Here's Your Chance to Live on a Private Island With Views of San Francisco Bay

On the surface, it may sound like a dream job.

A charming bed and breakfast on a private island in San Rafael Bay, at the entrance of San Francisco Bay, is now looking for a pair of people to run the operation. The pair will have room and board, access to a boat, and split a six figure salary.

But, like most things, it's a little more complicated than it sounds.

The East Brother Lighthouse in Richmond, California provides some breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. 

Built in 1874, the island is home to the two-story restored Victorian lightkeepers home, attached to the tower and fog signal building. For years, a succession of families occupied the island and home, maintaining the much-needed guidance for ships, until the light was automated in 1969.

After automation, the government wanted to tear down the house, but locals protested and it was finally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. After falling into disrepair, a coalition of public and private resources came together to restore the property, turning it into the Bed-and-Breakfast that it is today.

Instead of tending to the light, the new keepers will tend to the inn and its guests. Potential keeprs should apply together, and the posting is for two years, beginning when the current innkeepers depart in March.

The people chosen will live rent-free on the property, and perform duties include handling boat transportation, tours, maintenance, housekeeping and cooking dinner and breakfast for guests.

Innkeepers typically split an annual salary of $140,000.

For some local residents, the idea of getting paid to work there sounds too good to be true.

“The serenity,” said Paul Wendlandt of Richmond. “You get your own peace and quiet.”

“I used to be a student ambassador so I would give new kids tours,” said Beverly Cobbs of Richmond.

“I would not want to be doing the cooking,” said Howard Womack of Richmond. “The rest of it would be fun.”

Lighthouse board president and outgoing Richmond Mayor Tom Butt says before applying, you need a bit more than a winning personality. 

You also need proof of a U.S. Coast Guard license.

“If you carry passengers for hire in a boat you have to have that license,” said Butt. “Since people are paying to go out there, the coast guard considers us carrying them for hire.”

Butt says it can be an intense job, but also a great way to save money.

“It’s a good opportunity for them to work a couple of years and save enough money to buy a house, (just) maybe not in San Francisco,” said Butt.

He added that there’s no deadline for applications, and that interviews could start as early as next month. The goal is to have the new innkeepers move into the lighthouse by April of next year.