The name, “Ruhenstroth,” pronounced Ruin strawth, is one of the only surviving remnants of the early-day ranch that once occupied the portion of this southeast corner of Carson Valley that bears its name. Well, the name itself, the old ranch house built in 1910, and an occasional sprig of alfalfa poking through a Ruhenstroth homeowner’s lawn represent about all that is left of the area’s yesteryear. Today, according to its 200-plus residents, this beautiful basin is a horse lover’s neighborhood, and has been so for the past 40 years or so.
Bounded on the West by U.S. Highway 395, and by the Pine Nut Mountains on the East, the Ruhenstroth is a highly desirable place to live. Homes in the area range in age from about 40 years old to new, and are priced from $350,000 to over $800,000 in the Thompson Ranchos subdivision, which is contiguous to the Pine Nut Mountains.
The Ruhenstroth is an area which is almost a mirror image of other Carson Valley rural areas like Fish Springs. Most of the properties are on one-acre parcels, however, there are also larger, 2 and 5-acre parcels, all of which are zoned for horses. Tall trees, mature landscaping, and lush, green lawns provide an enticing “curb appeal” for people looking to purchase a home.
The Ruhenstroth is situated at approximately the same elevation as the Carson Valley floor – 4,750 feet. The folks who call Ruhenstroth home have their own volunteer fire department, which is reinforced by any and all emergency departments that may be necessary for a situation. Medical response time to the Ruhenstroth is immediate, and the same emergency tools, equipment and personnel available to all other rural Carson Valley areas are also available to inhabitants of the Ruhenstroth.
The Ruhenstroth is approximately 10 driving minutes from downtown Gardnerville. The area is accessed by two roads from U.S. Highway 395, Palomino Drive and Wiseman Lane, ¼ mile further south. There is another – secret way in and out of the Ruhenstroth. It is a road created like many of Nevada’s roads. People just started driving over it. It’s dirt; it’s rough; it’s impassable in wet weather. It’s probably not even legal, so if you move to Ruhenstroth – you’ll find it!
