The Keeper’s house has been meticulously restored to its
1950’s-era beauty.
Accommodations for approximately 11 people are available at this historical site - Race Point Lighthouse, located within the Cape Cod National Seashore in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
ONLY 20 MINUTE FLIGHT FROM BOSTON LOGAN AIRPORT TO THE MOST REMOTE PART OF CAPE COD. HISTORICALLY RACE POINT OFFERS SOME OF THE VERY BEST STRIPER FISHING AVAILABLE ON THE EAST COAST. JOIN US THIS SUMMER FOR SOME FISHING!!!
The Keeper’s house has three bedrooms upstairs. Your Keeper family will stay in the bedroom located on the first floor.
The half-bath on the first floor and the full-bath on the second floor are shared. For information on the Whistle house click here.
Many amenities are included: a fully-equipped kitchen complete with a gas oven, two refrigerators and an outdoor grill.
All beds have pillows and blankets. Be sure to bring bed linens, towels, and food.
In 2003, a new photovoltaic system was installed; and in 2007 a wind turbine, bringing back the benefits of electricity. Race Point now can boast of environmental care: "green energy". Even our back-up generator uses bio-diesel fuel. The Keeper's house also has central heating: now the chilly months of the year are even more cozy, especially when the antique gas lanterns are illuminated in the evening!
You are surrounded by miles of unspoiled beach with panoramic views of the ocean. Our guests have seen whales, seals, dolphins, and numerous species of shorebirds.
Grab your favorite book, relax on the front porch and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze.
World-class fishing is a surf-cast away. Whether fishing for striped sea bass or the challenging blue, at Race Point it is an experience not to be forgotten.
As days’ end nears, watch as the sun sets into the ocean from the top of the lighthouse. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
We know your stay with us in such a tranquil setting will provide a lifetime of memories.
History of Race Point
As early as 1808, Provincetown’s residents asked for a lighthouse at Race Point. Travel was treacherous for vessels negotiating the bars near Race Point at Cape Cod’s northern tip. Race Point Light was first lighted on November 5, 1816. The rubblestone tower’s light was 25 feet above sea level, and was one of the earliest revolving lights - in an attempt to differentiate it from other lighthouses on Cape Cod.
In 1840, the Keeper’s house was built. In 1852 a fog bell was installed at Race Point. Three years later, a fourth order Fresnel lens was installed in the tower. In 1873, the bell was replaced by a steam-driven fog signal housed in a new building. A second Keeper’s dwelling was built in 1876.
By 1876, the old stone “tower” needed rebuilding, and was replaced by a 45-foot cast-iron lighthouse, lined with brick. The Fresnel lens was also installed. The original Keeper’s house was torn down, and a new dwelling built. A water cistern was added in 1877.
Three Keepers and their families lived at the lighthouse in the two separate Keeper’s houses. The children walked almost three miles over sand to school every day. In the 1930’s a Keeper named James Hinckley made the trip much quicker by customizing a Ford into a dune buggy; the trip now took just thirty minutes. We now use a newer form of dune buggy - a Suburban!
In 1957, Race Point Light was electrified. Three years later the 1874-Gothic Revival Keeper’s house was torn down, and the other house modernized. The light was automated in 1972. The Fresnel lens was replaced by a 190mm optic, and in 1994 the beacon and fog signal became solar-powered. The Keeper’s house remained boarded up for more than 20 years after the Coast Guard left and in 2003 became solar powered as well. In 2007 a wind turbine was added.
In 1995, the Keeper’s house and surrounding property was leased to the New England Lighthouse Foundation. Known for their work on other New England Lighthouses, International Chimney rebuilt the roof and chimney of the Keeper’s house. Master craftsman Richard Davidson of Onset rebuilt much of the interior and exterior. Dana Green, of Green and Robinson, crafted the windows and doors for the lighthouse and Whistle house. Volunteers finished renovations, and the four-bedroom Keeper’s house opened for overnight stays.
Jim Walker, President of the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, reported a curious mystery in 1996. An American flag appeared on a temporary flag pole, put there by an unknown benefactor. After a bad storm, the flag was shredded; again, a new flag mysteriously took its place. The flag is now flown throughout the season, greeting guests from around the world as they arrive at Race Point.
Today, the Race Point Light optic is still an active aid to navigation, maintained by the Coast Guard. The Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation maintains all of the structures and grounds.
CALL (800) 533-7299 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR JUNE 2010 HOSTED STRIPER & BLUEFISHING TRIP TO RACE POINT CAPE COD
