Foreign Property News | Posted by Shwe Zin Win
A143-year-old lighthouse that is allegedly ‘haunted’ by two ‘friendly spirits’ is set to be put on the market for $1.25 million in what is described as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to own a rare piece of history.
The property, which is known as the Borden Flats Light, sits at the mouth of the Taunton River in Somerset, MA, and is said to be the only remaining lighthouse in the world where you can actually sleep inside the tower.
Built in 1881, the lighthouse holds a great deal of historical significance, having been occupied by full-time lightkeepers up until 1963, when it became fully automated.
Soon after, it fell into a state of disrepair and remained that way for decades until it was purchased at auction by Portland, OR, native Nick Korstad, who spent a staggering six years renovating the lighthouse and returning it to its original glory—save for the electrical upgrades that allow it to function by itself.
But for the last six years, the lighthouse has been under the ownership of Kevin Ferias—who ended up in the role of lightkeeper thanks to a little bit of luck—and love.
(Borden Flats Light was first lit in 1881. Kevin Ferias)
(An exterior deck offers an ideal spot to soak in the seaside views. Kevin Ferias)
(Kevin and Mary Ferias, owners of Borden Flats Light. Kevin Ferias)
“I have always been a lighthouse fanatic and have been fascinated with them my whole life,” Ferias tells Realtor.com®. “I am a video producer and veteran photographer of 43 years, so I have photographed hundreds of them in my life.”
“He said if I could close in three days, they would give it to me for $240,000. I raced to the credit union and got a check. That was on a Monday; we closed on Wednesday.”
(A galley kitchen boasts exposed brick curved walls.Kevin Ferias)
(The cozy den offers a comfortable spot to relax.Kevin Ferias)
(Sunset views don’t get any better than this.Kevin Ferias)
Ferias charges guests $595 per night in April, May, October, and November, and $649 a night for bookings made between June and September.
(The bedroom is lined with nautical photos.Kevin Ferias)
(A glass-enclosed lightroom provides panoramic seaside views. Kevin Ferias)
(A picture-perfect view of the 143-year-old lighthouse. Kevin Ferias)
“It’s time to retire,” he says. “I am 65 and my wife is 66, and we are not getting any younger. We are looking to retire next year, and this will help with our retirement fund.”
