Penfield Reef Light, CT

Penfield Reef Light, CT, photo courtesy lighthousefriends.com

Now’s your chance to buy something you’ve always wanted – a lighthouse!

Yes, right now, there are seven different lighthouses up for bid.

So how do you buy your own lighthouse?

Under the provisions of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, the General Services Administration (GSA) of the United States has the authority to transfer excess Federal property to individuals or groups. Normally, the GSA will first offer lighthouse property to the state where it’s located or to a non-profit historic preservation group. When neither of these recipients is interested or unable to afford the upkeep and management of the lighthouse, the GSA will auction the property to the highest bidder

*At this time, these properties are being offered for bid:

Southwest Ledge Light, CT

Southwest Ledge Light, CT, photo nps.gov.

Penfield Reef Lighthouse – Established in 1874, this 51-foot tall octagonal light structure is attached to a square two-story keeper’s quarters building, and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After damage from Hurricane Sandy, the lighthouse was restored with a new roof, new cornice and built-in gutter, hurricane-resistant windows and stainless steel exterior doors. This property marks a submerged reef at the south side of the Black Rock Harbor entrance on the Long Island Sound, off the coast of Fairfield, Connecticut.

 

Southwest Ledge Lighthouse – Built in 1877, the property is a 45 foot, three-story cast iron square structure resting upon a cylindrical tower. The first story has a living room, a sitting room and a kitchen, and the second level has two bedrooms. This attractive lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and will remain an active aid to navigation after the sale.  The lighthouse is located offshore in New Haven Harbor, New Haven, Ct.

Green's Ledge Light, CT, photo courtesy The Lighthouse People

Green’s Ledge Light, CT, photo courtesy The Lighthouse People

 

Greens Ledge Light –  Greens Ledge Light, first lit in 1902, is in Long Island Sound near Norwalk, CT, and warns marine traffic of a dangerous reef below. This “spark-plug” style lighthouse has a four-story keeper’s dwelling topped by the lantern room with an automated light. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Other lighthouses up for bid are Gray’s Reef Light in Lake Michigan, White Shoal Light in Lake Michigan, Minneapolis Shoal Light, Michigan, near Green Bay, and North Manitou Offshore Lighthouse in Lake Michigan.

White Shoal Light, MI, photo courtesy lighthousefriends.com

White Shoal Light, MI, photo courtesy lighthousefriends.com

 

If you want to go see these properties, you’ll need a boat because they’re all offshore, some farther than others.  And if you’re interested in bidding, you can get more information at www.realestatesales.gov. But keep in mind, they all need restoring which means a lot of work and money. But unless they’re sold, the buildings will deteriorate unless the US Coast Guard decides to demolish them and replace them with a light on a platform.

 

It’s possible for people to feel like these lighthouses – forgotten, abandoned, and in need of restoration. But thank God, we aren’t. Because God has not forgotten us or abandoned us and He alone can restore us. Just ask Him.

 

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deut. 31:8

 

 

 

* The deadlines for bidding on some of these may have passed by the time of this posting. Check the GSA website for current status.