When we think of a lighthouse, most of us automatically drift into romantic thoughts of tranquility and a desirable sort of isolation. In these days of stay at home orders, the lighthouse may or may not have lost its rosy glow, but it is probably still an attractive concept to most. This is why lighthouse rentals may be of interest to most eager to have a unique holiday or vacation.
Can you rent a lighthouse for vacation? In a word: Yes. To understand how that is possible, it will require a brief history lesson. Lighthouses are an ancient innovation and were initially designed to warn ships at sea that they were nearing land or areas of tricky navigation. They were also installed along many inland waterways to help with navigation.
One of the original Seven Wonders of the World was a lighthouse that once stood in Alexandria, Egypt along the Mediterranean coast. Known as the Pharos it is thought to have collapsed during the third century BCE after major earthquakes rocked the entire region. Similar buildings are thought to have existed in Dover, England and the A Coruna area of Spain.
As they originally used flames to create their lights, they required lighthouse keepers to tend the flames. The keepers could be families who took turns or shifts tending the lights, or they could be keepers and assistants who used fuels of different kinds to keep the flames alive and well.
As the centuries passed, lighthouses became more complex and larger. As time passed, they became less about navigation and more about warnings against hazards such as reefs and rocky coastal areas. Thus, we now have a lot of lighthouses in areas where a large number of shipwrecks may have occurred. This is also why there are lighthouses that seem to rise out of the waters without any land beneath them during high tide periods – they were constructed to serve as warnings even farther out from shore.
With the innovation and distribution of electrical services and supplies, gas distribution, and advanced optics, the job of lighthouse keeper came to an end. Today, most active lighthouses are unmanned and do their jobs through automation and powerful electric lights. Many were sold by their original owners, and that makes it possible for lighthouse rentals, particularly lighthouse vacation rentals.
Famous Lighthouse Rentals
If you are interested in options that allow you to rent a lighthouse for the weekend or a longer getaway, there are some very famous locations. For example, the recently renovated and restored Point Retreat complex along the coast of Alaska includes a delightful bed and breakfast option. Set along the northern end of Admiralty Island (bounded on one side by famous Stephens Passage), it is a truly remarkable spot where humans are outnumbered by Alaskan brown bears two to one!
Point Retreat Lighthouse rentals are not the only options you have for famous lighthouse rentals. You can also find options to rent a lighthouse in Ireland. The Crookhaven lighthouse and the adjoining cottage have existed since the 1840s and are available for rent through the current owners. It is a four-bedroom gem that provides dramatic sea views and a location close to Cork.
While in the UK, you might also want to look at your options in lighthouse rentals on the Isle of Wight and in the Highland area. Loch Linnhe is home to the Corran Lighthouse (a functioning lighthouse) with room for ten and direct beach access. The Isle of Wight offers a stunning option at St. Catherine’s Lighthouse, where a three-room cottage awaits. Close to Carisbrooke Castle, it is a classic lighthouse with stunning sea views.
There are also options for lighthouse rentals in the U.S. Maryland is where you can stay in a lighthouse with a remarkable architectural style. Known as Rock Hall, it features 360-degree views and is a short distance from the beach. Close to Chestertown, it is an eastern shore location with an amazing wrap-around deck on the uppermost floor.
If you want a truly unique lighthouse rental, Newport, OR is home to the Lighthouse at Starfish Cove. This is a replica home that is along the beach at Yaquina Head and designed to emulate the original structure.
The Great Lakes area of Michigan is where the Eagle River Lighthouse is found. It is along the shores of Lake Superior and was constructed in the 1850s. Fully restored it is a five-star property with amazing views on onsite amenities.
On the Ground at the Water’s Edge
Naturally, if you want the same sort of tranquility, privacy and luxury that a lighthouse might offer, but you are hoping for locations warmer than Ireland, Alaska, or Michigan, you might want to just book a luxury beach getaway.
Luxury rentals in the Caribbean region give the same sort of unimpeded sea views, private gardens and grounds, and even some options for historic properties. You can find cozy one-bedroom cottages along the sands or just a bit above the shore, but you can also find estates with five or more bedrooms, multiple buildings, and stunning scenery.
There are many islands in the area, and each has its own unique culture and history. This makes it quite easy to find historic and waterfront properties with the same sort of character and isolation as a lighthouse. Islands like Barbados, St Barts, and the sites of Turks & Caicos are all great choices. While you might not find a lighthouse rental on these tropical retreats, you will find beautifully appointed properties that will make you feel more like a celebrity than almost anywhere else.
Imagine you are part of the famous Lighthouse rock group when you wake to your amazing sea views, and even premium services such as a private chef who makes and serves breakfast, a grounds team who takes care of your pool and gardens, and housekeepers who ensure you focus on savoring the scenery and sunlight. While it is wonderful if you can book a holiday in a lighthouse, you can have an even more remarkable experience in a sunny, private seaside villa.