San Francisco Bay’s famed and solitary private island, Red Rock Island, appears to have garnered a buyer after being listed on the market for eight months. This unique and uninhabited island, a geological marvel in the heart of California, was last offered at a price of $25 million in December 2023, marking another potential change of hands since 1969.
According to the listing on Realtor.com®, this “exclusive and breathtaking oasis” is currently pending sale. The identity of the prospective buyer, or buyers, remains undisclosed, and it is also uncertain whether the sellers achieved their full asking price for this remarkable piece of real estate. Nestled within the expansive San Francisco Bay, Red Rock Island boasts unparalleled panoramic vistas of the city skyline and iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, Belvedere Island, and the majestic Mount Tamalpais.
Red Rock Island is not just a scenic wonder; it’s an island steeped in intriguing history.
Aerial view of Red Rock Island showcasing its unique geological formations and strategic location in San Francisco Bay
Legend has it that Spanish pirates once utilized the 5.78-acre island as a clandestine refuge to conceal their treasures. However, documented habitation began in 1812 when Russian and Aleut fur hunters established a camp on Red Rock Island during their expeditions for sea otters. Interestingly, only one individual has ever truly resided on the island: Selim Woodworth, a former California senator and the son of Samuel Woodworth, the celebrated 19th-century poet. Woodworth used the island as his personal hunting preserve, embracing the solitude and natural beauty of Red Rock Island.
More recently, Red Rock Island has been under the ownership of Brock Durning, who inherited it from his father, Mack Lewis Durning. The Durning family has cherished the island as a place for recreational camping, fishing, and hiking, appreciating its raw and untouched character.
Who Will Claim Ownership of Red Rock Island?
“While confidentiality agreements restrict full disclosure, I can confirm that Red Rock Island attracted significant interest from a sophisticated global audience,” stated Chris Lim of Christie’s International Real Estate, the listing agent tasked with finding a buyer for this exceptional property. His strategy focused on appealing to high-net-worth individuals who recognize the distinct value of such a rare offering.
“The inquiries we received represented a diverse spectrum of potential owners, ranging from those envisioning development projects to individuals who valued the unique opportunity to preserve the island in its pristine natural state,” Lim elaborated. “We conducted numerous site visits, including one with a prospective international buyer from Miami, represented by Suzanne Santos of Fortune International Realty.” This demonstrates the broad appeal of Red Rock Island, attracting attention from both domestic and international investors and nature enthusiasts alike.
Aerial view of Red Rock Island showcasing its unique geological formations and strategic location in San Francisco Bay
Aerial view of Red Rock Island showcasing its unique geological formations and strategic location in San Francisco Bay
The future owner of Red Rock Island will face both challenges and unparalleled opportunities. Currently, the island lacks essential utilities such as water and electricity, and development could present logistical and regulatory hurdles.
“Red Rock Island’s unique position spanning three Bay Area counties—due to its historical establishment as a triangulation point in 1850—results in a complex zoning situation,” Lim explained. “According to the seller, San Francisco zoning designates it as residential, Contra Costa as industrial, and Marin as general use. Constructing structures on Red Rock Island is feasible, but the future owner will need to navigate the permitting processes across these different jurisdictions.”
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Acquisition?
Chris Lim emphasizes that owning Red Rock Island represents “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to acquire a private sanctuary of immense natural beauty and historical significance. This makes it an ideal acquisition for a discerning buyer seeking a prestigious investment.
“The assessed asking price was the result of a meticulous evaluation process, taking into account the island’s singular characteristics, its exclusivity, and the prevailing market conditions for exceptional properties,” he noted. “While specific details remain confidential, I can confirm that the level of interest was substantial and varied, reflecting Red Rock Island’s status as the only private island in San Francisco Bay. Furthermore, I can share that the seller’s family is delighted, as the proceeds from the sale will support their mother’s ongoing medical care.”
Aerial view of Red Rock Island showcasing its unique geological formations and strategic location in San Francisco Bay
Aerial view of Red Rock Island showcasing its unique geological formations and strategic location in San Francisco Bay
Aerial view of Red Rock Island showcasing its unique geological formations and strategic location in San Francisco Bay
The future vision for Red Rock Island and its “endless potential” remains to be determined by its next owner. Whether it will be developed or conserved, this unique island continues to capture the imagination of those who dream of owning a piece of paradise in the San Francisco Bay.
“We have not undertaken any feasibility studies to ascertain the full development possibilities for the island—we have entrusted that exploration to the future buyer,” Lim concluded. The allure of Red Rock Island persists, promising a remarkable future for this exceptional and geographically significant location.
