Have you ever spent the night in a working lighthouse? This rental, featured on the Netflix series “The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals,” is located on a private island in Southeast Alaska just a five-minute water tax ride from Sitka. It’s been both a navigational beacon and a vacation rental since its inception in 1983. Totally remodeled in 2018, it comes with all the modern conveniences and guaranteed privacy, set on a private one-acre island with its own boat dock.
Once home to the Tlingit people who settled in the area more than 10,000 years ago, today this area is popular for fishing and has strong ties to its native past. Guests have access to the entire island, although the lighthouse itself is truly the star of any stay, bringing the opportunity to play lightkeeper, at least temporarily.
The town of Sitka itself offers lots of small town charms surrounded by breathtaking mountain and water scenery. Your stay includes a boat to take back and forth so you’ll be able to take advantage of the many unique shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes, along with attractions like the Alaska Raptor Centre, Baranof Castle Hill, the Saint Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge, and the Sheldon Jackson Museum.
Other trips like sightseeing can be arranged with a water taxi captain for an additional fee. Grocery delivery is possible and you can even book your own private king salmon fishing charter so you can catch your own dinner.
While you’re on the island, you can look forward to 360-degree views with the lighthouse featuring four levels and a wraparound deck with an Adirondack chair ideal for digging into a good book. Or, just relax in the soothing waters of the outdoor hot tub surrounded by stunning Alaskan views.
You’ll also have 360-degree views of Sitka and the Eastern Channel from the glass room, and as the shore is so close, you can even fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of waves.
No matter where you are, inside or out while on this private island, you can look forward to watching for humpback whales, bald eagles, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, seabirds, and occasionally, orcas.
In addition to features like the hot tub, you’ll also have complimentary use of kayaks, a BBQ grill, and an outdoor fire pit for roasting marshmallows under the stars. Inside, there are two bedrooms, accommodating up to six comfortably, along with one and a half baths, and a chef’s kitchen. And this is no run down rental, the interior is just as picturesque as the nature that surrounds it.
While there is no TV, just being on your own island and in the lighthouse, perhaps taking advantage of available excursions and visits to downtown Sitka, is all the entertainment you’re likely to need. The grand finale of every day might be spent rocking on this bench swing watching a colorful sunset light up the sky.
