** SHIP'S LIGHT IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING A MAJOR RENOVATION! Having stood the test of time for almost 200 years, the house is now mostly gutted, awaiting a new foundation, upgraded systems and a modified floor plan. We hope to begin renting again later in 2024, when the house is ready for the next 200 years! In the meantime, we will post updates here and will look forward to hosting you again soon! **

Ship’s Light has looked down Cross Street to Chatham Village Center for more than 180 years. Built and occupied by some of Chatham’s most eminent residents since 1825, it was converted to four housekeeping apartments for summer visitors circa 1945. Lovingly restored by long-time current owners, this gracious antique home offers modern comfort and convenience with the character and charm of a bygone era.

The 'Lillian Spohn' apartment is on the 2nd floor and has 3 rooms with a flexible layout--perfect for a couple or a family of three vacationing on a budget. Accommodates 2 adults and 1 child easily. The large eat-in kitchen is light and airy with full-sized appliances and seating for 4. The bedroom has a comfortable double and twin bed, while the living room has a pull-out couch, for additional sleeping accommodations. The living room also has additional seating, cable TV. Wi-Fi is available throughout the house. There is an indoor half bath (no indoor shower) and a fully-enclosed outdoor shower for the exclusive use of Lillian Spohn renters. The shower is conveniently located at the base of the outside stairs leading to the apartment. Robes are provided.

We realize that many travelers not familiar with the tradition of Cape Cod outdoor showers may think this arrangement is odd. On Cape Cod, we think that taking a shower inside in the summer is odd! Why would you want to track sand and salt into your house and steam it up taking a shower when you can take a perfectly lovely shower outside?

As you drive or walk around the beautiful older parts of Chatham, if you look carefully you may notice that almost every house has an enclosed outdoor shower. At our house, about 1 mile from Ship's Light, we have two indoor showers which are barely used in the summer--but we stand in line to use the outdoor shower. So we invite you to embrace the Cape Cod tradition when you stay in the Lillian Spohn apartment; we think you will like it!

A small covered upstairs deck, side yard and gas grills are also available for renters; shared use of a washing machine and dryer is available in the garage.

Centrally located within a short walking distance of excellent Chatham dining, shopping, movies and band concerts, the house is three blocks from the town salt water beach on Oyster Pond, and one mile from Coast Guard Beach, a great stretch of Atlantic Ocean and dunes. Many individuals, couples and extended families consider Ship’s Light their vacation home. We invite you to join them in making your vacation something special.

The Lillian Spohn apartment at Ship’s Light is rented for 3-night minimum stays during the summer and shoulder seasons. Other units with unique features are also available and the whole house can be rented as a 5-to-6 bedroom home for family gatherings.


Keywords: