City of New London Seeks New Innkeeper for Historic Lighthouse Inn Resort

The City of New London is looking for a new innkeeper for its historic Lighthouse Inn Resort, located at 48 Guthrie Place in New London, Connecticut, and recently issued an Invitation For Bids (IFB) for the private rehabilitation of the storied property. Situated on more than four acres, overlooking the picturesque Long Island Sound, the Lighthouse Inn Resort features the historic “Mansion”, as well as two additional buildings and associated landscaping. The most prominent building is the celebrated 40,000-square-foot, two-story Lighthouse Inn, an example of Mission-style architecture built in 1902, which offers 27 guest rooms, as well as a kitchen, bar and dining area.  The additional outbuildings include the charming 11,000-square-foot, two-story Carriage House with 24 guest rooms, an 860-square-foot salon/spa building, outdoor swimming pool, and gazebo.

“The Lighthouse Inn is a unique New London treasure,” said Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio. “The City has set its minimum bid price low and has limited the restrictions on any potential bidder’s proposal. Purchasing this historic structure will be a fantastic opportunity for the successful bidder.” 

In order to purchase the historic Lighthouse Inn, the City has requested that qualified developers put forward a minimum bid of $500,000, as well as confirm that the rehabilitation of the mansion – the main inn building comprising guest rooms, a restaurant and meeting rooms – remain consistent with the historic building preservation guidelines by the Secretary of the Interior.  In addition, the City is looking for prospective buyers who will operate the Lighthouse Inn in a manner consistent with the traditional inn and will be required to complete repairs to the property within two years.

Qualified individuals, firms or development teams interested in purchasing the Lighthouse Inn property can find bid information on the City’s website at www.ci.new-london.ct.us under “Projects” or may contact the City of New London’s Office of Development & Planning at 860.437.6309.  All proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

In 1902, steel magnate Charles S. Guthrie built the Lighthouse Inn as his country home overlooking Long Island Sound and called it Meadow Court after the wildflowers, which surrounded it. Famous landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park, designed the formal grounds. The Mediterranean-style mansion, known today as the Lighthouse Inn, formed a half circle so every room of the house had a view of the gardens or the Sound. Meadow Court became a focal point for society events and a retreat for film stars including Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Operated as an inn since 1927, the mansion guest rooms were once filled with antiques, four-poster beds and armoires.

Today, the historic Lighthouse Inn Resort, an American classic that was once a millionaire’s dream home, is now available for a new generation to enjoy. This extraordinary development project features 48 rooms and includes a restaurant, tavern and outdoor dining area, plus gazebo, pool and patio. As a former Gold Crown Resort, the property also offers pool facilities, a salon and day spa, and is a short walk to the shore and beach.  The property is situated less than two hours from both Boston and New York, and conveniently located just minutes away from two of the world’s largest casinos, great family attractions, fabulous shopping and countless fine and international dining opportunities in the coastal center of Mystic Country in New London, Connecticut.