a two-bedroom condo or a luxury seven-bedroom lakefront estate. She has built an exceptional group of employees and caretakers, who care about the vacation rental industry as much as she does.
Born in Coventry, Warwickshire, England (the land of Lady Godiva), Marni has lived everywhere from Australia, to Boston, to San Francisco, eventually settling in Danville, CA, where she started her family. After numerous family vacations to Lake Tahoe, Marni permanently moved to the beautiful town of South Lake Tahoe in 1994, where she currently resides with her two puppies, Sophie and Wally.
My favorite season: Summer, my hobby is gardening.
My perfect Tahoe Day would include: Cocktails with a lake view.
Favorite quote: “You only go around once, do it with gusto!” – ‘70s Coors Ad
Bonnie Gaines, CA Broker and Controller
As an active Owner and Partner, Bonnie has been part of Buckingham Luxury Vacation Rentals since its inception. As the California Broker and Controller, she oversees the finances of the company.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Bonnie moved to Lake Tahoe in 1974 after getting tired of driving all the way to Vermont to ski. Now she is able to ski and work in paradise. One of her favorite things about living in this paradise, is coming home after a vacation. With views of Lake Tahoe while driving home on the mountain roads, coming home is never a letdown. There is no place in the world that could be better.
My favorite season: Hard to say, I love to ski, but summer here is beyond fabulous. With our phenomenal summer weather, I love going out on our boat, hiking, and getting on the back of our motorcycle and cruising around our gorgeous roadways.
My perfect Tahoe day would include: Skiing in the morning, then going for a hike in the afternoon.
Favorite quote: “It ain’t, over till it’s over.” — Yogi Berra
Lucine Rodriguez, Assistant Controller
Lucine came on board with Buckingham as the Assistant Controller in 2010. She handles all the daily accounting tasks such as, accounts receivable, accounts payable, sending out monthly owner statements, city-county taxes, security deposit returns and bank reconciliations.
Originally from Canberra (A.C.T.) in Australia, Lucine moved to Tahoe in 1997 after going to school in Southern California. Since 1997 she has been enjoying the views of Lake Tahoe and riding the mountains. She lives with her husband, and daughter and takes full advantage of Tahoe’s 300 days of sunshine and blue bird powder days.
My favorite season: Summer beaches and winter snow.
My perfect Tahoe day would include: A day on the boat, and cocktails at Azul. Or, breakfast at Getaway Café and a perfect Sierra powder day.
Favorite Quote:Peace. Love. Unity. Respect.
Devon Fennessy, Communications Director and Co-Creator
As mentioned above, Devon was the co-creator of Buckingham with managing partner (and mother) Marni. Although she has taken on a few different roles with the company throughout the years, she became the Communications Director early in 2018. She handles the company social media accounts, email marketing, website upkeep and updates, blogging, channel partner maintenance, house promotions, guest reviews, and analytics.
Originally from Danville, California, Devon relocated to Lake Tahoe with her mother and brother in 1994. After co-creating Buckingham in 2003, Devon left the company in 2011 to move to Las Vegas to pursue her true passion: cooking. She attended the International Culinary Schools at the Art Institute of Las Vegas, and graduated in 2013 with an Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts. Devon moved back to South Lake Tahoe in 2014 and started her own personal chef business. She continues to cook for clients in conjunction with working for Buckingham.
My favorite season: Summer. There is no where on earth with summer weather like Lake Tahoe!
My perfect Tahoe day would include: A warm sunny summer day on the beach with friends, swimming in the lake, good food and drinks, and watching a gorgeous Tahoe sunset.
Favorite Quote: “Don’t let anyone, ever, make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.” — Heath Ledger (10 Things I Hate About You)
Paul Maas, Lead Reservation Specialist
Paul grew up in Western Washington as well as the Bay Area of California. It was the “Tahoe” lifestyle combined with the exceptional school systems that drew Paul and his family to the Tahoe Basin. It is the beautiful mountains, along with the vast array of nature, that keeps Paul and his family happily living in South Lake Tahoe.
As a Lead Reservation Specialist at Buckingham Luxury Vacation Rentals, Paul primarily manages long term leases, and assists with all guest reservations. Paul ensures each Buckingham guest has the finest experience while vacationing at Lake Tahoe.
My favorite season: Fall because of the coming holidays and the feeling of change.
My perfect Tahoe day would include: A hot air balloon ride in the morning, a boat ride on the lake with my kids, a stroll along the beach at sunset and a barbecue at home for dinner.
Favorite quote: “If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made up of.” — Bruce Lee
Cristina Vizcarra, Reservation Specialist
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Cristina is the oldest of 3 girls. She developed a love for the outdoors very early on, and after being introduced to snowboarding in 2010 she was instantly hooked. She joined the ski and snowboard team at Cal State Long Beach and got the opportunity to visit much of Northern California. When the time came for a change, she chose to move to Lake Tahoe to take advantage of the active lifestyle and the gorgeous scenery. “Every day is a new adventure!”
Cristina is our newest Reservation Specialist at Buckingham Luxury Vacation Rentals. She assists with guest and owner reservations, as well as front desk and phone reception, all while offering Buckingham’s highest standards of friendly customer service.
My favorite season: Impossible to pick between Summer and Winter.
My perfect Tahoe day would include: A good morning yoga session, bike ride to the lake for some paddle boarding in the afternoon (or if wintertime, a day on the slopes) and a bonfire with friends to finish the day.
Favorite quote: “Learn the rules, so you know how to break them properly.” — Dalai Lama
Natalie LaFon, Reservation Specialist
As a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Natalie served for thirteen years with 4 deployments, which included Saudi Arabia, Iraq and United Arab Emirates. New to the Lake Tahoe area, Natalie is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, and relocated here in 2017 to be closer to family.
Natalie starting working as a Reservation Specialist at Buckingham early in 2018. She assists with guest and owner reservations, as well as front desk and phone reception, and does so with a cheery and professional customer service.
My favorite season: Autumn! The colors are changing and the weather is perfect!.
My perfect Tahoe day would include: Spending time at Lake Tahoe with family and friends…enjoying the sights and the atmosphere!
Favorite quote: “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” — Helen Keller
