A Private Lighthouse Getaway In Maine On A Private Island With Views Of The Gulf Of Maine
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published September 19, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a lighthouse keeper? To look out on a lonely ocean and fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing outside? If so, then an overnight stay at the Little River Light Station is the perfect excursion to satisfy your escapist fantasies. Soak in the solitude and the panoramic views at this unique accommodation. For the rest of your life, you’ll be able to say that you were one of the few who’ve had the opportunity to stay at a lighthouse in Maine.
Little River Lighthouse, managed by The Friends of Little River Lighthouse (themselves a chapter of the American Lighthouse Federation), is located just outside Cutler Harbor. With just 500 residents, this quaint community in Downeast Maine is like something from a storybook. Getting there will be the first chapter of your adventure.
Your destination is a blip of an island covered in pine trees and defended by a rocky shore. Arrive at the Cutler public boat ramp and alert volunteers that you're ready for pickup. They'll sweep you away to the 15 picturesque acres you'll be calling home for the duration of your stay.
In some ways, Little River Island is as peaceful as can be. The rugged water places a refreshing distance between you and the outside world. Still, while exploring the walking trails that crisscross the property, you'll be privy to the activity of other island residents, like the local community of Atlantic Puffins.
Though Maine erected the original lighthouse in 1847, the current structure dates back to 1888. Lighthouse keepers, or "wickies" as the public sometimes called them, occasionally struggled with the isolating nature of their work.
The keepers of Little River Lighthouse were family men who lived on the island with their wives and children. The Corbett family were the last wickies stationed at Little River, residing on the property until 1939.
The lighthouse's interior is equally charming, with homey touches like handmade quilts draped across cozy beds.
The attentive staff will help you make the most of your adventure. Before nightfall, they advise that guests walk to the island's western end. There, you can enjoy a dazzling sunset that silhouettes the snug homes, wharves, and boats of Cutler Harbor.
Stay at a lighthouse in Maine and experience a taste of coastal romance! You may arrive at Little River depleted by the busyness of life, but you’ll leave reinvigorated by the stunning beauty of Maine’s shoreline. Check out this list of other Maine activities, and share your favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors in our beautiful state!
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