Few buildings capture the public's imagination quite like lighthouses. But as an increasing number of these towers become automated, the live-in lighthouse keeper may soon be a thing of the past.
Water works —
Few buildings capture the public's imagination quite like lighthouses. But as an increasing number of these towers become automated, the live-in lighthouse keeper may soon be a thing of the past.
Many are now being converted into unique hotels. CNN brings you the top five from across the world, kicking off with St Anthony's Lighthouse in southwest England (pictured).
Light relief —
Many are now being converted into unique hotels. CNN brings you the top five from across the world, kicking off with St Anthony's Lighthouse in southwest England (pictured).
Courtesy Rural Retreats
The lighthouse was also the backdrop for the 1980s children's TV show "Fraggle Rock." Today, guests can stay in the Sally Port Cottage.
Remote and romantic —
The lighthouse was also the backdrop for the 1980s children's TV show "Fraggle Rock." Today, guests can stay in the Sally Port Cottage.
Courtesy Rural Retreats
Head to the Netherlands and you'll find the restored art deco Harlingen Lighthouse hotel. "From the middle of the 18th century, fires crackled, acetylene gas lights hissed and the light system twinkled, because the many lighthouses Harlingen had were always rebuilt on the same spot," said former lighthouse keeper Piet Beuker.
High life —
Head to the Netherlands and you'll find the restored art deco Harlingen Lighthouse hotel. "From the middle of the 18th century, fires crackled, acetylene gas lights hissed and the light system twinkled, because the many lighthouses Harlingen had were always rebuilt on the same spot," said former lighthouse keeper Piet Beuker.
Courtesy Harlingen Lighthouse
Closed in 1998, the historic lighthouse has now replaced its giant glass light with a table for two overlooking charming Harlingen Harbor.
Top views —
Closed in 1998, the historic lighthouse has now replaced its giant glass light with a table for two overlooking charming Harlingen Harbor.
Courtesy Harlingen Lighthouse
It's hard to believe the secluded 19th-century Saugerties Lighthouse is just a two-hour drive from Manhattan. But stay a night in the converted bed-and-breakfast guesthouse, and you'll soon forget the bustle of the city.
American dream —
It's hard to believe the secluded 19th-century Saugerties Lighthouse is just a two-hour drive from Manhattan. But stay a night in the converted bed-and-breakfast guesthouse, and you'll soon forget the bustle of the city.
Courtesy Saugerties Lighthouse
Located on a spit of land halfway up New York's Hudson River, Saugerties offers stunning views of the water and nearby nature trails.
Picture perfect —
Located on a spit of land halfway up New York's Hudson River, Saugerties offers stunning views of the water and nearby nature trails.
Courtesy Saugerties Lighthouse
A koala checks out the view from Australia's Cape Otway Lightstation. Built in 1848, the lighthouse, on the treacherous southeast coast, is the oldest in the country.
Creature comforts —
A koala checks out the view from Australia's Cape Otway Lightstation. Built in 1848, the lighthouse, on the treacherous southeast coast, is the oldest in the country.
Courtesy Cape Otway Lighthouse
The dramatic Twelve Apostles are just 90 minutes by car from Cape Otway. The rock formations attract thousands of visitors every year but are slowly crumbling into the sea.
Mighty view —
The dramatic Twelve Apostles are just 90 minutes by car from Cape Otway. The rock formations attract thousands of visitors every year but are slowly crumbling into the sea.
Julian Finney/Getty Images/File
San Francisco's 19th-century East Brother Lighthouse sits on an isolated land bank overlooking the glittering city and spectacular Mount Tamalpais. Today, guests can stay in the station's pretty guesthouse.
Island retreat —
San Francisco's 19th-century East Brother Lighthouse sits on an isolated land bank overlooking the glittering city and spectacular Mount Tamalpais. Today, guests can stay in the station's pretty guesthouse.
Courtesy East Brother Lighthouse