Imagine being the proud owner of a lighthouse, a soaring watchtower observing the wide bay and serving as a symbol of both hope and history.
The 65-year-old historic preservation enthusiast Sheila Consaul made it happen rather than merely dreaming about it.
For $71,000, Sheila acquired an abandoned lighthouse at Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Since then, she has spent more than $300,000 renovating it into her ideal vacation residence.
A lighthouse is not an ordinary place to live. The loneliness will be the first thing you notice.
The driveway that leads to the front door is absent. Rather, you park a half mile away and carry everything you need by hand, including food, water, and even generator fuel. However, the experience is unmatched once you’re there.
Sheila set out on her tour because she loved historic preservation and wanted a cooler summer getaway.
She spotted a chance to combine both when she learned that lighthouses were being auctioned off by the government.
When she bought the lighthouse, it was in terrible shape, with cracked windows, crumbling plaster, and a severe lack of paint. Sheila seemed unfazed, though.
She started a journey of tough and gratifying renovations after taking out a home equity loan.
The process of renovating was anything but simple.
Due to the lighthouse’s distant position, all construction materials had to be raised by a crane and brought by boat.
The lighthouse was totally off the grid, so the difficulties didn’t end there.
Fuel was just one more item on Sheila’s long list of items to bring, as she had to rebuild the entire electrical system and rely on a generator running on gasoline for electricity.
Notwithstanding the obstacles, the change is astounding.
Today, the lighthouse has a fully functional kitchen with granite countertops and contemporary appliances.
The plumbing and electrical systems have been completely renovated, and the windows, which were previously broken and worthless, are now fully operational and even contain exquisite stained glass.
But conserving history is just as important as the outward changes.
The lighthouse’s original dark brown floorboards and cast-iron stairs are still present.
There have even been changes made to the cistern that used to store water for the lighthouse keepers.
It now gathers rainfall, treats it, and uses it throughout the house. Sheila has done a fantastic job of updating the lighthouse without sacrificing its historical significance.
The lighthouse is a community treasure rather than just a place to live.
Sheila is aware of this and has welcomed guests since 2012, holding yearly open houses.
The Coast Guard maintains the lighthouse, which is still in operation today as a navigational aid and illuminates nightly as a reminder of the community and heritage it represents.
Would Sheila repeat the entire experience? Most likely not. It has been a rewarding but demanding trip.
She doesn’t currently have any intentions to rent out her distinctive summer house, but she doesn’t completely rule it out either.
She is currently relishing the results of her hard work and the unique experience of living on a lighthouse.
The life story of Sheila Consaul demonstrates what is possible when tenacity and passion are combined.
She purchased more than one property. She acquired a historical artifact and painstakingly restored it so that future generations may admire it.
Watch the video below to see the lighthouse’s entire tour!
Kindly distribute this to your loved ones.
