Borden Flats "Lighthome"
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Experience the life
   of a
n honorary Lighthouse Keeper!


We are so blessed with the popularity of our
Overnight Keepers' Program
we're
already booked for 2023!


THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR IMMEASURABLE SUPPORT!!!

Reservations for 2024 are now booking quickly!

Imagine spending a memorable night (or two!) in ONE of ONLY TWO offshore lighthouse towers in the WORLD available for an overnight experience as honorary Light Keepers!  What a romantic way to celebrate your anniversary, birthday, proposals or just getting away from everyday life and checking it off your bucket list, while at the same time supporting the preservation of this historic 142 year old landmark!  
Our ever-popular Overnight Keepers Program sells out each season, 
so PLEASE reserve your place in history now before it's too late.

***(2023 is SOLD OUT -
2024 reservations available now!)

  
      

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Please scroll down for photos, overnight rates and info!
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​  
         "STAY the LIGHT"

 WE ARE SOLD OUT for the 2023 SEASON  
(Sorry but we do not keep a waiting list)

 
2024 OVERNIGHT KEEPERS' RATES:
SPRING SEASON-  April & May : $549. nt.
SUMMER SEASON- June-September: $595. nt.***
FALL SEASON- October & November $549. nt.
WINTER SEASON- We are closed January-March
***There is a 2 night minimum on Fri/Sat for SUMMER SEASON only***

Click on "RESERVATIONS"  to check available dates for 2024 and make your on-line reservations ASAP as we will sell out!
PLEASE READ THE FAQs (on the right) PRIOR TO BOOKING SO YOU ARE TOTALLY FAMILIAR WITH ALL OPERATIONS/INSTRUCTIONS DURING YOUR STAY.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to very strict insurance regulations, overnight accommodations are limited to only TWO ADULT KEEPERS per night and all Keepers must be 21 years or older. 
                            ***PLEASE BE ADVISED***    
   
  AS PART OF YOUR OVERNIGHT LIGHT KEEPER DUTIES, YOU ARE ASKED TO VOLUNTEER BY LEAVING THE LIGHTHOUSE IN THE SAME CLEANED, ORIGINAL CONDITION IT WAS UPON YOUR ARRIVAL.  SIMPLE DUTIES INCLUDE:   CHANGING YOUR BED LINENS,  (FRESH LINENS PROVIDED) WASHING YOUR DISHES and CLEANING COUNTERTOPS AND SINK AREAS. 
    
WE ARE SO THANKFUL THAT 99% OF OUR CARING GUESTS ALREADY VOLUNTEER TO "LEAVE IT AS THEY FOUND IT,"   BUT FOR GUESTS WHO PREFER TO NOT VOLUNTEER WITH CLEANING,
WE DO OFFER AN OPTIONAL $75.00 CLEANING FEE WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR RESERVATION.
(Save the money, it only takes 20 min. to clean... use that fee towards your food and beverages!)
     THANK YOU for your cooperation and dedication to helping us keep the Light pristine and preserved!

* Please note: IF CHOOSING STAYS in APRIL, MAY, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER, BE PREPARED FOR WEATHER ISSUES SUCH AS COLD TEMPS, WINDS, RAIN OR SNOW.  IF YOU BOOK DURING THESE MONTHS, PLEASE UNDERSTAND IT WILL BE CHILLY, SIMILAR TO STAYING IN A WINTER CABIN.  HOWEVER, WE DO HAVE SMALL PORTABLE PROPANE HEATERS TO TAKE AWAY SOME OF THE CHILL!  IT'S A GREAT TIME TO SNUGGLE UP WITH BLANKET AND A GOOD BOOK OR WATCH A MOVIE!


CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS:
(All overnight stays include complimentary boat service for your arrival and departure)
***All guest Keepers are required to sign a waiver of liability.***

CHECK-IN: 3pm (Staff does not arrive any earlier than 2:50 pm so arriving earlier than 5pm is unnecessary)
CHECK-OUT: 1PM
Please plan to arrive AT 3pm check-in time, at 
Borden Light Marina, 1 Ferry St. Fall River, MA for your complimentary 5 minute boat ride to our Lighthouse.
(it's only 1500 ft. from marina dock)

Please call your Light Keeper Kevin @ 401-595-5777 or
Asst. Keeper Paul @ 1-508-965-8517 approx. 10 minutes before your arrival to the marina to coordinate meeting at the marina parking gate (a chain-linked gate with sign stating,  "BOAT OWNER PARKING ONLY") for parking instructions and check-in.

We will assist with your bags onto the launch boat for the short  ride out to the Light.  Upon arrival to the Light, you will be required to sign the insurance waiver and offered a tour of the history and operation and safety precautions of the Light, and then left to enjoy this one-of-a-kind, memorable experience as Light Keepers for the evening.
We'll return to pick you up at 1pm next day (or earlier if you prefer) for check-out. (when you'll wished you had booked 2 nights!)
Please note: We are not a typical hotel-like operation where you can arrive or depart whatever time you wish- simply because we must coordinate your free boat service to/from the Light, so we ask that you plan your arrival accordingly and adhere to the posted check-in/out times. 

PLEASE READ THE FAQs (on the right) PRIOR TO BOOKING SO YOU ARE TOTALLY FAMILIAR WITH ALL OPERATIONS/INSTRUCTIONS DURING YOUR STAY.
FINAL INSTRUCTIONS:
After your visit, you must then travel home safely and,
repeatedly tell all your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone else you encounter along your journey of life how wonderful your experience was, and how badly they need to follow in your historic footsteps by visiting www.bordenflats.com to book their own incredible Light Keeper's stay! (LOL!) 

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Light Keeper & Owner, Kevin Ferias
​"We look forward to sharing 'The Light' with you... many thanks for your support in preserving this priceless piece of maritime history."

Respectfully,
Kevin M. Ferias
Light Keeper/Owner 
& Asst. Light Keeper 
Paul Hoey




INCLUDED AMENITIES:

*Kitchenette with dorm-sized refrigerator, microwave, 4-burner gas stove/oven, glasses, mugs, plates, utensils and some spices. Percolator coffee pot, tea kettle and french press.  Free bottled water.
*Bathroom with sink and R/V style toilet (sorry no shower)
*Outdoor gas grill/utensils (free propane provided)
*39" LCD TV w/ DVD player and 20+ DVDs and local broadcast channels from HD antenna
*One Queen-sized, pillow-top bed (linens included)
*Indoor heat
(small, portable propane heaters only) 
*NOTE: Please bring warm clothing as the portable heaters can remove the chill, but can not fully warm like your home heating system. It is after all, a 142 year old lighthouse in the middle of the bay! :)
*Several cushioned chairs, 
Adirondack chairs, bistro dining set among our 3 outside decks.
Bring your own ice in a soft-sided cooler if so desired.


We certainly adore them- but sorry, no pets are allowed for their safety and comfort of future guests. :(

     ***NO SMOKING ALLOWED***       
Borden Flats Light is a priceless, 142 yr. old historic landmark - proudly registered with the U.S. National Park Service Registry of Historic Places and therefore we must request NO SMOKING on the premises.

OUR CANCELLATION POLICY:
Our Light Keepers Overnight Educational Program is extremely popular and completely sells out each season.    All overnight stays are conducted  RAIN or SHINE (unless otherwise cancelled by BFL due to safety reasons)  
We are unable to accept your cancellation of your stay due to common weather issues, like rain, fog, cold, snow, etc. 

NOTE: However, severe weather or high wind/waves can prevent safe boat passage and access up onto the Lighthouse. These cancellations are solely at the discretion of our staff and based on closely monitored, local marine forecasts, and if WE are forced to cancel your stay, your payment will be fully honored toward re-scheduling a future date. 
If you need to change your reservation, and it's prior to 
60 days of your arrival date, we will be happy to refund your stay or honor your payment towards booking a future date.

PLEASE NOTE: If you cancel within 72 hours of your arrival date for any reason, your payment cannot be refunded as we will not be able to rebook your date.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!


    Email us below with questions only...
    if you'd like to make a reservation, please click on the
    "RESERVATIONS" button on top any page. 

Submit
PictureAccessing the lighthouse requires climbing this steel rung ladder. The picture represents the ladder at low tide. Depending on tide, it can range from 3-6 rungs.
PLEASE NOTE:

The only access onto our Lighthouse is by climbing this vertical steel-rung ladder shown to the left. 
Depending on the tide, the climb could be only 3-4 rungs or up to 5-6 rungs (at extreme low tide.) 
All Keepers must be physically agile to climb this ladder for entry and exit
off     the lighthouse.


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FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions 
(please read all before your stay!)


Q: Do you offer a reservation WAITING LIST for possible cancellations?
 Sorry, but we DO NOT keep a waiting list for guests looking to stay with the hope of a last minute cancellation.  The popularity of our Overnight Keepers Program is such the list would be hundreds of names long as folks wait a long time for their stay, so we just do not have cancellations often.  If we had a cxl, it would be offered to paid guests that had to be cxled due to weather issues, which is also very rare. 


Q: Does the lighthouse operate like a typical hotel or bed & breakfast?
Sorry but NO - The lighthouse is not a hotel nor B&B type operation where you can arrive or depart any time you wish-  we must follow very strict check-in/out times due to scheduling our free boat launch service out to the Light..  Our Lighthouse is actually our private home that we  offer to the public for your enjoyment through our Overnight Keepers Educational Program.  The program was developed to encourage guests to experience the life of our brave lighthouse keepers who lived in and maintained the Light from 1881 through 1963.  As our overnight "Honorary Light Keepers," you will gain the knowledge and one-of-kind experience of living in a historic 142 year-old working Lighthouse!

Q: Are we allowed to check-in/check-out at times other than the  established times?

A:. Due to the operational logistics of the lighthouse, we strongly ask our guest Keepers honor the established times- however, with advanced request, we are willing to accommodate changes due to schedules for flight times, travel delays and family emergencies.

Q:  Are bed linens included and is there a housekeeping/cleaning fee?
As part of your volunteer Light Keeper duties, we ask that you assist in bringing the lighthouse back to the same cleaned condition you found it upon check-in.  This simply includes, washing your dishes, stripping and remaking your bed and general cleaning as to return the Light to its original condition. We supply your bed linens, blankets, hand towels, cleaning supplies, etc.
 If you are NOT of the "domestic engineering" sort, and prefer to pay for the housekeeping, you can opt to purchase the $75 cleaning fee during the reservation/booking process.  However, we so wish our Keepers do volunteer to bring the Light back to the original clean condition and save the $75 fee. (Use it towards your food & beverages!)

Q: How much electricity does the lighthouse have, and can we charge our cell phones/tablets?
A: The lighthouse is completely "OFF the GRID" - with no outside electricity, running water, wi-fi, cable, etc. We are strictly powered by a bank of solar panels and heavy-duty batteries. We have a large inverter that converts the battery power into normal 110V electricity. There is normally enough power to power our lights, fridge, TV and yes, charge cell phones - we can also power portable CPAP machines.  We do ask for your cooperation in conserving the electricity and water during your stay, especially if it's a cloudy day.  There is not enough power to operate high wattage items such as hair dryers, fans, flat irons or extended use of the microwave.

Q: Is food service available and if not, what kitchen items are available for cooking?
A: Your stay is totally SELF-CATERED or BYOFB- "Bring Your Own Food and Beverages."
Most guests bring food that can be grilled on our outdoor gas grill (propane included) or cooked/warmed on our 4 burner gas stove & oven.  The kitchen is also equipped with a small dorm-sized refrigerator, microwave,  an extremely popular stove-top coffee percolator, french coffee press, (ground coffee is included- or bring your own in a zip-lock!) a 4 burner gas stove & oven, and free bottled drinking water.  We also provide plates, mugs, glasses, wine glasses, cookware, steak knives, eating & cooking utensils, and various spices/seasonings.  We also offer sweeteners and ground coffee, and provide paper goods like paper plates, paper towels, napkins, toilet tissue, etc.
*Food option: Extremely popular option with our guest Keepers has been ordering FRESH SEAFOOD from our Asst. Light Keeper Paul's own local seafood market!  He can deliver whatever you'd like in seafood or steaks for grilling or maybe shrimp cocktail or oysters on the half shell, "lobsta" rolls, prepared foods like "clam chowda" and homemade desserts, etc.  As fresh as fresh can be!  Our guests just RAVE about the quality! Simply order in advance (at least 48hrs.) and he delivers to you upon check-in!
Another option that has been popular is bringing "TAKE-OUT"  food for your meals. Why cook when you have limited time to sit and enjoy the lighthouse?  Fall River features several excellent restaurants to order take-out and bring to the Light instead of cooking. 
The Cove Restaurant, Tipsy Toboggan, Pier 52 & Sagres restaurants, as well as pizza and sandwich chains, are all within 5 minutes of the Marina. 
No... unfortunately they do not offer delivery service out to the Lighthouse- LOL!


Q: Is there fresh drinking water?
YES! Being offshore and totally off the grid, we do not have city water or septic service.  However, we do offer bottled spring water from our sink via a battery operated pump system for washing, cooking, dishes, etc.  We also include plenty of fresh bottled water for drinking. 
Sadly, since we do not have city water service out to the Light, we do not have a shower on the Light.  There are hot showers available at the Marina's clubhouse if desired. (May-Oct. only)

Q: Are other folks allowed to visit the lighthouse during our stay?
 Due to safety & liability reasons, Keepers are not allowed to invite anyone onto the lighthouse at anytime during their stay.  However, for milestone events such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. and only by ADVANCED REQUEST,  up to 10 guests will be allowed to join you for a few hours to celebrate your special occasion at an additional fee.***  We will provide free boat service for your guests at check-in and one return trip back to marina no later than 9 PM. (one round trip)
***Additional charge of $30. per invited guest will apply and all guests are required to sign a waiver of liability.

Q: Does the lighthouse still have a working beacon and foghorn?
 The lighthouse is still a fully active USCG Aid to Navigation. The US Coast Guard operates our modern LED optic in the lantern room that automatically flashes every 2.5 seconds from dusk to dawn. In 2013, the foghorn was permanently removed.
*Please be aware, our lighthouse stands proudly as a U.S. COAST GUARD AID TO NAVIGATION protecting the waters of beautiful Mount Hope Bay and as such, the Coast Guard has right of access to the lighthouse at any time during an emergency.

Q: Is there WiFi or Cable TV?
 The lighthouse is purposely not equipped with WiFi or cable TV. The idea is to "UNPLUG" from the rest of the world and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Light. There is a 32" LCD TV w/DVD player with plenty of DVDs to choose from, as well as local network TV stations via HD antenna.  However we much prefer our guests relax in peace and solitude during their stay, away from the hustle & bustle of daily electronic life!
(There is excellent cell phone service in case you need to stay in touch with home or if there is an emergency.)

Q: Speaking of which, in case of an emergency, who do we call?
A: If there is a medical emergency, use your cell phone to dial 911 (the lighthouse has excellent cell coverage). Fall River has top-notch  police, rescue and fire officers through their Harbormaster. Also, call Kevin, your Lighthouse Keeper. If you witness a boating emergency on the nearby waters, also call 911 who will alert the Coast Guard.

Q: How long does it take to get out to the Lighthouse?
The Lighthouse is located only 1,500 feet offshore. We launch our complimentary boat service from the Borden Light Marina, 1 Ferry Street Fall River, MA via our 20 ft. boat, and the ride only takes 3-5 minutes. (weather-permitting)
Please be aware, all Keepers must climb the vertical steel-rung ladder to access the Lighthouse. (see picture below left)

Q: Can we swim or fish off the lighthouse?
Swimming and fishing are definitely NOT allowed.  The light is located at the mouth of the Taunton River flowing into Mount Hope Bay. It's not uncommon for the currents at the lighthouse to exceed 7-10-kts. making it extremely dangerous to swim.  Also, there are large rocks around the base of the lighthouse as well as boat traffic through the navigational channel.
Fishing is not allowed for safety and sanitary reasons.


Q: Can we bring alcoholic beverages for our stay? Smoking allowed?
A: Yes indeed, guests are welcome to bring and enjoy alcoholic beverages.
However, we request that no one smokes on the Lighthouse property due to fire logistics and historic preservation, as well the comfort of future guests.

Q: Are we allowed to take pictures of the inside and access the lantern room?
A: Our guests are welcome to take as many photos as they would like. Guests are also welcome to access the lantern room where the active light is located. (Sunsets and views are amazing from the lantern room)


Q: Are we allowed to take our boat to the lighthouse?
A: Boats are not allowed to be tied off at the lighthouse or anchored nearby during your stay. The lighthouse is located in a navigable channel and overnight anchoring is not allowed. If you prefer to arrive for your stay via your own boat, transient boat slips are available for rent at the Borden Light Marina- 508-678-7547.  (must reserve slips in advance)

Q: Does the lighthouse float or sway?
A: The lighthouse rests firmly and permanently upon the bottom of the bay. It does not "rock" or "sway" around with the waves like a dock or a boat. It is as solid as being on land. Yay!

Q: What kind of bags should we use and can we bring a small cooler?
A: For clothes/foods: back packs, beach style bags with long handles and small overnight bags work best.  Multiple smaller bags are preferred over less heavier bags.  Saves our backs carrying them up the ladder!
You're more than welcome to bring a small cooler. You must bring your own ice if desired. We do not allow the traditional, large hard sided coolers with side handles as they they are extremely difficult to carry up the ladder.
Soft-sided coolers are best- as we will need to carry it up the red ladder you see pictured bottom left .


Q:  It's been said the Lighthouse is haunted?
A: After decades of rumor, we have had several professional psychics/ mediums and ghost hunters visit the lighthouse, and we are happy to report the wonderful presence of two extremely friendly spirits.  The experts have labeled our spirits as "benign," meaning they do not scare, haunt, spook or show themselves.  We have had a few reports where guests have heard music, footsteps or laughter, but unfortunately, this is extremely rare.
Many of our guests hope to experience some presence during their stay, but sadly, 99.9% do not.  Our main spirit is that of our former Light Keeper Captain John H. Paul, (1912-1927) and the experts claim he remains with us to serve as our "protector" - keeping our guests and Lighthouse safe from  harm.   Our other spirit is that of a 9 yr. old girl named Lucy, who tragically drowned when her family's row boat capsized near the Light in 1929.
Our brave Light Keeper Joe Covo rescued her from the waters, brought her to the Lighthouse, and tried desperately to revive her but sadly she passed away on the Light.  It is said she remains as a spiritual helper to John Paul.
The experts have unanimously agreed they've sensed a warm aura of comfort & peace upon entering the Lighthouse. We graciously thank you John Paul & Lucy for watching over us!



THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING OUR PRESERVATION EFFORTS TO KEEP "THE LIGHT" SHINING FOR ALL TO EXPERIENCE!
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OCEAN
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  • Home
  • Overnight Keepers Program
  • RESERVATIONS
  • History
    • Renovation photos
  • CHECK-IN INSTRUCTIONS