April 29, 2008

Would You Spend Over $1 Million to Have San Quentin As Your Neighbor?

Everytime I drive to and from the Richmond-San Rafael bridge, I can’t help to think that the state’s most notorious inmates are residing on a piece of property with multi, multi, multi million dollar views. 

Like Alcatraz, San Quentin was probably built at a time where the location was considered more strategic, with little consideration how much the views and scenery would be highly prized decades later.  Built in 1852, before the time of the bridges, the seclusion was a safe choice.  Now, 150+ years later, the property is worth $80-100 million, making it the most expensive prison in the world, according to Wikipedia.

If you envy the views that Charles Manson has, there is an opportunity to share it - by living in Point San Quentin Village.  This little and rarely known village is home to about 40 homes and a 10 unit condo complex.  Yes, the main road dead ends at the prision’s main gate, but otherwise the community is relatively calm and peaceful.  And did I mention the million dollar views and waterfront?

In this tiny enclave, rarely does a home come to the market, but Redfin has a current lisitng - 42 Main St, Larkspur is a remodeled 3 bedrooms, 3 baths with upclose stunning views.  The asking price - $1,260,000.  Do the views compensate for not so nice nieghbors?

For more info on Point San Quentin Village, read up on a great profile done by Marin Magazine.