Lighthouse Lofts — Living in a Shining Light
REAL ESTATE NEWS — Looking for a property with astoundingly rare character and an unmatched ocean view? The General Services Administration (GSA) of the United States plans to sell four lighthouses through public auctions and give away six others to nonprofits and government entities. This comes as lighthouses, once crucial for navigation, have become redundant due to advances in technology like GPS.
The four lighthouses for sale are the Stratford Shoal Middle Ground Light Station (starting bid $10,000), Penfield Reef Lighthouse (starting bid $50,000), Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Light ($25,000 starting bid), and Keweenaw Waterway Lower Entrance Light ($10,000 starting bid).
The six lighthouses that are to be given away to nonprofits and government entities include the Lynde Point Lighthouse, Nobska Lighthouse, Plymouth/Gurnet Lighthouse, Warwick Neck Lighthouse, Little Mark Island Monument, and Erie Harbor North Pier Lighthouse. These entities are required to maintain the historic structures and eventually make them accessible for public use in education, recreation, or cultural preservation.
If no organization applies or is approved for ownership, these lighthouses will also be put up for auction. Past auction sales have ranged from $10,000 to $933,888. Since the passage of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act in 2000, over 150 lighthouses have been saved, with around 70 sold at auction, generating more than $10 million for the U.S. Coast Guard.
Prospective owners should be prepared for renovation costs. Total refurbishments could run into the thousands of dollars, including painting, cleaning, restoring broken items, or installing utilities to make the lighthouses livable.
On Top of the World
A lighthouse home is nothing short of a marvel, imbued with an undeniable mystique that is only accentuated by its grand architectural design. Majestically perched on the edge of the world, a lighthouse is a beacon of light in the face of the formidable ocean, its very existence epitomizing resilience and steadfastness.
The structure is typically tall and cylindrical, which adds a compelling aspect to its architecture. This vertical form not only provides sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding seascape and landscape, but also presents unique spatial opportunities inside, where rooms often ascend like a spiraling sequence of seashells.
The most awe-inspiring feature of a light house home is undoubtedly the light room or the lantern room, often capped by a distinctive dome. This is a space of glass and gleam, where the world outside seems close enough to touch, yet is held at a spectacular vantage point.
Windows are a crucial part of lighthouse design, often taking the form of long vertical slits that accentuate the building’s height. These narrow, lofty windows do more than just let in natural light; they create a series of dramatic, moving sunlight patterns within the interior throughout the day.
Interior spaces within lighthouses are typically characterized by their circular form and high ceilings, which creates a unique ambiance. In some cases, a central spiral staircase leads from one level to the next, lending an element of drama and anticipation as one ascends to the higher levels.
The outer walls of a lighthouse home are frequently constructed from robust, weather-resistant materials like stone or brick, which contribute to the structure’s iconic sturdy appearance. Often painted in bold, contrasting stripes or distinctive colors, these towers stand out against the surrounding landscape, creating a striking visual impact.
Overall, the character of a lighthouse home, along with its dramatic architectural traits, imbues it with a sense of awe, history, and romanticism. It is a unique living space that merges functionality with a timeless aesthetic appeal, evoking a sense of wonder and reverence for the forces of nature it was designed to weather.
What’s it like to live in a lighthouse?
In the shared experience of this sailing family, residing in a lighthouse home presented an experience both distinctive and thrilling, although it wasn’t without a sense of solitude given the typically isolated location of such a structure. | VIDEO
The family found that the lighthouse was prone to unusual sounds, particularly when the temperatures fluctuated, which created an almost spooky atmosphere. The rumors of apparitions added an extra layer of mystery to their surroundings.
Their adventurous spirit was piqued as they navigated through the lighthouse, unveiling secret rooms and a captivating history linked to its past inhabitants. This exploration contributed a fascinating dimension to their stay.
The family appreciated the ample space and varied rooms in the lighthouse. The lighthouse seemed to provide a stage for shared experiences, be it group sleepovers or individual escapades.
One of the highlights of their lighthouse living experience was the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding environment, filled with crystal clear waters, verdant greenery, and intriguing rock formations. It was apparent to them that the expansive view from the lighthouse was a magnificent perk, especially for those who cherish the natural world.
However, the family noted that the sheer size and secluded location of the lighthouse might induce a sense of loneliness. Despite this, their overall experience of residing in a lighthouse home was captivating and memorable, offering a unique blend of adventure, enigma, and natural grandeur.
California Favorites
Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque maritime landmarks on the California coast. Located in Pescadero, between Santa Cruz and San Francisco, the lighthouse was built in 1871 to guide ships on the Pacific coast.
Named after the ship “Carrier Pigeon” that wrecked here in 1853, Pigeon Point is the tallest lighthouse (tied with Point Arena Light) on the West Coast of the United States, standing 115 feet tall. The white masonry tower resembles the typical New England structure.
Originally, the tower was equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens made up of 1,008 separate prisms. It was first lit at sunset, November 15, 1872. The lens was automated in 1972 and is no longer in use.
The lighthouse is currently part of Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, which is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The grounds are open to the public, and the coastal area surrounding the lighthouse is rich with sea life, offering a great spot for tide pooling. You can also spot whales and seals in the area.
One of the unique features of Pigeon Point is the hostel that’s housed in the old lighthouse keepers’ quarters. This gives visitors a rare opportunity to stay overnight at a lighthouse. The hostel, operated by Hostelling International, offers both shared and private rooms and features a hot tub, from which you can potentially enjoy some incredible views.
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel is currently open and accepting reservations.
More notable light houses:
- Pigeon Point Lighthouse, California, USA: This lighthouse hosts a hostel, making it a unique place to stay. The area surrounding the lighthouse is renowned for its natural beauty, with opportunities to see whales, seals, and other wildlife.
- Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon, USA: Heceta Head Lighthouse is noted for its bed and breakfast, which is considered one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world. The lighthouse itself is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
- East Brother Light Station, California, USA: This lighthouse has been turned into a bed and breakfast, providing a unique opportunity for an overnight stay. The Victorian-style inn provides a historical charm and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
- Lighthouse of Svörtuloft, Iceland: For those who love isolation and raw, dramatic nature, this lighthouse converted into a residence is located in the remote Snæfellsnes peninsula. The views of the Northern Lights are extraordinary.
- St. Mary’s Lighthouse, UK: This lighthouse located on a tidal island isn’t a residence but offers a unique experience to visitors with a surrounding nature reserve and a Visitor’s Centre.
- Start Point Lighthouse, UK: An operational lighthouse, Start Point offers accommodation in the Light Keeper’s Cottage, which is located within the lighthouse complex.
While Los Angeles does not currently have a grand inventory of light house homes, it does offer a selection of converted historic office buildings, industrial warehouse structures and homes with Request a free list of homes with amazing character. Fill out the online form:
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Let Your Light Shine: Live inside a lighthouse!
Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text and photos created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.