It was deemed significant as the only surviving agricultural complex in Washoe Valley that had supplied foodstuffs (fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and hay) to the Comstock Mining District. As of 1985, only eight of many 19th century ranches had any surviving remnants from that era. The listed district is 26.2 acres (10.6 ha) in size; the historic parcel was 130 acres (53 ha), purchased by Walter and Elizabeth Cliff in 1874.
Four additional structures on the property, including a garage and two sheds, dating from the early 20th century, are deemed non-contributing but are compatible with the historic usage and feel of the property.[2]
