Ohio woman bought abandoned lighthouse for $71,010, spent $300,000 restoring it
Sheila Consaul purchased an abandoned 1925 lighthouse in Lake Erie for $71,010 and spent over $300,000 on a 15-year restoration project. She successfully transformed the dilapidated structure into a historic, off-grid residence.
Why it matters
It illustrates the intersection of historic preservation, personal investment, and the unique trend of repurposing government-auctioned infrastructure.
At 68, Sheila Consaul owns one of America’s most unusual homes, a century-old lighthouse standing in Lake Erie. During a conversation with Tiny House Giant Journey, she opened up about how she went from building a career in Washington, DC, to buying the Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse in Ohio for $71,010 at auction in 2011 and spending more than $300,000 restoring it.What began as an unusual idea for a vacation home eventually became a 15-year restoration project, with Consaul investing more than $300,000 in the property and turning it into a largely off-grid residence while preserving its historic character.Why Sheila Consaul decided to buy a lighthouseBefore taking on the lighthouse, Consaul had already restored a historic home, which helped fuel her fascination with old buildings and restoration.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in