Today's Accommodations at the
SELKIRK LIGHTHOUSE

The SELKIRK LIGHTHOUSE, also known in some historic literature as the SALMON RIVER LIGHTHOUSE, open to the public for daily, weekly and monthly rentals for most of the year, is not a B&B in the traditional sense. We treat it as a housekeeping setup, whereby we provide all linen, blankets, pillows, pots, pans, dishes, silver, appliances, etc., for someone to move in on short notice with no more than the clothes on their back. It is completely furnished, forced hot air oil-heated with a brand new system, and contains numerous personal memorabilia from my having used it as a personal residence for two years prior to opening it for rental when the demand became overwhelming. In essence, it is a complete waterfront home overlooking Lake Ontario and a working commercial harbor (seasonal) ready for occupancy by 6-8 people from April to mid-December annually. It is kept very clean, but is somewhat rustic, in keeping with its history. We are gradually working to upgrade it after decades of neglect, and use our rental income primarily to continue that process. As private owners, we simply have no access to the funds, loans or grants readily available to non-profits and governmental agencies.

The first floor consists of a combined kitchen/dining room (modern double stainless sink, large refrigerator, gas stove, toaster, coffee maker), completely renovated bath with shower, fireplaced (not presently functional) living room with color cable TV, and a bedroom with double bed. The second floor contains 2 bedrooms and a large living/bedroom which will hold 4-6 more. The third floor containing the old lamp maintenance room is unfinished and unfurnished, basically used for storage. A narrow wooden spiral staircase leads to the lantern with the new Coast Guard-certified lamp and a door leading to a railed walk-around exterior platform, used extensively by photographers for capturing our world-renowned Lake Ontario sunsets and boating activity in the harbor.

Since being visited by Ross Holland (international lighthouse expert and project manager of Statue of Liberty restoration) and subsequently by Wayne Wheeler and one of his tours (U.S. Lighthouse Society, San Francisco), we have been besieged by lighthouse fans from around the nation requesting historical information, souvenirs (of which we have few, but are developing more), and accommodations. We presently enjoy a more than 90% occupancy over an 8-month season by lighthouse fans, passing travelers, and fishermen pursuing world-class salmon and trout both in Lake Ontario and on the Salmon River. We have a very high rate of annual return, and a large, loyal following.

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