If you’ve ever dreamt of snuggling up in a lighthouse with a cozy book and hot cocoa, here’s your chance. The U.S. federal government is auctioning off six fairy tale-like lighthouses, and the starting prices begin at just $10,000. For potential B&B owners, retired folk or history fans, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Though the government will retain ownership of the “land” under and surrounding each property, successful bidders will have a chance to restore, renovate and redevelop each lighthouse to its former glory.
Before seafarers used a GPS and other tech-enabled navigational apparatuses to navigate, lighthouses warned of dangers, such as rocks, shoals, reefs and similar hazards near the shore or port. Now, many of the historic lighthouses are obsolete, which is why the U.S. Coast Guard and the federal agencies are auctioning off the properties.
The auctions opened on July 18 and are being hosted by the U.S. General Services Administration. Beginning bids range from $10,000 to $15,000 — a steal, some might say. To bid on a property, would-be buyers need to put down deposits ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Upon investing in the property, lighthouse owners then need to restore the building by adding modern amenities and getting it up to code so civilians may visit.
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One lighthouse being auctioned off, the historic Chesapeake Bay lighthouse, is just two miles from the Baltimore shores. The other five being sold are on Michigan’s Great Lakes. The most expensive, by far, is the Minneapolis Shoal Light which is situated on the Great Lakes Public Trust bottomlands in Lake Michigan. Its bidding will extend until August 15th. The Craighill Lower Range Front Light Station, located off North Point State Park in the Chesapeake Bay, is also for sale and will be auctioned until September 15th.
Each lighthouse has a fascinating history which you can read more about on the GSA Auctions government website.
Images via GSA Auctions
