‘Waterfront’: Ancient lighthouse 4km offshore for sale

This 120-year-old lighthouse takes water views to the next level. 

For the price of an apartment in Sydney, you could buy a derelict Victorian lighthouse in Virginia, USA. 

The lighthouse is a surreal sight, rising up unexpectedly from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. 

The octagonal brick building is built on a cast iron caisson that is continually battered by waves. Located 4 kilometres from the shore, it’s one of the most isolated homes in the country. 

Smith Point Lighthouse is described in the listing as a “waterfront” residence and is billed as a “rare opportunity to own a piece of Chesapeake Bay history”. 

“Incredible 360-degree views of the bay and the absolute best place to watch all manner of watercraft floating by,” the listing says. 

The current owners use Smith Point Lighthouse as a holiday home. They have built a full kitchen with a four-burner stove and microwave, a bathroom, and four bedrooms. 

The interiors were last updated twenty years ago, so there is scope for the new buyers to put their own stamp on the home. 

The lamp itself is still used by the U.S. Coastguard as a navigation aid for boats in the local area. The 128-year-old lighthouse is also listed on the National Historic Registry, the U.S. government’s official list of heritage properties. 

Only cash buyers will be considered for the property. 

The listing has caught the attention of social media users, who have been captivated by the romance of the home. 

“I go out to this lighthouse a couple of times a year,” one commenter said. “At one point they did overnight stays in it and my mom has always dreamt of buying it. Would be really awesome for stargazing and seeing weather events.” 

“I’m honestly in love with it,” said another user, who conceded that the lighthouse “would be the least practical thing in the world.” 

Other commenters cracked jokes about the building’s isolation, saying, “Imagine trying to give directions to Door Dash.” 

The lighthouse is listed for $US450,000 ($AU727,000). It’s the same price as a two-bedroom apartment in an outer suburb of Sydney. 

Under Contract

50/107-115 Pacific Highway, Hornsby NSW 2077

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