Is this the world’s most dangerous hotel? Check out the Frying Pan Tower, a former light station plagued by hurricanes, surrounded by sharks, huge fish, and only accessible by helicopter. Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower is a decommissioned lighthouse located approximately 29 miles southeast of Southport, North Carolina. The light tower is modeled after a steel oil drilling platform, known as a “Texas tower” on top of four steel legs that was engineered to be used as a lighthouse housing several Coast Guard members. The platform consists of two floors. The bottom floor is a living area of approximately 5,000 square feet that includes seven bedrooms, kitchen, office, storage area, recreation area and toilet facilities.
The “Hotel” was purchased in August 2010 for $85,000 to a private individual, Richard Neal of Charlotte, North Carolina. Neal, with the aid of volunteers, has refurbished the light, converting it into a “bed-and-breakfast for the adventurous”, with accommodation for up to eight. The facility is now open for paying guests.
According to fptower.com: “The restoration of the Frying Pan Tower is being conducted by volunteers; financed through contributions and the donation of needed supplies. This unique part of American history is being preserved so that generations to come will have an opportunity to enjoy what very few people have experienced: the ever changing, never changing life 85′ above the Atlantic Ocean.”
If you’re interested in booking, the prices are: $598 per person for three days, two nights on the Frying Pan Tower (weekdays available on request).
