Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse, Hamptons Road, Virginia, USA,
Built in 1891 and still serving as an active navigational aid, the lighthouse was acquired by its current owners in 2005 and carefully restored over two decades into a fully functioning off-grid residence.
Following its purchase from the federal government in 2005, the lighthouse entered a new chapter of private stewardship. Ten engineers from the Billingsley and Gonsoulin families, supported by Eddie Prokop and a close network of friends, devoted more than 7,000 hours and over $300,000 to its rehabilitation.
The work addressed both structural integrity and livability. In addition to extensive repairs, the team restored the rainwater collection systems, cisterns, plumbing, and pumps.
The property now includes hot and cold pressurized water, a propane gas range, water heating, solar panels, a 10-kilowatt diesel generator, and 15 kilowatts of lithium phosphate battery storage supporting HVAC, lighting, and essential systems, along with a USCG-approved sanitation system.
As with any offshore historic property, continued ownership requires ongoing maintenance and thoughtful stewardship. The rehabilitation ensured the lighthouse’s stability and functionality; its preservation remains an active responsibility."
Courtesy: middlegroundlight.com
Lucia Houseboat, Lake Como,
This snow-white floating micro-home draws inspiration from the traditional batèl fishing boat, but transforms it into a modern mobile home with an area of 25 m2.
The single-level, barrier-free interior relies on multifunctional modular furniture, making it ideal for flexible use or experiential glamping accommodation.
The design also uses eco-friendly materials, such as birch plywood panels and recycled raw materials directly from the lake.
The flat-bottomed design and quiet electric propulsion ensure ecological, emission-free sailing. A unique feature is the retractable roof, which can continuously regulate the level of privacy and connection with the surrounding nature.
The Lucia houseboat is also integrated into the Darsena Link network of coastal docks . These solar-powered platforms act as energy-self-sufficient extensions of local villages. They offer charging stations, community zones and marketplaces without any land footprint, thus combining historical tradition with a vision for a modern lifestyle.
Courtesy: UAU Studio