Historic 1897 lighthouse that could be turned into cozy home lists for bargain price – but its location is not for the faint of heart…
For those who like to live in seclusion and watch choppy waters outside their window, a historic lighthouse dating from 1897 has just hit the market.
Located nearly three miles off the Virginia coast in the Chesapeake Bay, the Smith Point Lighthouse was once an important landmark for those traveling to the Potomac River.
In 2005, Dave McNally, 73, bought the three-story, white-painted brick lighthouse and began turning it into a home.
Over the course of nearly two decades, McNally managed to install electricity, hot water, a functional bathroom and a kitchen with a portable dishwasher in the tower.
Located nearly three miles off the Virginia coast in Chesapeake Bay, the Smith Point Lighthouse was once an important landmark for those traveling to the Potomac River
But in 2005, Dave McNally, 73, (pictured with his wife Teri) bought the three-story, white-painted brick lighthouse and began creating a home inside it.
“I can’t tell you how many boat trips I’ve made back and forth taking things out and removing rotten wood,” McNally told The Washingtonpost.
As renovation work continued, McNally’s family began coming out to spend time at the lighthouse, eventually spending their summer vacation in the tower.
He noted that there was a special sense of peace that could be experienced living in the lighthouse.
‘On a beautiful, calm July night you can hear the blowholes of the dolphins as they swim by.
“It’s that quiet out there,” he said Chesapeake Bay Magazine.
Ultimately, he was able to install cherry wood cabinets, basic appliances and a breakfast bar in the kitchen, as well as a full bathroom and shower stall.
Ultimately, he was able to install cherry wood cabinets, basic appliances and a breakfast bar in the kitchen, as well as a full bathroom and shower stall.
McNally was able to turn the once nearly rotten tower into a beautiful four-bedroom home – three of which are on the second floor and one in the waiting room.
New waterproof vinyl floors accent the original brick walls and trim, as well as a new plumbing system, AC units, wastewater treatment system and a generator to keep the space running smoothly.
After years of repairs, the self-described “river rat” never intended to sell the lighthouse.
But eventually, due to his age, he decided it was time to part ways and put the unique property on the market for $450,000.
McNally was able to turn the once nearly rotten tower into a beautiful four-bedroom home – three of which are on the second floor and one in the waiting room
Due to his age, McNally decided it was time to party and listed the unique property for $450,000.
‘I have no neighbors. I have no address. All I have is a latitude and longitude. I think I had this romantic idea that I wanted to buy a lighthouse and that I had the opportunity to buy one, so I did.
‘I’ve been driving it for 20 years and it’s been the best time of my life. You haven’t had an adventure until you’ve had a lighthouse.
‘A lighthouse is not for old people, and I am reaching that point now. It’s an episode from my life. But I’m ready for the next chapter,” he explained.