Bridgeville, California, a town that gained national attention in 2002 as the first municipality ever sold on eBay, is once again being offered for sale. The 80-acre property, nestled along the Van Duzen River and surrounded by redwood forests, has had a complex ownership history since its initial groundbreaking online auction.
Initially listed on eBay with a minimum bid of $775,000, Bridgeville garnered 250 bids, ultimately selling for $1,777,877. However, the winning bidder withdrew, reportedly due to the extensive work the town required. Several subsequent deals also failed to materialize. In 2004, Bruce Krall, a financial adviser, purchased the town for $700,000. His plans to develop it into a health spa were put on hold, and he relisted it on eBay in 2006, citing the inability to fund necessary restorations.
Later that year, Daniel LaPaille, an entertainment manager from Los Angeles, acquired Bridgeville for $1.25 million. LaPaille envisioned transforming the town into a self-sufficient, off-grid destination. His mother, Cindy LaPaille, who now owns the property with his family, stated that his dream was centered on community. She expressed a desire to find a buyer who could see some version of his vision through to completion, emphasizing that the ideal owner would be able to reside in the town, a situation not feasible for her as a Southern California resident.
Bridgeville currently supports a small but active community that utilizes the town's school as a meeting space. The area boasts natural amenities, including pear, plum, and apple trees, blackberry bushes, and a variety of wildlife, including bears and deer. The town has been on and off the market since 2014, with its highest asking price reaching $1.5 million in 2023 and most recently listed in March 2025 for $1.2 million.
Later this September, the property will be listed by agent Derek Baca of Madrone Realty. While the exact asking price and included structures are not yet confirmed, Baca noted that Humboldt County is receptive to economic development. Potential buyers have inquired about various uses, including adding cabins or creating an RV park, and zoning changes can be pursued if necessary. Public power is currently available, though LaPaille's original vision included off-grid capabilities. Baca suggested that the town's location between Highway 5 and Highway 101 could make it a suitable stopover point, with possibilities for amenities such as a gas station, food truck, or an electric vehicle charging station.