I Bought An Abandoned Lighthouse For $71K & Spent $300K Making It A Home | Unlocked

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

WOW! The local community where this lighthouse is located owes Sheila a huge, "Thank you!" for spending her money, labor, and time to restore and maintain this lighthouse so it can serve as a functioning, well-maintained navigation aid, a place to visit, and a treasured addition to the landscape...

[@Catchyalater_Fishing_Co]

did it say the actual light was still functioning?

[@jd-no7rw]

@@Catchyalater_Fishing_Co Yes, the beacon is still maintained by the Coast Guard.

[@jones2277]

maybe she charges for the tours.

[@BlackDoveNYC]

@@jones2277 Perhaps but I spotted a book that had a sign over it asking for donations.

[@zedwpd]

@@jones2277 then it wouldnt be called an open house.

[@homesteadengineer]

I looked into purchasing this lighthouse when that federal program first started, but they would only sell it to historical societies. I'm happy this woman got it and she has done an amazing job renovating it.

[@raildog100]

I was at Fairport Harbor Coast Guard Station 1970-1974. We serviced this Lighthouse many times during that period. I made a few trips up that great old spiral stairs to the main light in those days. Great to see someone taking interest in this restoration. Maybe I will make a trip back and visit sometime soon.

[@NurseEmilie]

This woman has got to be the bravest and most capable woman I've ever heard of. I wouldn't have what it took for her to get everything done to make this lighthouse livable. Money, "know-how" , strength and guts ! She's a very strong woman and I envy her ! Especially at her age !

[@georgewettig1860]

Amen. I totally agree.

[@carmelagarin8645]

She'll probably sell that in a few years for triple its worth

[@gordonagent7037]

Good for you Sheila, I was a forestry lookout in New Zealand for 5 years, loved the lifestyle, the peace, the flora and fauna, life alone can be busier than people imagine but I loved it.

[@ianhamilton396]

Bless her and her compassion for the property. I doubt rather she would ever get the investment back but she does deserve a medal for being the 'keeper'.

[@ChyarasKiss]

Especially as in 25yrs they can take it back due to the ‘Lease’. 😂

[@kaseybones]

I was thinking the same. Very cool but not a very good financial idea.

[@TruckingCarsL48]

@@kaseybones She's 65+ so 25 years is not a concern.

[@weetjijwel050]

I doubt she did this as an investment 😉

[@SWExplore]

@@kaseybones Let's be honest, the likelihood of Sheila being alive in 25 years is slim to none. I admire her strength and fortitude for living life on a daily basis to the fullest she is able.

[@thatsanicepicture2]

I haven't been by this light house over fifty years. As a kid we'd climb the rocks to get all the way out to the pier to fish with my dad and grandpa. Dad went into the marine business and we boated around many years. However I thought Sheila was crazy to buy, but she has done a beautiful job on it. Thank you Sheila.

[@chrisserrific]

@@NewEnglandLighthouses This AI reply is really low quality. God, I hope that was AI, anyway.

[@danparish1344]

Last time I was near Lake Erie, you wouldnt want to eat anything caught in it. You weren’t even supposed to swim in it.

[@frannymcb_]

​@@danparish1344Lake Erie has been safe for swimming at Canadian beaches for many years, it's a beautiful lake ❤

[@patallen5095]

It's interesting that the lighthouse was "abandoned" so long ago but there is still a working beacon maintained by the Coast Guard! Surprising that the Govt. just didn't properly shutter the building and its windows to prevent deterioration and vandalization. Thanks to Sheila for her restoration!!!

[@jenniferh1416]

Was likely "abondoned" as residential quarters. Have toured a historic lighthouse and grounds which function as a museum. Similar to this they had no well water and collected rain water as well but had health issues. Glad to see her improved system.

[@BladesRKing]

Just retired after 30 years in the USCG. Worked on many lighthouses, most in the Great Lakes. The lighthouses weren’t abandoned, they are considered unmanned having gone from fuel oil to electricity for the beacons. The structure itself is maintained by the CG and I know for a fact because I did it…painting, roofing, windows, etc. We clean the interior but did not maintain the paint, we cleaned up falling paint, dirt, insects, etc. the exterior has to be maintained as to paint scheme because the lights are listed in the Light List manual which describes the lights characteristics. I could go on forever but you get my point.

[@jd-no7rw]

@@BladesRKing Didn't she say in the video, though, that it was badly needing paint, and all the windows were broken out? Doesn't sound like it was maintained to the extend you describe.

[@BladesRKing]

@@jd-no7rw I don’t doubt it needed paint. Most are hard to get to and logistically a nightmare to maintain. So they get worked on when it really needs it. It’s not as easy as you going to Lowes for painting your garage. But they have to retain the characteristics i.e. paint color. Inside would not be repainted. Windows broken out is common from vandalism. We used optical grade Lexan to replace windows in house and cupola. Also, if it’s up on the auction block to sell off the CG won’t spend much money doing anything to the structure except to maintain the beacon. Not sure if you were calling me out or not but those are the facts.

[@Bob-g5e]

I live so close to this place you can see it from the end of my street. Its not abandoned... it is a fully functioning light station with fog horn etc. It operates every night and commands the entrance to the Grand River. The place she bought it beautiful, but whats the point of buying a place where literally 1000 tourists a day sit and fish off the main entrance of your house? Its so far away from a place to park...you CANNOT dock a boat there ( its the entrance to a port).. I have always been baffled why anyone would want to buy it. There are several nearly identical and fully functional houses all over lake Erie. Cleveland main entrance has one, Huron has one, Ashtabula has one. Its also interesting to note that the ORIGINAL harbor light station is also still nearby. this part of Ohio is notorious for its high humidity in the summer... the house is made of STEEL!!!!!!! its an oven! so... to each his own..but its a folly

[@billy1673]

That’s serious ambition and patience right there! Well done!

[@centozo]

She pays the federal government for lease on the land, yet the government still uses the property as an active weather station and navigation aid? They should be paying her for maintaining and preserving the historic (and vital) infrastructure! Someone make it make sense!

[@will5286]

GIMME A FRIKKIN BREAK-They could have torn it down and put up a steel post with the NAVAID on top-it's a minor light...probably on the landmark list tho

[@It.s_Souvik]

And at last it is clear that she is thinking about what mistake she has done buying/leasing that light house.

[@alanaldpal950]

She is paying a whopping $100 per year for her land lease and in exchange for such a deal on the lane she has to let the government operate a navigation light and weather vane. What is so hard to understand how this makes sense? It is what most people would consider a “win, win” deal where both sides benefit

[@thryce82]

Govt got money to push blowing the place up 20-30years. When she is gone that place will still be there and govt will have to fork over the money to finally knock it down. by selling it to her they give the place a chance to have some future and maybe someone comes in after her. if not they have a bit of money to start knocking it down when she is gone. its a solid deal. she only paid 71k for beachfront property. sure she spent money refurbing it but that was as a project not like she had to live there. she paid off 200k in loans in 10 years on the place. good for her hope she is enjoying it. but diong that on a vacation home means she has income to spare and a lot of that money wasw to things she wanted not needeed. Reality is she is only paying 1200 for land on a place she got for 71 k on a beach. people spend more than that on a boat in that same beach. she is doing fine.

[@renogunzddragon1900]

​@@alanaldpal950she won the bid for $71,000 bruhh

[@jenniferruvalcaba2788]

I've walked the break wall so many times since I was younger. I couldn't believe someone had bought it. Unfortunately I missed the tour when I visited last but look forward to seeing it next time I pass through Fairport.

[@cjusino85]

She's very determined. To be walking half mile to bring groceries and other items to the house. 300k renovation wowsers!

[@double_joseph327]

With that money I’m sure they bought like a golf cart or something haha

[@stephaniedavies9799]

Why not buy a small boat to transport all necessary goods

[@ericg9802]

I'd suggest she gets a side by side or a go kart

[@l.a.3479]

​@@frankthefkintank🤔😳

[@bebeautiful6613]

@@frankthefkintankI’ve been wondering about that. I’m betting your correct 👍

[@user-uc9fx4ru7p]

Coolest video seen in a while. Dedication off the charts. And best view. No neighbors.

[@vortexgen1]

I love your vision and how you saved this historic building. You've done a wonderful job making this your home. Much admiration and respect to you.🤩

[@donnaanderson5669]

I'm so proud of you not letting anything stand in the way of your dreams 🙂

[@Peaceonearthplease-lg9hb]

That's for sure 😃 my hat is off too her.

[@rudydedogg6505]

I grew up in Mentor-on-the-Lake not far from Fairport and I remember seeing the lighthouse. It was wonderful seeing it again and how much love this lady put into it. I last saw it 52 years ago......my, but the memories it brought back.

[@rmv2185]

She seems to have a lot of personality. She seems very confident in herself.

[@Democracy10]

She's the real deal. Now the Master of a Ohio Light House.

[@barkbros123]

I’m happy she’s happy 💯❤️

[@StevenBathurst]

She did a good job restoring the light house I live about 10 miles from the light house. I’m glade someone is using it.

[@tl1110]

She's really very lucky! I've always wanted to live in a lighthouse. I find them fascinating for some reason, and I really think they would be a lot of fun!!!

[@TheREALOC1972]

Awesome! I have an Army buddy that he and his wife live in an old pump house in Gulf Shores Alabama, they bought it 25 years ago when the city closed it down and built it into a rental house and then when their youngest child graduated high school 2 years they decided to sell their huge house and move into the pump house.

[@catsmeow6858]

A million-dollar view. Glad you had the financial means to renovate this beautiful property.

[@FracturedOrigins]

Love the stairs and the exposed brick. What a cool house

[@BonnieRogers-i1j]

Sheila, you are an amazing woman. The lighthouse looks very beautiful since you did the restoration. I live in California and I have never been to Ohio but other places on the East Coast. Keep yourself safe, enjoy your new summer home, and enjoy your life. Thanks for putting this on You Tube for many people to enjoy. God Bless You.

[@BonnieRogers-i1j]

No....

[@Holden308]

From the other side of the world 🙃, well done to Sheila and her family and friends who have renovated the lighthouse. Personally I've always loved the thought of living in a lighthouse, but alas its probably not to be. I'm glad to see ones like this have been given new life 🙂

[@moniqrupley6019]

She did an awesome job and that cast iron staircase! Wow.

[@rickbourne1376]

God Bless you for your love for this lighthouse.

[@MartysWhiteSuit]

I admire what she's done. It's a home, after all. Wonderful features.

[@kevinpoole6122]

Amazing story-even more amazing woman! What a work of service.

[@jeanhawken4482]

Thanks to to this woman this building has been preserved. It seems the multiple layers of public servants were not motivated to protect public property.

[@matt2913]

Shouldn’t they be paying her as a lighthouse operator? Or not charging her for her efforts?

[@HannibalUvvU]

That is automated today. Thats why there was no crew and it fell into disrepair. The federal goverment probably started the initiative to at the same time preserve the buildings and cut costs.

[@It.s_Souvik]

And at last it is clear that she is thinking about what mistake she has done buying/leasing that light house.

[@StreetTruckinTitan]

@@It.s_Souvik It isnt clear. She doesnt think it was a mistake. She's just getting a little older to it again.

[@taserrr]

Why? Lighthouses are ancient technology, they're inefficient, and unreliable. It's all automated these days.

[@singinmom9826]

The lighthouse near Cleveland Browns stadium is for sale. I mention it to my coworkers that you will know when I win the lottery, because my first purchase will be that lighthouse. The second will be a boat because that's the only way to get to it! Ever since seeing Pete's Dragon, I've wanted to live in a lighthouse. And when I talk about all of this, everyone mentions your home. So glad to see this video. It is truly wonderful. I need to drive by soon.

[@matthewborkowski6046]

This was one of my favorite spots to swim and fish off the breakwall. Super cool home . Always wanted to see what the inside looked like. Thanks for posting

[@edstanley225]

I am from Ohio but live in Georgia have to say you are living my dream living in a light house! Have to say I do miss home when I retire like to come back.

[@SD-nh5yr]

Wow...its a wonderful thing to save a lighthouse and a piece of history AND then live in it!! Thank you for sharing ❤❤🙏✌️

[@angiedefreitas5060]

Ya gotta bow down to her for seeing the project through. What an amazing home. Wonder how wild it would be to spend a winter there.....just gorgeous.

[@Kentarius]

Literally no point

[@NZKiwi87]

It’d be an experience for sure!

[@l.a.3479]

It would cost a lot in gas to heat it up for the winter.

[@rudydedogg6505]

I grew up not far from Fairport and Lake Erie was a view from my bedroom window. Erie freezes over in winter and I used to think of it as the world's largest ice cube. Then there are those cold Canadian winds. Trust me, it gets fridgid!

[@lisahinkofer2085]

This is amazing. What a wonderful fixer upper. You did a awesome job. It’s a historical building and you saved it. Beautiful building.

[@javierromero23]

What a fantastic renovation. I admire what she's done!

[@MNMMOMMA2]

She's very creative, the lighthouse turned out to make a beautiful home. I Love her creativity, she's an inspiration! I'm very surprised to see that she only pays $26.00 per month for insurance, especially with it surrounded by water. It's a shame that the average home now costs about five times what she paid, minus the renovations.

[@heatherrowles9930]

I think you'd find that, because its a working lighthouse, those that maintain the light pay the majority of the insurance cost (IE the local government or the Coast Guard), just a guess, but Im going to bet that most of what she has to insure are her personal possessions rather than the actual structure.

[@sneezing_panda]

71k*5 is 355k so.... A $355k house. And no house costs that much here in Ohio unless you are in a large city or have a large house.

[@MNMMOMMA2]

@@sneezing_panda Basic homes in the southwest are going for $250,000-$300,000 and up, which are easily $100,000 over what they're worth! There's also a housing crisis here, homes are selling as fast as they're listed. I don't own but my rent has gone up more than 100% in 4 years.

[@okGDJ]

well yeah.. No one is going to sell a small house for 355k @@sneezing_panda

[@jd-no7rw]

@@sneezing_panda $355 is a pretty much any house in Ohio right now, that is not small and in a city. In my county, you can barely even get a house for less than $200,000 for a small house. Not sure what you're talking about.

[@jonathanstein1783]

I love Lucy! Ive had two golden retrievers in my life, and i am of the opinion they are the world's best companion dogs. I miss them both so much.

[@Lianne459]

What a fantastic renovation!

[@wwk68tig]

Wow! One of the best videos I've seen on KZbin in a long time. You are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@suelyons531]

This lady is a force! Love her and her lighthouse!

[@cindi7955]

This is amazing and Sheila is an amazing lady to get this big job done and have such a wonderful home. Bravo!!! Thankful she won the bid!

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

What a really cool investment! This would make a FABULOUS option for an AirBnb, and yes, it makes a really cool summer home.

[@eduardogarcia9793]

She’s living in it during peak season

[@JohnSmith-uz8bb]

Rent out one of the bedrooms.... not all AirBnB are totally separate from the host's accommodation... just one of the quirks if you want to rent here.... @@eduardogarcia9793

[@robinanthony7946]

That tower at the edge of the jetty beyond the lighthouse is where we used to dive off into Lake Erie back in the late '70's -early 80's

[@AmonarayIsalay]

We had a live aboard boat moored at a marina. The round trip from the parking lot to the boat and back was a quarter mile. It is fine during nice weather but horrible in any sort of cold windy rainy snowy weather

[@VarongTangkitphithakphon]

omg this is my never-come-true dream. A great work and a beautiful journey she had. So jealous and happy for her.

[@thomas6502]

Wow, loved this. Thank you Sheila and thanks CNBC!

[@odaawaa]

Absolutely amazing! The renovation managed to preserve and enhance the character of this unique place. As opposed to outright gutting, modernizing, and destroying it.

[@sharonroberts3397]

LOVE IT!!!!

[@MaryRalladi]

Very cool to see what she did eith the lighthouse! While not an undertaking I would want. Its nice to see ppl following their passion and in the process restoring/perserving a historical building.

[@Chereese0808]

She has a great attitude about everything. Probably the best match for it. Not at all cozy and too hollow for me, but to each his own.

[@mrobinson]

This woman is awesome!!

[@repboy1]

You are living my dream Sheila . Great job 👏 love it

[@brendasoler4759]

What a labor of love! Such a unique summer home.

[@DavidJeanRoberts-n1h]

thats nice get a four weeler an a large tank an drive it out an a lift to get it up safe in you out door covered cover were the waves dont hit it an add a line it to your tank in doors!

[@ascrein5247]

This woman is a role model. She is quite healthy, she is brave and gutsy and quite successful in her endeavors to get this home.

[@Boris_Chang]

lol.

[@andrewfyakim525]

There should be a special exception/accommodation made to the new owner, to be allowed to drive out to the lighthouse (most any 4x4 vehicle if necessary). Almost all the soft-sand beaches in North Carolina are easily drive-able, and permitted.

[@LynneAnn51]

Absolutely beautiful, what a commitment! You have done an extraordinary job, what a great love. Thank you for preserving this gem. 🤗♥️

[@rtgideon]

Beautiful, You have something that many of us can only dream of having!

[@amyholman354]

I love this lighthouse project, and that it’s still a working part of the Army Corps of Engineers and US Coast Guard. Maybe there’s room for a little garden somewhere to grow lettuces and tomatoes, herbs, even if hydroponic and indoors. I hope she has many happy years there.

[@sharronaustin2769]

Its just beautiful. She thought of everything including compost toilets generator solar panels rain water storage. The light is bright...the whole lighthouse is so comforting

[@janelleetsitty36]

Those stairs are totally awesome - Will most likely get difficult to climb later on.

[@221b-Maker-Street]

Or they might keep her sprightly and fit!

[@kendallevans4079]

I had a old beach house that had a spiral staircase. They are really a pain to try and carry anything upstairs other than yourself.

[@sunnydavidson297]

As someone who lives in Boston surrounded by vintage former cold water flats built to house the waves of immigrants, I was enthralled by all the natural light available. I went to college at Marietta, nothing like your "neighborhood." Shiela, you are a model of perseverance and imagination. Might you write a book about your adventure? Not that I underestimate any of the HARD work you did. Hope you get many years enjoyment from your home. Good that the Coast Guard maintains the light. Do they bring some supplies for you? Maybe if you had coffee and cake waiting?

[@Theobroma-p3n]

I’d get a golf cart for that half-mile trek.

[@ListedInTheSouth]

Great idea!

[@chickenceiling]

or just a bike

[@asia911]

@@chickenceiling LOL. Good luck riding a bike on sand carrying heavy stuff. An ATV is the best option.

[@amyholman354]

There may be stipulations about what vehicles can be driven over that half-mile, if any. Burro?

[@andyhillhouse9813]

That's the most American thing I've ever heard

[@cantcomeupwithausern]

I live right down the road from here. Didn't realize she ever finished it I thought it was too much of an undertaking.. That's cool!!

[@petertwining5729]

Another great video and story, really love watching them. Thankyou. ❤

[@OldmanGamerYT]

That's so cool! It's great to see a local place show up on KZbin like this (we're neighbors)! Thanks for sharing!

[@kenbrown5449]

Great job! Thank you for preserving the lighthouse.

[@Nefertum1000]

Good for her! What a great example of things we can achieve if we put our minds to. You go Shiela!

[@fnln544]

A dedicated project of the heart.

[@fredsimmons2793]

You are truly one of a kind dear Sheila.

[@hestergreen2031]

My goodness you’ve done an exceptionally great job. I wish I had the know how to do something like this. This is truly a beautiful lighthouse

[@kai_young9610]

This could be my dream Airbnb!

[@Dave-hc6pp]

She’s very creative and a visionary. She sees it as it can be, not what it is.

[@VioletWisteria287]

Oh how cool! I live right nearby and see the lighthouse sometimes from the beach park! 🥰 so that’s who the owner is and how it looks! Super neat

[@TropicLuv]

Amazing accomplishment! Love how you restored it, so homey and efficient. Kudos and enjoy!

[@gerardguida7727]

It was worth it!😊 Thankyou for maintaining a little bit of history 😊❤

[@looking4thegood]

What a nice lady ! ❤

[@montebrown9528]

Fantastic! There are so few of these gem's that are still available.

[@DennisMagno-or1cr]

I envy you fornhaving a lighthouse...cool property, it must be so peaceful there...

[@chosenone5417]

This world needs more people like Shiela.

[@letsgoOs1002]

Why not add a solar array and battery system instead of gas generator. Way easier and nothing to block the sun near by.

[@hocuspothos387]

It's Ohio. It's cloudy half the year

[@bigxebo]

There could be several reasons, bigger pannels need more space, maybe that’s not available or she is not allowed to cover the house with it becaus of historic monument reasons. Or maybe they can’t be safely installed so they withstand the winter storms. Or too expensive. or not enough sun 😂

[@Dermothefixer]

Excellent, Excellent, Excellent, Excellent job and a big well done. People like you make the world a better place. 😊

[@AESmith-bw1fy]

I wonder if there was some restriction or obstruction to installing solar for electricity.

[@marielucier7982]

Really nice! Peaceful. No noisy, smelly suburban lawn equipment to disturb your peace. I lived for 10 years in DC and had to walk many blocks using a granny cart. Few grocery stores and too many of a particular drug store (outbid the most local grocery store just before I moved to my last place there).

[@backacheache]

She has a generator so has her own noisy smelly engine :-) I would think she must have an eye on adding a battery and given the location theres a few sources of green electricity

[@Albacore877]

Outstanding refurbish of a light house!

[@Blackbirddc]

I was just thinking that looks like the lighthouse I've taken pictures of and that I've been seeing all my life growing up. It is THE lighthouse!

[@gaboronem8615]

Literally being watching GSA auctions looking for the perfect lighthouse I hope this video doesnt drive prices up

[@dulciemargaretcolton145]

Hello Sheila, you have an amazing Lighthouse, we love it. Really loved watching you show us around. Thankyou and greetings from us here in UK. 😊😊

[@WalkinFaith11]

Really Amazing home. I bet Amazon can deliver to her front door 😊

[@SWExplore]

Sheila, what a terrific job you have done on refurbishing the light house. Thanks for showing us around. Much appreciated! QUESTIONS: What happens at the light house from November to April when you are not there? Is the lighthouse not insulated for winter weather? Are their huge waves coming off Lake Erie during your off months? Does the lighthouse get covered with humongous icicles?

[@galaxyghost1340]

Living in an abandoned lighthouse has always been low key a dream

[@Anonymoose66G]

More specifically a nightmare.

[@SteveJohnson-ht6kv]

Low low key

[@l.a.3479]

​@@Anonymoose66G🤣

[@thepiedish903]

How cool! I dig how the walls have plaster and brick. Well now I want a light house.

[@christiabacon8001]

Awsome lighthouse!🤙

[@joshuasmith6439]

Oh yes the old Fairport Harbor lighthouse. It was known to be haunted and a few years before Sheila bought it, the high school principle spent the night there. It's a beautiful town, grew up not all that far away from it. They had a lot of rough weather this summer but it looks great!

[@chrischapman276]

I love this kind of thing, when someone brings something back to life, original, actual restoration instead of changing everything to modern etc. You've done a beautiful job here and congratulations! Question for you though.... You said you have to carry everything 1/2 mile from parking lot to the light house. I don't understand why you wouldn't just drive a 4x4/offroad type of vehicle. I'm sure you'd be able to park something like a (Suzuki/Kawasaki/who ever makes the...) Mule there while you would do shopping and fill it up with the goodies and have it at the light house to go back and forth. Now, I'm not a lazy man though not exactly in my earlier years of active abilities like I was not so long ago, in my mind. However, I am a man with common sense and having a UTV doing the hard work for you just seams like it would make that, so called common sense instead of dealing with the damage it would do to someone at the age you and I are today! lol Sand and that type of UTV don't argue with each other what so ever. You'd not get it stuck. It would have plenty of space for what you described and a reliable source of that type of short transportation Just a thought I thought I'd share......

[@jd-no7rw]

It's also on a public park land, I doubt they would allow it.

[@JohnSmith-uz8bb]

But Rangers can move around using similar quads and SxS as enforcement vehicles?????? @@jd-no7rw

[@kathycuster1714]

I love the simple beauty of the jar of beach glass! Just so pretty!

[@Ulbre]

I'm betting her "winter" home is quite special too!!!!

[@Anonymous.530]

Wtf? Like how am I coming across all these awesome women, living dream lifes?!!! This was the 4th one I seen in the last 2 days. They are doing something right for sure. Or that german lady, that lives in a tiny tower in germany and raised 3 kids in it. Nothing but envy, but also very very happy for you ppl, that you have found your paradise in this dark world.