Getting away from the Grand Strand for a mountain weekend is one thing, but what about something closer to home—a coastal retreat with rolling waves and fish swimming below your bedroom? It’s not a cruise ship, but Richard Neal’s vision for a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast, Frying Pan Tower.

Neal, who works for a software company, discovered the decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard light tower—located at Frying Pan Shoals, twenty-five miles off the coast of North Carolina—up for auction. He had the winning bid, and Neal officially took possession of the tower’s 6,000 square feet and twenty-four rooms in late August.

With guests sleeping seventy-five feet above the ocean’s surface, Neal envisions a lodging that will offer seven rooms—all facing miles of ocean. He has seen Frying Pan Tower from his small plane, but plans a proper visit in September. With access stairs damaged by a hurricane and the helicopter deck unusable, Neal had to buy the structure as-is—even before setting foot on it.

The tower boasts a “Texas Tower”–style oil-drilling platform and was modified for use as a lighthouse that was put in place in 1966 to mark Frying Pan Shoals for passing ships. With the advent of GPS navigation, it was deactivated in 2003, though continued to be a popular destination for anglers and divers because of its artificial reef.

Volunteer labor will restore the tower, and Neal says there are numerous skilled laborers already offering their services. He also hopes that Frying Pan Tower’s acquisition—one man with a grand dream—will serve as inspiration. “It is our goal to take this simple, rather large piece of steel out in the ocean and use it to also restore the ‘can-do’ attitude we know still exists in America.”

Though the rates for this above-the-waves resort have not been published, Neal has been contacted by dozens of parties ready to book short stays in 2011. With plans to restore the outside stairs and later outfit the tower with wave and wind power, renovations are due to begin in the fall. The platform will be accessible by helicopter and boat from Southport, North Carolina, little more than an hour’s drive from Myrtle Beach.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, start planning your ocean-going vacation now. Neal is taking reservations and aims to have the Frying Pan Tower ship-shape for extended stays by 2012.

Frying Pan Tower
33º 29’ N, 77º 35.5’ W
See more photos and make your reservation at
www.fptower.com.