Inside The Mysterious Shakespeare Ranch In Lake Tahoe Listed For $188 Million

Forbes

25-04-2025

Aerial view of the 130-acre property on Lake Tahoe
One of the most spectacular destinations in the world, this large alpine lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains bordering California and Nevada has become one of the most popular billionaire destinations fueled by money from the San Francisco Bay Area, as tech titans have reshaped the real estate market.
And when a major listing hits the market, all eyes are on which famous name will be the next magnate to join Billionaire Row. Eclipsing the recent record-breaking sale of the former Steve Wynn estate for $62 million, the $188 million Shakespeare Ranch will certainly break all current records. Perhaps billionaire Mark Zuckerberg is keeping an envious eye on the listing from his ever-growing 10-acre compound on the opposite side of the lake.
After being on the market for a short period of time, the wealthy property owners have expanded the listing by adding the iconic barn, rodeo arena, and additional lakefront offerings, which can be sold in part or together for the entire extensive property.
Rodeo arena at Shakespeare Ranch
Most longtime Lake Tahoe residents, including myself, have never even heard of Shakespeare Ranch, located in the super exclusive, heavily guarded, and triple-gated Glenbrook community on the East side of the Lake.
The exclusive historic 130-acre property offers 17 luxury residences, a 465-foot pier, a 151-year-old barn, and a rodeo arena. Presidents, celebrities, and musicians have visited the ranch through the years, which has hosted the annual Glenbrook Rodeo for over 80 years, yet most people have never seen the property.
Waters Edge property
The current owner is Larry Ruvo, head of the largest wholesale importer and distributor of wine, beer, and liquor. Ruvo originally built many of the buildings in a New England-inspired architecture style, along with a Shakespeare dedication named after a nearby rock formation that locals once believed bore the face of Shakespeare.
Susan Lowe, President and Co-Listing Agent with Chase International, tells me, 'The residents of Glenbrook appreciate the seclusion and close-knit community. They value the luxury of its long, sandy, private beaches, meticulously maintained grounds, and elegant homes. Adding to its appeal are expansive views of the Lake, the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, and the iconic Shakespeare Rock monolith, the backdrop for this awe-inspiring hamlet. Currently, no other land holding on the shores of Lake Tahoe can be created in the image of the historic Shakespeare Ranch.'
Wild West style barn at Shakespeare Ranch
The 5,111-square-foot barn was built in 1873 and has been renovated into an entertainment space with a kitchen, game room, bar, and wine room. There is also an art loft, spa, gym, indoor pool house with a fireplace inside, stables, and grazing meadows.
The property offers year-round boat access to the water and includes one of the longest piers on the Lake with two boat lifts, 12 private buoys, and an indoor boat house in the Tahoe City Marina.
One of the longest piers on Lake Tahoe at Shakespeare Ranch
Among the 17 luxury homes, a 4,290-square-foot lakefront home with a waterside cabana and a new 7,713-square-foot Marc Appleton-designed residence with a waterside cabana are currently under construction. Two additional lakefront properties with cabins and further plans for lakeside cabanas, which can be purchased individually or combined, are also under construction.
Lake Tahoe