Five New England Lighthouses You Can Stay The Night In
Forgo beach house rentals in favor of these one-of-a-kind getaways.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend of pampering next to the crashing waves, or a few days of solitude on a sheltered island, there’s a lighthouse out there for you. Sea breezes and rugged beauty await.
Photo by Frank Grace
Borden Flats Lighthouse
Sprawl out on an open-air deck 50 feet above the water in this floating lighthouse on the Taunton River. All five of its floors conceal rooms decked out in maritime decor. The restored circular accommodations encourage guests (also known as light keepers) to appreciate the history of the 19th century lighthouse. It’s still in service today, and during your stay, you have the option to assist with upkeep.
$295 to $395 per night, Borden Flats Lighthouse, Fall River, bordenflats.com.
Photo by Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection on Flickr/Creative Commons
Wings Neck Lighthouse
This windswept getaway near Cape Cod sleeps eight and offers up the whole lighthouse and keeper’s cottage. Atop a spiral mahogany staircase, the glass-enclosed lookout can be reached through an attached breezeway. Guests have run of the land, including the beach and bikes for exploration. Rentals are weekly, so get some friends together and plan a vacation by the sea.
$2,500 to $3,500 per week, Wings Neck Lighthouse, Pocasset, wingsnecklighthouse.org.
Goose Rocks Lighthouse
Head to this offshore Maine lighthouse for an all-around Atlantic Ocean experience. The interior is decorated with burnished wood period pieces, reminiscent of the early 1800s when the lighthouse was built. Ladders connect the levels and lead to the deck, where visitors can read a book while slim ships sail the blue waters of Penobscot Bay.
$600 to $1,000 per night, Goose Rocks Lighthouse, North Haven, Maine, beaconpreservation.org.
Rose Island Lighthouse
Rose Island is often crowded, but not in the way you might think. From harbor seals and nesting birds to striped bass sparkling off the island’s shore, the 18-acre island brims with gorgeous wildlife. Rose Island’s lighthouse tower was built in 1870 to guide ships through the Narragansett Bay, but today serves land-locked visitors with stunning views and special occasion lightings. Five seaside rooms are available for overnight stays.
$249 per night, Rose Island Lighthouse, Newport, R.I., roseisland.org.
Photo by jacksnipe1990 on Flickr/Creative Commons
Little River Lighthouse
The Little River Lighthouse sits overlooking the Bay of Fundy in Maine, and offers a quiet place of beauty to take a breather. Guests can catch the breaking of dawn from the lighthouse lookout or meander the island’s winding trails under the stars. Rooms are available in the keeper’s house, which was built in 1888 and is fully restored.
$150 to $225 per night, Little River Lighthouse, Rockland, Maine, littleriverlight.org.
