available for overnight guests for the first time in history.
“You will get a million dollar view and the chance to spend the night in an
historic light-station and relive the history of yesteryear,” says Hal
Biering, co-chairman of the Friends of Little River Lighthouse, which cares
for the historic property as a chapter of the Maine based American
Lighthouse Foundation.
From the grounds of the 15-acre wooded island lighthouse station, which
overlooks the Bay of Fundy, you can see Cutler’s rocky Bold Coast in one
direction, Grand Manan Island in another, and in the distance, on clear
days, Machias Seal Island Lighthouse.
The keeper’s house at Little River has all the amenities of home, except
television. However it’s not a fancy B & B. You will need to bring your own
linens, towels, food and beverages and share the kitchen and bathrooms with
other guests.
Some of the volunteers who have worked on the lighthouse have spent the
night and they have all commented on the peaceful feeling of watching the
light revolve at night, the bright sky and pounding surf. Although the
foghorn never stops, most have said that the sound of the foghorn is
soothing, and puts them to sleep. Others have said that after a while, you
become so accustomed to the foghorn, you don’t even hear it.
Since this is the first year the group is offering overnight stays at the
lighthouse station, which dates back to 1847, the rates are pretty
reasonable, at only $75.00 per night, double occupancy. “Next year the rates
will go up,” says Biering, “this year we will be working out the kinks. So
you might say, that this year’s guests are our teachers.”
Because of the dramatic tides in the area, arrival and departure will take
place from mid to high tide; at low tide you cannot get on or off the
island. The Friends are providing free boat transportation back and forth.
They do have some rules; no smoking, no pets and no campfires, but those
types of rules are to be expected on a remote island.
Tim Harrison, co-chair of the group, says money raised from the overnight
stays will help pay for the ongoing care of the lighthouse station.
Naturally, you can’t just drop in unannounced, reservations and payment in
advance is required, which can be made by calling 207-259-3833. You can also
visit their web site at
www.LittleRiverLight.org.
