Chris Lim surveyed the scene from the deck of a speeding boat, cutting through the turbulent waters on its way to the sole private island in San Francisco Bay. The rugged cliffs of Red Rock Island were visible in the distance, surrounded by seagulls and the distant hum of traffic from the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
As they reached the island’s shore, Lim, former president of Christie’s International Real Estate, leaped from the boat, skillfully navigating the waves and landing on the sandy beach. “The bay’s deepest point is right here—ideal for a yacht,” he noted, making his way along the rocky beach dressed in a blue vest and Gucci glasses. He added that a future owner might even arrive by helicopter.
Though the term “private island” might conjure images of a tropical paradise with pristine white sand, Red Rock Island is quite different. The 5.8-acre island is a massive chunk of red rock, featuring a narrow, stony beach and a bustling bird population. It was listed for $25 million last year, drawing significant media attention.
Lim, a seasoned Christie’s realtor, is now focused on attracting potential billionaire buyers to this unusual property. He initially marketed it as a “prestigious trophy investment” and a “mysterious and coveted gem.” Despite these efforts, when the media visited the island in June, it remained unsold. Red Rock Island stands out in the private island market due to its proximity to the Richmond Bridge, with nearly 13 million vehicles passing by annually. Additionally, it lacks basic amenities like running water and electricity.
Future development is also challenging due to the island’s location across three different California counties, each with its own zoning regulations—residential, industrial, and general use. Navigating these regulations could be a significant hurdle for any prospective owner.
On that sunny June day, Lim appeared optimistic and enjoyed the adventurous trip. Having sold a variety of unique properties in his 20 years in Bay Area real estate, from a San Francisco church to a converted firehouse, this was his first island sale. He compared marketing the island to selling a rare painting, emphasizing its uniqueness as a key selling point.
James A. Martin, a photographer and author familiar with Bay Area islands, noted that despite its central location, Red Rock Island is relatively unknown. He joked about the island’s lack of amenities and regulatory challenges, highlighting how its central location allows people on the Richmond Bridge to see right into any potential owner’s home.
Red Rock Island has a rich history, having been occupied by San Francisco businessman Selim E. Woodworth in the 1850s and previously by Russian fur traders. It was eventually taken over by miners seeking manganese, which contributes to the island’s distinctive red color. Over the years, various development ideas have been proposed, from a beach club and marina to an eco-resort or tourist attraction. There were even discussions in the 1970s about Playboy magazine buying it for a mansion and interest from Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and advertisers for billboards.
The island is owned by the Durning family, who received it from a business partner who bought it for under $50,000 in the 1960s. The family, who used the island for camping and hiking, now wants to sell it to fund care for Brock Durning’s elderly mother.
Although the Bay Area is home to many ultra-wealthy individuals, interest in Red Rock Island has been limited compared to other private islands farther from San Francisco. High-profile buyers like Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison have chosen islands in more remote locations. The market for private islands often attracts the world’s elite, including movie stars, CEOs, and developers seeking to create their own luxury retreats.
Private islands come in a range of prices, from under $1 million in Canada to $150 million and beyond in the Caribbean. Red Rock Island, priced in the mid-range, could see its value increase with development. Buyers must consider the cost of transporting construction materials, workers, and ongoing maintenance.
In summary, while Red Rock Island offers a unique opportunity, its central location, lack of amenities, and development challenges make it a distinctive and challenging property in the luxury real estate market.
