San Francisco's Red Rock Island Sells: Who Will Claim the Bay's Prized Gem?

Photo byRealtor.com

San Francisco Bay's solitary private island, the illustrious Red Rock Island, has finally found a buyer after eight months on the market, concluding its high-stakes journey with a sale price that remains under wraps. Listed at a staggering $25 million in December 2023, this enigmatic 5.78-acre jewel now awaits its new steward.

Nestled amidst the serene waters of the Bay, Red Rock Island offers unparalleled vistas of iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, Belvedere Island, and Mount Tamalpais. Its allure is not only in its breathtaking scenery but also in its storied past.

Historically, the island has been a sanctuary of intrigue. Spanish pirates reputedly sought refuge here, and in 1812, Russian and Aleut fur hunters established a temporary camp in their quest for otters. The island's only permanent resident was Selim Woodworth, a former California senator and poet Samuel Woodworth's son, who used it as a hunting preserve.

In recent years, the island belonged to Brock Durning, who inherited it from his late father, Mack Lewis Durning. The family cherished the island for camping and fishing adventures.

The identity of the island's latest owner remains a mystery, though interest has come from a global audience, including potential buyers with plans ranging from development to conservation. Listing agent Chris Lim of Christie’s International Real Estate highlights the island's unique appeal, emphasizing the diverse range of inquiries.

“Red Rock Island represents a rare and exceptional opportunity,” Lim says. “Its historical significance and exclusivity attracted significant interest, from those envisioning its development potential to others valuing its natural state.”

The island’s future owner will face challenges, including the absence of water and electricity and complex zoning regulations spanning three counties—San Francisco (residential), Contra Costa (industrial), and Marin (general use). Despite these hurdles, the island’s potential remains vast, offering a unique investment in natural beauty and history.

The sale marks a new chapter for Red Rock Island, which will soon pass into the hands of a buyer who will determine its destiny. The Durning family is reportedly pleased with the outcome, as the proceeds will support their ailing mother.

As the island transitions to its new era, its boundless potential and legacy continue to captivate, leaving us eager to discover what lies ahead for this solitary gem in San Francisco Bay.