Sheila Consaul, a 65-year-old historic preservation enthusiast, turned her dream of living in a lighthouse into reality. Purchasing a rundown lighthouse in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, for $71,000, she invested over $300,000 in transforming it into her ideal summer home. Living in the lighthouse is unique but isolated, accessible only by parking half a mile away and carrying supplies by hand. Sheila’s journey began with a desire for a cooler summer retreat and a passion for historic preservation. Undeterred by the lighthouse’s disrepair, she took on the challenging renovation process, transporting materials by boat and dealing with off-grid challenges.

Despite obstacles, the transformation is remarkable, preserving historical elements like the original staircase and repurposing the cistern for rainwater use. Sheila opens her doors to the public, hosting annual open houses. The lighthouse serves as an active aid to navigation, maintained by the Coast Guard. While the journey was fulfilling but exhausting, Sheila is content, enjoying her unique summer home. She has no plans to rent it out but doesn’t rule out the possibility in the future.