See epic El Dorado County ranch rooted in Gold Rush history — wine cave included
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- Heart Rock Ranch in El Dorado County listed for $5.9M, spans 380 acres
- Custom lodge, wine cave, and historic Gold Rush relics highlight property
- Ranch features six parcels, three build sites, and over 12 miles of trails
A 380-acre ranch northeast of Sacramento draws its name from a naturally heart-shaped boulder discovered by the original owner and placed as the centerpiece of a grand, handcrafted stone fireplace in the property’s spectacular lodge.
Welcome to Heart Rock Ranch in northern El Dorado County, California.
“Instead of tucking it away, he made it the literal heart of the home — showcasing it front and center as a lasting emblem of family,” Barry Rhein, who’s listing the property for $5.9 million, said in an email to The Sacramento Bee.
“(The heart rock) was a symbol of what this ranch represented: love, legacy and gathering together,” he said. “It’s become a sort of quiet landmark for everyone who visits — a reminder that this place was built on something deeper than just foundations and walls.”
Rhein, founder of Barry Rhein & Associates, is a well-known Silicon Valley sales consultant and educator.
A stunning timber lodge
The ranch’s centerpiece is the stunning 3,720-square-foot lodge blending luxury and rustic craftsmanship, featuring timbers sourced from Nevada’s historic Elko train station that “infuse the home with soul and timeless character,” according to the official property listing.
Three elegant bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen and the dramatic fireplace built from on-site stones offer both comfort and grandeur, with living spaces opening onto patios overlooking the river valley. A serene waterfall, meandering brook and private temperature-controlled wine cave (holding over 800 bottles) add to the storybook atmosphere.
Steeped in California’s Gold Rush history, miners once swarmed the confluence of two creeks on the property. Rhein noted the discovery of artifacts — pick axes, shovels, bottles — reflecting the site’s diverse past. Embellished with gold mining relics, the wine cave gives a nod to the era.
The original owner, a top Kirby Vacuum salesman, built every structure himself, harvesting timbers and stones from the land.
“Everything he created had intention — to build a place for generations to gather, explore, and create memories,” Rhein said. “He taught himself how to drive heavy equipment, how to fell trees, mill them himself, make beams and trusses from the lumber, and built the cabin and garage from the land.”
The ranch balances play and retreat: a 360-foot zipline arcs over the meadow, a pond invites fishing and over 12 miles of groomed trails wind across the diverse terrain for hiking, horseback riding and ATV adventures. A charming, 750-square-foot guest cabin, 900-square-foot studio apartment, covered tractor barn and several outbuildings provide ample accommodations and utility.
A working ranch
Fenced and cross-fenced, the ranch has five wells, springs and a year-round pond. With six legal parcels and three additional build sites (one ready with utilities), there’s room for expansion. A rare state permit allows construction of a large off-stream pond to further enhance recreation and water resources.
Accommodations extend beyond the main house. There’s a charming guest cabin and a well-appointed studio apartment. For everyday operations, there’s a substantial covered tractor barn, plus smaller outbuildings and sheds.
As a working ranch, rotational grazing sustains healthy land, and cattle, chickens, goats and sheep all roam the property, supported by the infrastructure for a full ranching lifestyle.
“The ranch feels like a living, breathing park,” Rhein said.
The sellers are ready to pass on the cherished place. They plan to spend more time at Lake of the Pines and Lake Tahoe, but Heart Rock Ranch will remain an enduring emblem of family, stewardship and legacy for them, Rhein said.
“Now that we’re in this new season of life — retirement — we’re simplifying, slowing down... We are blessed that all our kids and grandkids are close by and it’s time to simplify,” he said.
Todd Renfrew of California Outdoor Properties is the listing agent.
This story was originally published July 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
