I am interested in staying in a lighthouse on Eleuthera. Has anyone any info on the area?

We rented this Eleuthera villa several years ago, with its own working lighthouse:

http://www.pinksandbeach.net/

I believe it is the only home on Eleuthera with an actual lighthouse, so this may be the one you're thinking of. That said, look through the website pics and you will see that it is not a traditional (very tall) lighthouse, rather a home with a widow's walk with an actual working lamp on top. More of a novelty than a ship's guide...but we really enjoyed this house, and I highly recommend. Nice amenities, and we did not see a single person on the beach the entire five days we were there. Also, the caretaker, Arthur Nixon, is a wonderful host - the Bahamas should be proud of this gentleman. He will rent you a car, take care of your questions, and even give you a tour if you like...have fun!

Thank you, Joan.

That is the property I was thinking about, I believe it is called Pt. Pleasant lighthouse. Is the location TOO remote? I have contacted Mr. Nixon about amenities, he was a bit vague.

If I do rent this property, can you think of anything that would make it easier, or more enjoyable?

Thanks,
Cyberuk

I don't know how much research you've done re Eleuthera, but asking if it's too remote is sort of a "trick question"! You see, Eleuthera has a reputation for being very laid back, not touristy in the least, and people go there specifically because there's not alot of that. So, that said, the lighthouse villa is no more remote than the other rental houses available on the island. Quite a few are located in Palmetto Point, and North Palmetto Point. There are some shops and a few restaurants (Nate & Jenny's, Unique Village) within about a ten minute drive. Otherwise, you have a 100 mile long island with deserted beaches and only one road going down the center. In fact, I think there's only one stoplight on the entire island! And the car you rent will probably be an older model, and expensive, and credit cards will not be accepted for it (cash or traveler's checks I believe). But if gorgeous solitude, snorkeling right off the pink(!) beach, sitting under a palapa are things that appeal, then you will enjoy Eleuthera, and Palmetto Point Lighthouse Villa. (By the way, I have never heard it referred to as Point Pleasant Lighthouse, and it doesn't seem to be called that on the website...)

We've rented three different houses in the area, and this one was the nicest. Not sure exactly what you mean by "amenities", but the house has A/C in the bedrooms (essential in the summer months), dishwasher, skylights, washer/dryer, very well furnished actually. If you have any specific questions, please ask!

What to bring? We always bring a small cooler with frozen steaks, gourmet goodies from home like cheeses and pina colada mix. Eleuthera is famous for pineapples, and you can buy great baked goods at the bakery in town, also vegetables etc. But you mustn't expect fully stocked supermarket such as in the US. Anything you "must have" you better bring with!

Well, what do you think?

Eleuthera is a beautiful island, and is perfect for a relaxing vacation. Not much to do, other than relax. There are a few restaurants, as an earlier poster mentioned. Mate&Jenny's is my favorite in the area, a fun nite out and you will meet all kinds of people there, including locals, so it's alot of fun. Matlin makes the BEST conch pizza.

You will have to rent a car to get around and there are a couple of food stores, one right in Govenours Harbour, and another on Queens Highway in S. Palmetto Point. There are also a few small stores scattered in the area as well.

I think there is still a movie theatre in Govenours Harbour on Queens Highway and some shopping in GH as well, and a couple of really wonderful bakeries.

If you want to take a day trip or two, you might drive up toward Harbour Island and take a water taxi over, or a bit further up Queens Highway and take a water taxi over to Spanish Wells.

Down Eleuthera there are a few settlements like Tarpun Bay, which has become a bit of an artist community. Lots of beautiful homes overlooking the water, and a couple of restaurants.

HOpe this helps a bit, enjoy your time in the Bahamas.

We are also thinking about renting this house. It looks beautiful on the website. Is it right on the beach? The description said it's on the ocean, a little unclear. Also, what is the water like - are there any waves or is it calm? We actually like some waves. Any other advice?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi jerirl, yes, this house is oceanfront, directly on the beach. If you go to the website and click on "the beach" you will see an aerial shot of the house that shows it is beachfront. There are some reefs underwater, so there are calm seas and no waves - however the water is very clear and you can snorkel right off the beach. I remember my husband spotting a turtle just off the beach, and he just jumped up and took off with the underwater camera and tried to follow it...so that basically makes up for the lack of waves! My DH is also a surfer, and there's a beach on Eleuthera called Surfer's Beach. We bodysurfed there - of course it is seasonal and so you have to time it right...and the road is not for the faint of heart, but it is a fun adventure and I heartily recommend it (try to find a copy of The Elusive Beaches of Eleuthera). If you have a romantic deserted beach fantasy, this is your dream come true!

The area where lighthouse is located is beautiful and quiet. You will need a rental car as everything on Eleuthera is spread out and has that remote feeling, its great. Agree with recommendation to bring a cooler packed with foods from home. Grocery stores on Eleuthera aren't all too well stocked. If you go down to Tarpum Bay around mid afternoon you can catch the fishermen coming in with the days catch if you like some good fresh fish. Otherwise dining out about the best is fried grouper and peas n' rice. For some day excursions drive north and ferry over to Harbor Island and/or Spanish Wells, both are great places to visit though I think I did prefer Harbor Island more. Have a great time, Eleuthera is one fantastic place to visit. Happy travels.