August 13, 2025

Iconic Lighthouse up for Auction, Open to Competitive Bidders

BOSTON – Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a unique opportunity to own a historic lighthouse on Long Island Sound.

The Penfield Reef Lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, includes a 51-foot octagonal lighthouse built in 1874 and a two-story, 1,568 square foot keeper’s dwelling.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for historic preservation,” said Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner Glenn C. Rotondo. “This auction not only supports GSA’s mission of responsible asset management but also provides a rare chance for someone to own an iconic piece of American maritime heritage located in scenic Long Island Sound.”

The offshore lighthouse in Fairfield Connecticut marks a submerged reef which extends southeast from Fairfield Beach. It is approximately one mile from the entrance of Black Rock Harbor in Bridgeport, Conn., and is accessible only by boat. The lighthouse will remain an active aid to navigation.

This online auction represents GSA’s commitment to serve American taxpayers, reduce government spending and maintain responsible stewardship of public assets.

Details:

• Advanced registration and a registration deposit of $10,000 is required.
• Bid increments are $10,000.
• Only registered bidders will be offered an opportunity to inspect the Property.
• Tuesday, August 19 at 9:00 a.m. is the last opportunity to inspect the lighthouse.
• The successful bidder is required to obtain a submerged land lease from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEEP).

Those interested in bidding are strongly urged to read the Invitation for Bids and additional information.

This auction, scheduled to conclude on August 20, employs a rolling closing. If a bid is submitted within 24 hours of the scheduled closing time, the auction will be extended by 24 hours. This extension process will repeat until no bids are received within a 24-hour window. To ensure fair participation, auctions will not close on weekends or holidays; the closing time will be postponed to the next business day.

For additional details and inquiries/questions regarding a property inspection:

Contact:
Office of Real Property Disposition (1PZ)
New England Region
Phone: 617-565-5700
realestate.sales@gsa.gov

For inquiries/questions regarding payment, contact the following sales office:

New England Region
10 Causeway Street
11th Floor
Boston, MA 02222
Phone: 617-565-5700

The marketing and sales effort is being handled by GSA’s Real Property Disposition Division.

For more information, visit: https://realestatesales.gov/asset-details/?property_id=23

About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of over 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $110 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.