Picture owning your very own lighthouse, a majestic beacon overlooking a vast bay, embodying both hope and history.
Sheila Consaul, a 65-year-old aficionado of historic preservation, turned this dream into reality.
For a sum of $71,000, Sheila purchased a derelict lighthouse in Fairport Harbor, Ohio, and embarked on a journey that would see her invest over $300,000 in transforming it into her dream vacation home.
Living in a lighthouse is far from ordinary; solitude greets you at every turn.
Forget about a driveway leading to the front door; instead, you park half a mile away and transport everything you need by hand, from groceries to generator fuel. Yet, the experience, once embraced, is unparalleled.
Sheila’s journey began from her passion for historic preservation and a desire for a unique summer retreat.
Upon discovering that the government was auctioning off lighthouses, she saw an opportunity to merge her interests.
Though the lighthouse she acquired was in a sorry state, with cracked windows and peeling plaster, Sheila remained undeterred.
With the aid of a home equity loan, she embarked on a challenging yet fulfilling renovation project.
Renovating the lighthouse presented numerous challenges; every construction material had to be hoisted by crane and transported by boat due to its remote location.
Furthermore, being entirely off the grid posed additional hurdles; rebuilding the electrical system and relying on a gasoline-powered generator were just a few of Sheila’s tasks.
Despite these obstacles, the transformation is remarkable.
Today, the lighthouse boasts a fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops and modern appliances.
The plumbing and electrical systems have been overhauled, while the once-broken windows now showcase stunning stained glass.
However, preserving its historical essence was equally paramount.
Original features like dark brown floorboards and cast-iron stairs remain intact, alongside innovations such as a rainwater collection system.
Since 2012, Sheila has welcomed guests to the lighthouse, hosting annual open houses and sharing this community treasure with others.
Maintained by the Coast Guard and still serving as a navigational aid, the lighthouse stands as a testament to community and heritage.
Would Sheila embark on this journey again? Perhaps not, but the rewards have been immeasurable.
While she currently has no plans to rent out her unique summer home, she remains open to the possibility.
For now, she revels in the fruits of her labor and the extraordinary experience of lighthouse living.
Sheila Consaul’s story exemplifies what happens when perseverance and passion converge.
She didn’t just acquire a property; she rescued a historical gem, ensuring it endures for generations to come.
Take a virtual tour of the lighthouse in the accompanying video below!
Feel free to share this remarkable tale with your loved ones.
Doctor explains why you should never kiss a deceased person
A Moldovan doctor has recently gone viral for a unique yet cautionary video about kissing… And it’s not what you’d expect.
Dr Viktor Ivanovik, who boasts nearly 300,000 TikTok followers, about the health risks of kissing deceased loved ones during farewells.
In the video, Ivanovik warns viewers, saying: “Never kiss the deceased!”
A Moldovan doctor has recently gone viral for a unique yet cautionary video about kissing… And it’s not what you’d expect.
Dr Viktor Ivanovik, who boasts nearly 300,000 TikTok followers, about the health risks of kissing deceased loved ones during farewells.
He explains that approximately nine hours after death, the body begins to decompose, releasing harmful bacteria. Kissing the deceased, according to Ivanovik, could lead to a loss of smell due to exposure to these bacteria.
His video has sparked a wave of reactions online.
Many viewers had not previously considered the potential risks of bacterial exposure. Others, however, shared personal experiences.
One viewer emotionally stated: “I kissed my father and would do it a million times over! I can lose taste and smell, he is my father!”
Dr. Ivanovik’s message shows that there’s a delicate balance between cultural traditions and health concerns. Many people engage in such rituals as a final act of respect and closure for their loved ones, often unaware of the potential dangers.
Though, for many, the comfort of saying goodbye to a loved one in a personal way outweighs potential health concerns. This creates a wider conversation around the need for cultural sensitivity when addressing such topics, particularly when long-standing traditions are involved.
Ivanovik’s TikTok video has opened a new discussion on social media, encouraging viewers to be mindful of the potential risks while also acknowledging the deeply personal nature of farewells.
Through his video, Dr. Ivanovik has raised awareness about the importance of understanding health risks associated with common practices, showing that even in moments of grief and loss, health and safety should not be overlooked.
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