The Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse
The Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse has been named one of the top four most Incredible Lighthouse Hotels in the United States. This most recent accolade follows a long list of notable recognition for the inn, which has become an internationally renowned travel destination.
Here’s what travel writer Mike Richard had to say about the inn:
“Coastal Maine is one of the most beautiful destinations on the Eastern Seaboard. Few places in the world boast the variety and history of lighthouses like coastal Maine. The Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse, situated off the coast of Boothbay Harbor, is a uniquely beautiful, gorgeously restored lighthouse.”
Not surprisingly, this is not the first time that The Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse has been recognized for its unique character, charm and beauty. The Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse has been featured in numerous prominent publications, bringing national media attention and visitors from all over the world to the region. The list of prestigious publications that have chosen to recognize the beloved lighthouse includes Conde Nast Traveler, Coastal Living, The Robb Report, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and Food + Wine, to name a few.
Coastal Living chose the inn as one of the Best Lighthouse Getaways in the U.S. The inn was also No. 1 on Fodor’s Travel List of the 15 Most Picturesque Lighthouse Hotels Around the World.
Lighthouses that dot the coast of Maine are in integral part of Maine’s identity. Cuckolds Lighthouse, which is visible from the Southport town landing, has guided mariners for generations and made it possible for commerce to come the region. The fate of this historically important and iconic lighthouse could have been very different as it was slated for demolition.
Today, the area would not have this beautiful lighthouse gracing the entrance of the harbor had it not been for the tremendous efforts of a group of concerned citizens led by Paul Coulombe, as president of the rescue group The Cuckolds Fog Signal & Lighthouse Station Council, who raised the funds and led the efforts to lovingly restore this historic landmark and preserve its maritime heritage and character.
History of Cuckolds Lighthouse
Back in 2004, the U.S. Coast Guard deemed the Cuckolds Fog Signal and Light Station “excess property,” and if no one stepped forward to rescue the lighthouse, the remaining derelict light tower was to be torn down and replaced by a fiberglass pole with a light on top. As many know, more people come down the peninsula for “Lighthouses and Lobsters” than for any other reason, so it was believed to be essential to rescue this historic, iconic light station.
It took two years to acquire the lighthouse from the government and 10 years to raise the friends, funds, leaders, volunteers, and skilled labor to make this happen. Notably, Coulombe stepped up as president of the nonprofit council and continues to contribute generously to this and so many other initiatives aimed to enhance Boothbay Harbor’s economic prosperity.
Demographically, Boothbay Harbor is the oldest town in the oldest county in the oldest state in the nation. Tourism, construction, marine attractions, and hospitality are the backbone of its increasingly vibrant community. The restored Cuckolds Lighthouse has garnered national and international interest as an historic asset and a unique offshore inn, according to Janet Reingold, of the Cuckolds rescue team.
Cuckolds Lighthouse now stands gloriously at the entrance of Boothbay Harbor, welcoming boaters to the region, thanks to a group of visionaries and dedicated community leaders who rallied to save the light station from demolition.
Notably, Cuckolds Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in the U.S. to be transferred under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. One of the contingencies of the transfer was a federal mandate that the lighthouse be self-sustaining – it had to generate revenue. To meet the government’s requirement, the inn offers two gorgeously appointed suites available for guests to rent separately or together for a truly unique coastal-Maine experience.
The notoriety and national media attention that The Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse now receives is fantastic for Maine and the Boothbay Peninsula.
Here is a link to the full list of winners: themanual.com/travel/best-lighthouse-hotels.
