Lee and Tom recently spoke with us about their 14 years at Marshall Point and gave advice to those curious about life in a lighthouse.

Q: What is it about a lighthouse that captures the attention and imagination of so many people?

“Well, the history, obviously. And also the perceived romance of living on the ocean combined with the isolation,” Lee says. Tom adds, “While they are indeed romantic, lighthouses and weddings don’t actually go together because the weather is precarious. We’ve seen many ‘romantic’ weddings with 20/30-knot winds and saturating fog. It’s the nature of lighthouses to be located in a rugged landscape, and I have always found that very attractive.”

Q: In the book you mention that living in a lighthouse had always been a dream of yours. What inspired such a unique dream?

“When I was a girl my family took a vacation to Cape Cod,” says Lee. “It was there I saw my first lighthouse—Chatham—and over the years my passion evolved and grew into an emotional attachment. I always wanted to see more.”

Q: In your 14 years, you witnessed many events from weddings to baptisms. Do you have a favorite?

“Marshall Point is so special to so many people for so many reasons. We were lucky that people allowed us to share very private moments with them. One day in particular, an older man came to the lighthouse to lay the ashes of his late wife into the water. He was all by himself, well dressed, and my heart just went out to him. We helped him out onto the rocks, which were wet and slippery, so he could better access the washing tide. Later we invited him in for a cup of coffee and the man, whom we had never met before, stayed for an hour and told us about his wife. We felt a connection with him.”

Q: The book’s pages contain several encounters with amazing wildlife. Do you have a favorite memory?

“Rescuing Clyde, a harbor seal pup, was the most remarkable encounter. A once-in-a-lifetime thing,” says Lee. On June 3, 1990, Lee and Tom found the seal pup stranded on rocks near the lighthouse. When it became apparent that he’d been abandoned, Lee and Tom, who had affectionately named the pup Clyde, contacted the New England Aquarium in Boston for help. They then drove the seal to a nearby airport, from which he was flown to Boston. “They have a rehabilitation facility and Clyde was later released into the wild,” Lee says. “Every seal we have seen since, we wonder if it is Clyde.”

Q: With several lighthouses available for rent, what advice would you give someone wishing to visit a lighthouse for a week or longer?

“My advice,” says Lee, “is to enjoy every moment. If you are going to make the commitment to stay in a lighthouse, then stay in a lighthouse. Don’t go out to dinner, don’t go to the movies. Just take in every minute. Learn to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Relax and explore the surroundings.”

Tom suggests thoughtful packing. “Make sure to bring enough binoculars for everyone,” he says. “Lighthouses have an unobstructed view, and you’ll be able to see unique boats and amazing wildlife. It’s great for people-watching, too. Bring a rain suit and warm clothes. Don’t let the weather deter you from enjoying the outdoors. If you’re prepared, you can have fun in the rain, snow, and wind.”

“Also,” Tom adds jokingly, “bring a good book to read. We suggest ours.”

To purchase this book or for more information, please visit DownEast Books or Amazon.com.