340 N 7th St, Marietta, OH 45750
$450,000| 1897 | 1,500 Sq. Ft. | 4 Beds | 1 Bath
Rising proudly from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, the historic Smith Point Lighthouse stands as a rare and breathtaking opportunity to own an authentic piece of maritime and architectural history. Located just 2.5 miles off the shore of Reedville, Virginia, this remarkable four-bedroom, one-bath, 1,500-square-foot structure offers a lifestyle unlike any other—a perfect blend of nautical adventure, historic preservation, and serene waterfront living. Priced at $450,000, Smith Point Lighthouse invites its next steward to embrace the romance and legacy of a bygone era, where craftsmanship, resilience, and coastal beauty converge in one extraordinary property.
Built in 1897, the lighthouse was constructed during a pivotal time in the evolution of maritime engineering. As Chesapeake Bay’s shipping and fishing industries flourished, the need for reliable navigation aids became essential to protect vessels navigating the often-turbulent meeting point of the Potomac River and the Bay. Smith Point Lighthouse replaced earlier versions that had fallen victim to storms and erosion, marking a new chapter in the history of lighthouse construction. This structure—a classic example of a caisson-style lighthouse—was designed to endure the relentless elements of the open water while serving as a beacon of safety for mariners for well over a century.
What makes this property so remarkable is not only its function as a navigational aid but also its transformation into a habitable home, seamlessly blending historic authenticity with thoughtful modernization. Between 2006 and 2009, the lighthouse underwent an extensive restoration that honored its heritage while adapting it for private use. The current owners restored the structure with meticulous attention to detail, preserving its character while introducing modern conveniences to make it comfortable for family vacations and overnight stays. The result is a living space that captures the rugged charm of a 19th-century lighthouse while offering the practicality of a 21st-century retreat.
The restoration began with essential upgrades to ensure the lighthouse’s long-term structural integrity and safety. A new roof was installed, along with hurricane-rated Marvin windows that provide both protection and panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay. Insulation was added to make the structure more energy-efficient, and the original brickwork and beadboard interiors were preserved and refinished to retain their historic texture and warmth. These efforts reflect not only a passion for preservation but also a profound respect for maritime craftsmanship.
Inside, the main level offers a cozy yet surprisingly functional layout. A full kitchen features cherry cabinets, a breakfast counter, range, refrigerator, microwave, and portable dishwasher—modern amenities that make extended stays comfortable and convenient. The adjoining living and dining areas showcase the home’s character, with waterproof vinyl plank floors that complement the original trim, stairs, and doors. Beadboard walls add texture and warmth, while brick accents remind visitors of the structure’s durability and industrial beauty.
The full bath on this level includes a shower stall, Lex San toilet, and sink, supported by an impressive and self-contained plumbing system designed for remote living. A 250-gallon capacity system with a Lex San electrolysis/wastewater treatment feature ensures responsible and efficient waste management, while a 550-gallon water tank located in the basement supplies fresh water. This combination of modern plumbing and innovative waste treatment allows the lighthouse to operate independently—an engineering marvel that underscores the creativity required to maintain such a unique property.
Ascending the narrow, winding staircase—a hallmark of lighthouse architecture—leads to three charming bedrooms on the second floor. Each room is framed by thick walls and deep-set windows that provide extraordinary views of the surrounding Bay. The fourth bedroom, located one story higher in the watch room, offers a truly one-of-a-kind sleeping experience. Here, guests can wake to sunrises stretching across the water and fall asleep under the endless canopy of stars that blanket the Chesapeake night. It’s a setting that evokes a sense of wonder and connection to nature rarely found in modern homes.
The uppermost level, traditionally used as the lantern room, still functions today as an active aid to navigation. The United States Coast Guard maintains the lamp, ensuring the beacon continues to guide mariners safely through the Bay’s channels. This means that while the lighthouse operates as a private residence, it also remains an active part of the nation’s maritime heritage—a living monument to history still performing its original duty. Few properties in America can claim such an extraordinary dual identity.
The mechanical systems have been carefully designed for off-grid operation. A generator powers the lighthouse’s electrical fixtures, ensuring reliable lighting and functionality even in remote conditions. Heating and cooling are managed with two window air conditioning units and two portable heaters, providing comfort through the changing seasons. These self-sustaining systems highlight the ingenuity of the restoration—combining independence with comfort in a setting surrounded entirely by water.
Outside, 360-degree views of the Chesapeake Bay create an experience that is both exhilarating and peaceful. From sunrise to sunset, the scenery is ever-changing: fishing boats and sailboats glide across the horizon, seabirds swoop overhead, and the rhythmic sounds of the waves provide a constant soundtrack. This is one of the best vantage points in Virginia for observing the dance of maritime life. The proximity to the Potomac River and the Little Wicomico adds further richness to the location, placing it at the crossroads of natural beauty and nautical history.
Ownership of Smith Point Lighthouse also means stewardship of an officially recognized historic landmark. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. This designation not only honors the lighthouse’s architectural and historical significance but also connects its owners to a broader legacy of American coastal heritage. Maintaining and restoring such a property is a responsibility and a privilege—one that appeals deeply to those who value craftsmanship, history, and the enduring power of human ingenuity.
Of course, the lighthouse is being sold “as is, where is,” and some repairs are required. These include attention to rails, windows, certain appliances, and the flooring in the watch room. For a buyer with an appreciation for restoration and preservation, these projects represent an opportunity rather than a challenge—a chance to contribute directly to the continued life of a structure that has already stood strong for more than 125 years.
All furniture, two window air conditioning units, two heaters, crab pots, tools, tackle, and household items convey with the sale, making this property immediately ready for personal use or continued restoration. Whether envisioned as a private getaway, a family retreat, or a once-in-a-lifetime preservation project, Smith Point Lighthouse offers possibilities as vast as the horizon itself.
Beyond its undeniable romance and historical value, the lighthouse is a study in architectural and engineering excellence. Caisson-style lighthouses like Smith Point were innovations of their time, designed to withstand the open sea through cylindrical foundations anchored deep into the seabed. Their form followed pure function—sturdy, efficient, and built to endure. Yet within that utilitarian design, there is also artistry: the symmetry of the tower, the elegance of its proportions, and the way it rises gracefully from the water. It’s architecture shaped by necessity but elevated by vision, much like the best examples of historic design.
The story of Smith Point Lighthouse is ultimately one of perseverance—of both structure and spirit. Through storms, modernization, and shifting tides, it has remained steadfast, a guardian of the Chesapeake and a symbol of human determination. To own it is to join that lineage of caretakers, each contributing to its ongoing story.
For the buyer seeking a property that transcends the ordinary, this is not simply a home—it’s a landmark, a retreat, and a piece of living history. Smith Point Lighthouse stands as a reminder that beauty, craftsmanship, and legacy can endure even in the most remote and challenging places. With its rare combination of history, architecture, and breathtaking natural surroundings, this 1897 lighthouse is more than just a real estate listing—it’s an invitation to become part of the enduring story of the Chesapeake Bay.
Photos:
Listed by:
Beth Groner
Keller Williams Fairfax Gateway
