Fall River's Borden Flats Lighthouse up for sale; owner asks $1.25M

FALL RIVER — Shining beacons that dot the coast lure legions of lighthouse enthusiasts from far and near each year to take in these stunning, historic landmarks.

And if you're a fan in the Fall River area, now you have the unique opportunity to own your own piece of maritime history — one that's a familiar sight to those on both sides of the Braga Bridge.

The Borden Flats Lighthouse — the 143-year-old lighthouse located in the Taunton River on Mount Hope Bay, between Fall River and Somerset — is on the market, and can be yours for $1,250,000.

Kevin Ferias, a Rhode Island native and Swansea resident who took ownership of Borden Flats in May 2018, is looking to sell his 50-foot-tall "lighthome" — a popular, one-of-a-kind overnight destination for the public — as he looks toward retirement next year.

Running the five-level “sparkplug” caisson-style lighthouse has been a "labor of love" for Ferias, according to a previous Herald News interview. And after spending the past seven years restoring the historic gem, Ferias is now ready to pass the torch.

It is currently being privately sold by the owner, with a complete description of the property available at https://lighthouse4sale.com. Ferias plans to officially list the property through Sotheby’s International Realty after it closes for the season in November.

Borden Flats, battered to its current slant by the powerful New England hurricane of 1938, is situated 1,500 feet offshore near the Borden Light Marina on Ferry Street, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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The fully functioning lighthouse remains active with the Coast Guard’s “aid to navigation” system, and also operates as a weather station for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

But it's most notable for its Overnight Keepers Program, which draws guests from around the world for a special overnight getaway that has completely sold out seven nights a week for the past six years.

Visitors can book either one or two consecutive days and nights in his lighthouse. Rates are currently at $595 a night in April, May, October, and November, and $649 a night during the summer from June to September, according to the website. December dates are by request only, and they close for the winter January through March. Reservations are already booking out through the end of 2025.

The "quaint and cozy" lighthome boasts five levels of living space — each renovated and furnished with various antiques, period furniture and a restored 1910 Victrola record player — three decks with 360-degree water views and its own 22 foot deck boat, according to Ferias' website listing.

The first floor has an entrance foyer, kitchenette with four-burner gas stove/oven, dining area and bathroom (no shower). The second floor, which once served as the sleeping quarters for light-keepers now serves as a living room. There is another living area on the third floor with a large-screen smart TV/DVD.

Once used as the “watchroom” where the light keepers worked, the fourth floor was converted into a queen-sized bedroom with a stairway leading up to the fifth floor — the Lantern/Light Room that's encircled by an outdoor deck.

Electricity is supplied by solar (with battery backup and a whole house generator) and propane is used for cooking and heating.

The new owner can carry on Borden Flats' legacy as an overnight destination or purchase it as a private summer residence "to enjoy incredible breathtaking views, peace and relaxation away from rest of the hustle and bustle!" the website reads.

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But although it may seem secluded, rumor has it that guests are never truly alone.

In a previous Herald News interview, Ferias said his lighthouse has come to be known as home to two friendly spirits, who have reportedly made their presence known with laughter or classical music.

One of them is John H. Paul, who worked as lightkeeper from 1912 to 1927, and the other is a young Fall River girl named Lucy, who drowned near the lighthouse.

As Ferias steps away from Borden Flats, he is hoping for the "next passionate Lighthouse Lover to 'take over the helm' and garner their place in maritime history," the website reads.