Ohio woman bought abandoned lighthouse for $71,010, spent $300,000 restoring it
At 68, Sheila Consaul owns Ohio’s historic Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse, which she bought for $71,010 at auction in 2011. After years of restoration and more than $300,000 in investment, she transformed the abandoned century-old landmark into an off-grid summer home featuring rainwater collection, solar power, historic interiors and stunning views of Lake Erie.
In 2011, Sheila Consaul purchased the Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse, a century-old structure standing on Lake Erie, for just $71,010 at an auction. The lighthouse, originally built in 1925, had been abandoned since the late 1940s and was in terrible condition, requiring extensive restoration. Consaul, who had already restored a historic home, was drawn to the lighthouse due to her fascination with old buildings and restoration projects.
After years of acquiring the property and investing over $300,000 in renovations, the lighthouse was transformed into a largely off-grid residence, featuring three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a sustainable power system. Consaul, who does not own the land, has offered private tours and plans to continue doing so as long as she remains the owner.
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