Heceta Lighthouse B&B
Have you ever dreamed of staying overnight in a lightkeeper’s home? If so, Heceta Lighthouse B&B is a fantastic place to turn this dream into a reality. The Bed & Breakfast is part of Unique Inns, an organization designed for travelers who insist on the extraordinary. Perched high above the often perilous seas of the Pacific, this historic lighthouse and home are one of the most astonishing places a traveler can stay.
Assistant Lightkeeper’s House during the holidays
A Brief History
Built in 1893, the Queen Anne-style assistant lightkeeper’s house is one of the last remaining along the Pacific coast. Travelers can book one of six rooms with various ocean, garden and lighthouse views and imagine the life of a lightkeeper back in time. Originally built in one of the most isolated locations in the Oregon lighthouse service, guests are now able to easily access this breathtaking locale just off coastal Highway 101.
Heceta Head Lighthouse at dawn
Heceta Head Lighthouse was first illuminated in 1894. The light tower stands 56 feet tall and sits 205 feet above the Pacific Ocean below. It is illuminated by a British-made Fresnel style lens, manufactured by Chance Brothers of Birmingham, England. The first order lens projects a light visible for 21 miles and is the most powerful light along the Oregon coast. Still operational, the light was automated in 1963 and the lightkeeper’s home was listed on the National Historic Register in 1978.
Heceta Head Keeper’s House is managed and operated under a concessionaire agreement between a local family business based in nearby Yachats and the U.S. Forest Service, while the lighthouse itself is operated and managed by Oregon State Parks.
The Arrival
Upon arriving, we were warmly greeted by the inn manager, Wendy. She gave us a tour of the home, explained the festivities for the evening, recommended some dinner options and answered our questions. A handwritten welcome note awaited us in our room on the dresser along with an amazing homemade Chocolate Pots de Crème with fresh raspberries and mint picked from the garden on the grounds.
Chocolate Pots de Crème with fresh raspberries and mint from the garden.
One of our first experiences was the wine and cheese social that was served in one of two fireplace-lit rooms overlooking the ocean. This was a great introductory event where guests had the opportunity to relax and converse with each other while enjoying pairings of local Oregon wines and cheeses, crackers, fresh fruits, and a nut assortment.
Local Wines from the Willamette Valley along with cheeses, fruits and nuts
The Accommodations
For our stay, we chose the Lightkeeper’s Room. This room is the only accommodation with a direct view looking out toward the lighthouse further up the headland. Across the hall sits the private Lightkeeper’s Bathroom with a claw-foot cast iron bathtub also overlooking the lighthouse. Little did we know until later that evening just how magical this room choice would be.
The other five guest rooms also have fantastic views. Some look out over the ocean and Cape Cove below, while others overlook the manicured gardens and forested hillsides. The Cape Cove and Queen Anne rooms are the other two accommodations with a shared bathroom across the hall. This bathroom possesses the second of the claw-foot cast iron bathtubs.
One of the most magical experiences during our stay was the moment we retired for the evening. Lying in bed watching the mesmerizing beacon slowly rotating through the misty night sky outside our window was absolutely spectacular. In between the powerful beams of light shooting through the effervescent rains, the lens sparkled like a thousand dancing diamonds. For anyone who has always held a great love or fascination with lighthouses, this experience is one you will hold with you the rest of your days. It was pure magic.
Queen Anne Room
A Culinary Delight
Mike and Carol Korgan, the family which established the Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast in 1995, are also both certified executive chefs. Carol was the first female certified executive chef in Oregon. Their daughter, Michelle, who also owns the Yachats restaurant Ona, is the current owner of the B&B and oversees all decadent dishes served.
Another experience, albeit abbreviated due to COVID-19, was the 5-course breakfast served the next morning in our room. The traditional 7-course breakfast would normally be served in the dining room on the first floor. Each item is based on original recipes from the Korgan family and many ingredients are either locally sourced or grown in the gardens just outside.
Garden Frittata - Alder Smoked Bacon - Salmon cake with grilled sweet corn & apricot aioli
Courses ranged from an improvised fresh watermelon and pear medley accented with mint, honey, and rose water titled Watermelon Bouquet to small-batch alder smoked bacon. A garden frittata made with fresh farm eggs, kale, sweet peppers, caramelized shallots, feta, and tomatoes was superb. The house-smoked salmon cake paired with a grilled sweet corn and apricot aioli was garnished with fresh chives. To finish, a delectable lemon almond polenta cake topped with almond Chantilly cream.
The entire experience was fantastic and one could taste the care and thought that went into each course. This meal is one of the highlights each guest will experience. Should you plan on staying for more than one evening, your 7-course breakfast will vary each day.
Lemon Almond Polenta Cake with Almond Chantilly cream
In Conclusion
Heceta Lighthouse B&B is truly an exceptional place and absolutely delivers the extraordinary. Aside from the gracious service and superb culinary experience, guests also have a host of classic Oregon coastal activities to enjoy. These include beach walks along Cape Cove, forest hikes up to the lighthouse or Hobbit Beach to the North to simply relaxing in the Adirondack chairs along the outdoor wraparound porch. Should the often unpredictable coastal weather turn wet, there are plenty of books, games, and puzzles to enjoy in any of the comfortable rooms throughout the house.
If you love lighthouses and have ever dreamed of being able to spend a night or two in a lightkeeper’s home, Heceta Lighthouse B&B is one of the rare places you can turn this dream into a reality. It offers an unforgettable experience. With the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, waves crashing in the distance and sea birds calling out to one another, this special place will leave you with nothing but a sense of calm and gratitude. You will long to return.
Adirondack sitting on wrap around porch at Heceta Lighthouse B&B