TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | DEC 2019 21
BIZZ BUZZ By Alaina Loughridge
Lighthouse Inn
Bed & Breakfast
I’ve always loved the look of the Lighthouse Inn Bed & Breakfast and was
so enamored with it, that porch was where we shot our sixth Beachcomber
cover shot. Susie Morris Lilies was kind enough to let our team traipse
through her Inn with dog in tow (RIP Sampson Shearhouse Monroe)! I still
remember that shoot like it was yesterday. That porch is truly what everyone
in the world thinks a porch in the south should be and/or is: A huge wraparound
with the sun on its face, holding wicker furniture, southern comfort
and hospitality. Slowed down living. Languid days soaking up the sun with
the fan lazily twirling above you. Wine glass in hand. Yes, please!
When Pam Goronkin mentioned that she had recently bought the place,
well I had to know more. I hadn’t been there for several years and lots has
happened since then. I had a chance to catch up with Pam about this new
adventure of hers and was easily swept away in her enthusiasm and love
for her new lot in life. Not only does this lady look ‘lit from within like a
lighthouse,’ she radiates just sheer joy at this new opportunity to live and
love her life and everyone in it, whether that be old or new friends.
Born in Tennessee and raised in Indiana, Pam spent her last 25 years
in Minnesota raising her kids and living the cold winter dream of every
northerner this time of year. She had been coming to Tybee periodically to
visit family throughout the years and always loved it here. When the kids
left and empty nest syndrome hit hard, along with those chilly Minnesota
winters, Pam was out and who can blame her? With a kismet planetary
alignment that only God knows how it happens, Lighthouse Inn was for
sale and Pam, missing a house full of kids and craziness, cooking, voices,
laughter and joy, walked in the door and was flat out sold.
To give you the backstory, the Lighthouse Inn B & B was built in 1910
by Fort Screven personnel for a Lieutenant. This was back during Fort
Screven’s heyday. The bakery was across the street and the cafeteria was
just down the way. Officers lived in their own housing with the enlisted men
in the bunks. Throughout the years, it went from being the Lieutenant’s
home to being home to a chaplain, a bandleader and many more. It has
been added to throughout the years by the various homeowners who
have all had different ideas about what would look best or be best for the
home family. That leaves lots of nooks and quirky crannies and interesting
architectural waves and flows to admire.
It’s hard to say exactly who occupied that particular home throughout
all the years that have passed, but in circa 1997, Stewart and Susie Lilies
bought the place and turned it into the Lighthouse Inn Bed & Breakfast. They
ruled the roost for the next 20 odd years. Selling it on in 2017 to Tony and
Liza Banguilan, was the year of the renovation! Updating everything from
the wiring, plumbing, propane, gas, saltwater swimming pool, tiny house
addition in the back for the owners, adding porches, granite countertops,
and a good shaking up, the place took on a whole new look and feel.
Never having owned her own business before, Pam emphatically
states she never could have started out properly without the help of Liza
Banguilan, who spent hours teaching Pam the books and the ins and outs
of running a B&B. That is no easy task. However, Pam was meant to be
there and it’s obvious down to the linens and the paintings on the wall.
Everything has her homey and comfy touch.
Lighthouse Inn B & B has a total of 4 rooms. One king and three queens,
each with their own unique appeal and feel. Each has their own fridge, flat
screen television and full bathroom (2 with claw foots!!!). There is private
parking and bikes, beach chairs and beach towels are provided. There is
a limit of 2 adults per room and no one under 18 is allowed. This creates
an intimate couple retreat that is perfectly centered. The beach is right
there, you are on Tybee, Savannah is an Uber ride away and it’s Southern
living. Even when the weather is being difficult, it really isn’t a bad thing
being stuck indoors playing on the grand piano or reading a book or putting
together a puzzle and drinking wine with your bestie.
The backyard is stunning! Between the beech trees and the saltwater
pool, nestles a pergola that is ideal for whiling away hours of just doing
nothing. Or, you know, you could get married there too. Have a hell of a
wedding reception. Listen to live music. The possibilities are endless.
Have I mentioned breakfast yet? Well, it is all homemade with a little
help from our locals - Farmer’s Market, Tybean, 80E Gastro Pub and Davis
Produce. There is always meat on the table, fresh fruit and produce. It’s
not a buffet. It is a sit-down plated service call to clan and on Sundays it’s
Pam-Cakes Day: A buttered roasted sweet potato Pam-Cake. Nothing else
can be said about that. Happy Hour is every night from 4pm to 6pm and
there will be red and white wines, cheese, veggies, good conversation and
good vibes.
Pam is always delighted to have a house full of people. She is fascinated
by people and enjoys hearing their stories of how they ended up on Tybee.
She also loves to cook and clean, so this is clearly her forte.
People from around the world come to Tybee, but Pam doesn’t forget
us. If locals want a staycation away from the kids and the ugh of our own
houses, go directly to her website (tybeebb.com) or call her directly at 912-
786-0901 for a 10% locals discount. You can always just drive by too.
Located at 16 Meddin Drive, Lighthouse Inn is so cool and the history is
fascinating. Check it out!
/(tybeebb.com
