Former Apple executive Jon Rubinstein and his wife, former software executive Karen Richardson, are selling their “extraordinary” San Francisco condo for $25.5 million. The couple once thought homes in the area were impossible to acquire, but in 2010, they purchased this one for $7 million from a woman who had lived there for 60 years.
However, unlike its previous owner, they have no plans to stay for decades. After spending three years meticulously restoring the 1920s apartment, Rubinstein transformed every inch of the space, including removing a gun closet, erasing nearly all traces of its past, except for a single doorknob. Given the effort poured into this labor of love, one might wonder: why sell?
It’s not that the roughly 5,500-square-foot cooperative unit lacks luxury or falls short in any way. With its four bedrooms overlooking the San Francisco Bay, a 3,000-bottle wine-storage room, a gym with a sauna and steam room, and an old-school study with stained walnut casework and breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge views, the home is undeniably spectacular. But the couple hasn’t spent much time in California recently, and Rubinstein firmly believes that “homes should be used.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, interior designer Mirella Forlani revitalized the space, blending modern materials with solid wood and white oak flooring. The furnishings are a stunning mix of antique, replica, and contemporary pieces, making the residence one of the most exclusive in the city. Occupying an entire floor of a Beaux-Arts building designed by architect Conrad A. Meussdorffer a century ago, the condo is a masterpiece of past and present.
The couple invested a staggering $10 million in renovations, convinced this would be their “forever” home. But life has taken them elsewhere. With another charming residence in Vero Beach, Florida, as their primary home, parting ways isn’t too painful.
“We will miss this lovely apartment, but we hope the next owners will experience the same joy we found in its expansive light, stunning views, and wonderful environment for entertaining family and friends,” Rubinstein said. “We’ve relocated to the East Coast but will always treasure our time in this unique San Francisco home.”
About Jonathan Rubinstein aka the Podfather-
Jonathan “Jon” Rubinstein, 69, is an American electrical engineer best known for his pivotal role at Apple, where he earned the moniker “Podfather” as the Senior Vice President of the iPod Division. The New York-born engineer, a graduate of Cornell University, was hired by Steve Jobs to lead the development of the NeXT computer before being promoted to Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering at Apple. He retired in 2006, later becoming the CEO of Palm and playing a key role in developing webOS. He has since served on the board of directors at Amazon. Yet, despite his executive roles, the engineer in him remains ever present. When it came to his palatial home, Rubinstein was deeply involved in every aspect of its restoration, obsessing over details like insulation and lighting and even assisting electricians by pulling wires himself.
