Unveiled in 1979, the Sea Ranch was originally envisioned as a playground for Hong Kong's millionaires. With 200 oceanfront apartments, it came complete with a private clubhouse, pool and high-end restaurants.
The Sea Ranch, Hong Kong —
Unveiled in 1979, the Sea Ranch was originally envisioned as a playground for Hong Kong's millionaires. With 200 oceanfront apartments, it came complete with a private clubhouse, pool and high-end restaurants.
CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd
Located off the coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong, the upmarket development had an idyllic setting.
The Sea Ranch, Hong Kong —
Located off the coast of Lantau Island in Hong Kong, the upmarket development had an idyllic setting.
Richard Harris
This promotional brochure from the 1980s shows off the Sea Ranch's facilities, which included a private ferry service and water sports facilities.
The Sea Ranch, Hong Kong —
This promotional brochure from the 1980s shows off the Sea Ranch's facilities, which included a private ferry service and water sports facilities.
Richard Harris
The Sea Ranch was said to have the biggest private swimming pool in Hong Kong.
The Sea Ranch, Hong Kong —
The Sea Ranch was said to have the biggest private swimming pool in Hong Kong.
Richard Harris
But by the mid-1990s the Sea Ranch was a shadow of its former self, with occupancy at an all-time low.
The Sea Ranch, Hong Kong —
But by the mid-1990s the Sea Ranch was a shadow of its former self, with occupancy at an all-time low.
Richard Harris
All facilities have since closed down. Today the Sea Ranch is run as a private residential estate by apartment owners.
The Sea Ranch, Hong Kong —
All facilities have since closed down. Today the Sea Ranch is run as a private residential estate by apartment owners.
Richard Harris
It no longer has a direct ferry link to Hong Kong Island. Instead, residents must take a ferry to neighboring island Cheung Chau. From there they catch another ferry to Hong Kong Island.
The Sea Ranch, Hong Kong —
It no longer has a direct ferry link to Hong Kong Island. Instead, residents must take a ferry to neighboring island Cheung Chau. From there they catch another ferry to Hong Kong Island.
Scott Clotworthy/CNN
The Sea Ranch ferry is open to residents only. Members of the public, without accompaniment from a resident, are not allowed onboard.
The Sea Ranch, Hong Kong —
The Sea Ranch ferry is open to residents only. Members of the public, without accompaniment from a resident, are not allowed onboard.
Scott Clotworthy/CNN
Despite its downfall in the 1990s, in recent years the Sea Ranch has been experiencing a revival.
The Sea Ranch, Hong Kong —
Despite its downfall in the 1990s, in recent years the Sea Ranch has been experiencing a revival.
Drew de Caro
But still, on average a Sea Ranch property costs $259 per square foot -- more than seven times cheaper than prices in the heart of Hong Kong Island.
The Sea Ranch, Hong Kong —
But still, on average a Sea Ranch property costs $259 per square foot -- more than seven times cheaper than prices in the heart of Hong Kong Island.
Scott Clotworthy/CNN
Its beautiful views and secluded location -- as well as low rents -- are attracting those looking for something different to Hong Kong's dense urban living.
The Sea Ranch, Hong Kong —
Its beautiful views and secluded location -- as well as low rents -- are attracting those looking for something different to Hong Kong's dense urban living.
Scott Clotworthy/CNN