Imagine being the proud owner of a lighthouse, a majestic sentinel that guards a wide body of water and serves as a symbol of both hope and history. For most, this dream remains a distant fantasy, but for 65-year-old historical preservationist Sheila Consaul, it became a remarkable reality through her unwavering dedication and passion for preserving the past.
Intrigued by the allure of historic lighthouses and the desire for a unique summer retreat, Sheila embarked on an extraordinary journey that would transform her life and the abandoned lighthouse she would soon call home. For a sum of $71,000, she purchased the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, setting the stage for an incredible tale of restoration and revitalization.
Living in a lighthouse is anything but typical. The seclusion is the first thing you’ll notice.
There is no driveway that leads up to the entrance. Instead, you park half a mile away and manually transport all of your supplies, including food, water, and even generator fuel. However, the experience is unmatched once you get there.
Sheila’s quest began with her passion for historic preservation and her yearning for a cooler summer vacation.
She saw a chance to combine the two when she learned that the government was auctioning off lighthouses.
When she bought the lighthouse, it had shattered windows, and crumbling plaster, and was in severe need of painting. Sheila wasn’t deterred, though.
She obtained a home equity loan and started on a tough yet gratifying renovation journey.
The remodeling procedure was everything from simple.
Due to the lighthouse’s distant position, all building supplies had to be shipped by boat and lifted by a crane.
The lighthouse was totally off the grid, so the difficulties didn’t end there.
Sheila added fuel to her large list of goods to take because she had to completely rebuild the electrical system and depend on a gasoline-powered generator for electricity.
The transformation is astounding despite the obstacles.
There is now a full kitchen in the lighthouse, complete with granite countertops and contemporary appliances.
The plumbing and electrical systems have been completely updated, and the windows, which were earlier broken and worthless, are now fully operational and even have lovely stained glass.
But conserving history is just as important as the physical changes.
Dark brown floorboards and the lighthouse’s original cast-iron staircase are still present.
Even the water tank that supplied the lighthouse keepers with water has been put to new use.
It now gathers rainwater, which is cleaned and used in the entire house. Sheila has been able to update the lighthouse while preserving its historic character.
More than just a dwelling, the lighthouse is a beloved local landmark.
Sheila is aware of this and has welcomed guests by organizing yearly open houses since 2012.
The Coast Guard still maintains the lighthouse’s beacon, which continues to serve as an active aid to navigation in addition to serving as a community and historical landmark by lighting up every evening.
Would Sheila embark on this incredible journey again? Probably not. While the experience has been undoubtedly exhausting, it has been equally rewarding. Although she currently has no plans to rent out her distinctive summer home, she doesn’t completely rule it out either. For now, she is relishing the fruits of her labor and savoring the unique experience of living in a lighthouse.
The story of Sheila Consaul exemplifies what can be achieved when patience is coupled with unwavering enthusiasm. She didn’t merely purchase a house; she acquired a historical artifact and painstakingly restored it so that future generations may have the privilege of appreciating and preserving this extraordinary piece of history.