Leisure

Shine a Light

Five Lighthouses You Can Sleep In

When you were young, you longed to be an attendant in a lighthouse, shepherding in ships from the sea. Now, you’d just rather vacation in one for a night. Or a week. Here are five good ones where you can do that.

FOR THE <em>WATERWORLD</em> FAN

An Offshore, Five-Story Lighthouse

You Require: Something on the water. In it, even.
You’ll Receive: A five-story lighthouse from the 1890s completely surrounded by seawater. There’s an exposed-brick sitting room for eight. And a captain’s quarters with a queen bed. And, at the top, 360-degree views of the ocean and a little table for playing cards. Suggested game: Go Fish.

FOR THE P-TOWN ENTHUSIAST

A Lighthouse at the End of the World

You Require: A second-floor keeper’s-house apartment at the edge of the Eastern Seaboard.
You’ll Receive: Miles of unspoiled Provincetown beach. And a farmer’s porch to take it all in. When you’ve had your fill, you’ll retire to your apartment with a fellow castaway. Just be sorta quiet. A full-time attendant lives on the first floor.

FOR THE <em>CLIFFHANGER</em> EXPERIENCE

A Maine Lighthouse. On a Cliff.

You Require: Dramatic views from Maine’s Pemaquid Point cliff.
You’ll Receive: The same oceanfront views sea stewards have been enjoying here since the early 1800s. Kick back in one of the old-time rocking chairs on the covered porch as you recount Costanza-esque “the sea was angry that day” nautical tales.

FOR THE PAINTER

Poetry-Inspiring Sunsets in Pocasset

You Require: Stunning sunsets at a former US Coast Guard lighthouse. And wi-fi.
You’ll Receive: Both of those things. Also: rustic wood stairs, a lot of white walls and baby-blue decor, and a private beach for swims in between lobster boils (they have pots). And an outdoor shower. You know: for whatever.

FOR THE WHIMSICAL

A Tower Out of Roald Dahl’s Dreams

You Require: A short tower with a strong James and the Giant Peach vibe.
You’ll Receive: Pretty much that. Oh, and you’ll be on a small island off the coast of Maine. No loud music. No sounds of the city. Just you, the sea and someone with whom to share your room’s twin beds. After you push them together.