Is the Lifestyle of an Island B & B Lighthouse Keeper for You?
by There are some jobs that people dream about. A frequent fancy is being a lighthouse keeper where one can enjoy the peace and serenity of the ocean and sea life. We decided to find out just what is involved in being a lighthouse and innkeeper for a popular light station near San Francisco.
At 4PM, they return to the marina dock at Point San Pablo Yacht Harbor to board the Thursday night guests. Upon arrival back at the island, the Witts provide a tour, hors d’oeuvres with champagne, and show the guests to their rooms. The visitors then have time to explore the small island and enjoy the fabulous views and amenities before dinner.
At dinnertime, Anne serves an exquisitely prepared multi-course meal of the finest fresh ingredients. All the guests are seated at one large table, which makes for a convivial atmosphere and an opportunity to socialize.
Friday morning at 9AM, the guests are treated to a sumptuous gourmet breakfast before departing for the marina to resume their normal lives. After unloading the guests and their baggage, Ed returns to the island to help Anne clean and prepare for the Friday night guests.
Saturday and Sunday aree a repeat of Thursday and Friday.
After bidding farewell to the last guests for the week on Monday morning, Ed heads back to the island and the chores that couldn’t be completed during the workweek. Some of the couples ancillary duties include marketing and promotion, and developing affinity programs with vendors and organizations.
Later in the day, the innkeepers load the laundry, the empty bottles and cans and sundry trash into the wire basket. The cart is hooked and lowered by winch down to the waiting boat. They head for land, unload the cargo, and start out for a well-deserved Tuesday day of rest.
It’s a tough job, but they love it.
The Witts told us, “We enjoy meeting the people.” Anne added, “I love to cook delicious foods that please our guests.”
The innkeepers live a romantic life full of kudos, fresh air, sunshine, seabirds, and seals. We bet that many of our readers would trade places if they could.
When we asked the Witts what comes after life as a lighthouse innkeeper, the answer came quickly, “We want to spend our later years sailing around the world to experience places we have not been.”
Seems a fit continuation to an already charmed life.
If you would like information about being a guest at East Brother Light Station click here.
Happy travels!
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