Sheila Consaul, a resident of outside Washington, DC, purchased the Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse in 2011 as part of the National Lighthouse Preservation Act. Consaul, who enjoys restoring historic properties, saw this as an opportunity to own a summer house and become a steward of a piece of history.
The National Lighthouse Preservation Act, passed in 2000, allows members of the public to purchase government-owned lighthouses, both working and non-working. Consaul’s lighthouse is now automated and runs on solar power.
Since purchasing the lighthouse, Consaul has been renovating the building, which was in poor condition when she acquired it. She has faced challenges such as the absence of electrical and plumbing systems, but she remains determined to make the lighthouse livable. She currently relies on a generator for power and collects rainwater for various uses.
Renovating the lighthouse also came with surprises. Consaul discovered hidden treasures, including a crate that once shipped the original refrigerator to the lighthouse in the 1940s.
However, renovating a historical building has its setbacks. Consaul had to transport appliances, including granite countertops and water treatment equipment, by barge, leading to additional costs. So far, she estimates that around $300,000 has been spent on the project.
Accessing the lighthouse itself poses a challenge, as Consaul must hand-carry supplies during a 40-minute walk from the state park parking lot.
Finding people interested and dedicated to the project has been a struggle for Consaul, but she eventually found the right individuals to help with the renovations.
The lighthouse offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and a utility room.
Before being sold to individuals, government-owned lighthouses are first offered to non-profits or charities to ensure they will be cared for and made accessible to the public.
In the case of Fairport Harbor, the community formed a historical society to save the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum, another lighthouse in the area. With no community groups interested in the West Lighthouse, it went to public auction, where Consaul successfully bid on it.
Since taking possession of the lighthouse, Consaul has opened it up to the public for an annual open house on its anniversary. The community has shown great enthusiasm and support, with hundreds of people attending the open house.
Consaul understands the significance the lighthouse holds for the community and sees herself as a steward of this important symbol.