Historic Virginia Lighthouse Is Turned Into the Ultimate Off-Grid Retreat

A historic Virginia lighthouse that has stood in the same spot for the past 135 years is now being offered up as a truly one-of-a-kind off-grid residence, having undergone an extraordinary renovation that saw the ocean structure transformed into a private retreat.

Located in the Chesapeake Bay in Newport News, VA, the rare dwelling last changed hands in 2005, when it was bought at a government auction by its current owners for just $31,000.

Since then, the property has been through an awe-inspiring journey, one that started with the two couples responsible for its restoration: Dan and Jackie Billingsley and Bob and Joan Gonsoulin.

Now on the market for $995,000, the Middle Ground Lighthouse, as it is known, is ready to turn the page and begin a new chapter, one that the Billingsleys and the Gonsoulins hope will offer as much joy to a future owner as it has to them.

The renovation of the lighthouse was a labor of love for the couples, who decided to embark on the project after Bob spotted it being offered for auction.

“When Bob heard the property was being offered at auction, he told us about it, and we said, ‘That sounds kind of neat,’ because we had a background in off-grid living as ocean sailors,” Dan said. “Bob put in the first bid.”

The rest, as they say, is lighthouse history. Together, the couples decided to save the historic structure and transform it into the ultimate family getaway.

“There is no surface that has been untouched,” Dan added. “Between our families, there are 11 engineers. There was all lead paint, so we dressed up with respirators and got to work.”

When they bought the lighthouse, it required “substantial rehabilitation to ensure its long-term survival.”

The new stewards, their families, and friends worked for four years transforming the property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, into a fully off-grid residence. Due to its seaside location, real estate taxes are currently exempt.

Offered as a one-bedroom residence with a half-bathroom, the unique structure, which still serves as a navigational aid, is accessible only by private boat. It features 1,251 square feet of space that spans five interior levels connected by a circular staircase.

Built in 1891, the lighthouse has a lower level, which is home to its mechanical systems and offers storage space for “water toys.” A covered wraparound deck on the second floor features a kitchen and dining area and main entrance to the lighthouse.

Sleeping quarters are on the third level, which feature hand-painted murals. The fourth-floor porthole level boasts custom curved daybeds with game tables.

A watch room on level five, where Coast Guard keepers are said to have once monitored shipping traffic, has an outdoor deck, and the sixth floor boasts the lighthouse’s lantern. Original heart pine floors throughout the structure remain intact.

“It is already set up with solar panels, a lot of battery storage, a rainwater collection system, a 10-kilowatt generator, an inverter charger, and split-system heat pumps with air-conditioning capabilities,” Dan said. “It is just 2 miles from the closest shore, so it is very protected.”

Jackie said they never used the lighthouse as a short-term investment property because “we used it every other weekend, so a rental was not an option.”

Despite the obvious hurdles associated with taking on such a massive transformation in the middle of the ocean, she said they were all up for the challenge.

“We are not intimidated by projects,” Jackie said. “We looked at it as an adventure and have had such great memories there.”

Over the years, the families have hosted everything from high school graduations to engagement parties at the property. A “signing wall” features autographs of more than 2,000 visitors.

“The next buyer will be someone who is lusting for adventure and enjoys a scenic spot,” Dan said. “There is always something going on with barges, private craft, dolphins, all kinds of birds, and even fireworks.”

In addition to the 1,100 square feet of outdoor deck, the lighthouse has an enclosed outdoor shower and a USCG-approved marine sanitation system.

This device “adds salt and electrifies the waste with chlorine to disinfect it before it is pumped overboard,” Jackie explained.

The property is being offered fully furnished, including a former USCG service vessel.

Debbie Crevier-Kent of Cottage Street Realty is the listing agent.