Tallest Lighthouse in New England Under New Ownership

Art Girard just bought Boon Island Lighthouse off the coast of York, Maine, for $78K

A Portland, Maine, real estate developer has closed on a deal that he knows likely won't make him a dime; however, he is getting is bragging rights to one of the most unique properties in New England.

Art Girard just bought Boon Island Lighthouse for $78,000. He likes properties with a challenge.

"I want them vacant, run down with environmental problems," Girard told NECN.

Boon Island is the tallest lighthouse in New England. It sits six miles off the coast of York and was built back in 1855.

Girard loves how unique it is and the history. Back in 1682, survivors of a shipwreck were stranded there and resorted to cannibalism to stay alive. In addition, there are stories of lighthouse keepers losing their minds on the desolate island.

Over the years, storms kept destroying the keepers' houses. After the blizzard of '78, the Coast Guard decided it was no place for people and the light was automated.

The original lens is now at a museum in Kittery.

The coast guard will continue to be responsible for the light at Boon Island, but Girard is now in charge of repairs. He says the stairs in the lighthouse need to be fixed as does the helicopter pad which is how he'll be able to get out to the lighthouse.

He says he's happy to own such a unique property and is looking forward to restoring it to better condition. 

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