SOUTHPORT (WECT) – If you enjoyed the movie Safe Haven, you might have a chance to step into a scene of the movie. According to the Southport tourism director, Relativity Media has offered to donate the Safe Haven movie set known as "Katie's Cottage" to the City of Southport.
The city would have to assume responsibility for relocating the cottage from its current location – Pleasant Oaks Plantation off NC Highway 133. The most likely city-owned location for the rustic cottage would be the area adjacent to Franklin Square Park that was formerly the location of the old fire station.
But the move will cost the city and its residents. According to Southport planning board member Dale McPherson, the 16x24 cottage (plus porch) is too large to easily move by a traditional method by uplifting and transporting via trailer.
The builder of the cottage, Marvick Fahey, has suggested that if the cottage were to be relocated, it would need to be both disassembled and transported to Southport on a flatbed truck. According to the building inspector, once the cottage arrives, its final resting place in Southport, it can be reconstructed to meet code requirements.
Fahey quoted a price of $15,000 to disassemble and rebuild the cottage in Southport. Additional costs, including additional wiring, HVAC, and an access ramp would also be needed to place the building in public use.
McPherson has agreed to provide a trailer for transporting the cottage to Southport, and the tourism director says that volunteers are available to assist in other moving-related duties.
Relativity Media has imposed a deadline to the city for a final decision on its offer by Monday, March 18.
The city will vote on the proposed acquisition and cost to move the cottage at Thursday (March 14) night's city council meeting.
Southport officials say "Katie's Cottage" has potential as a significant tourist attraction associated with the Safe Haven exhibit at the Visitor Center.
Sources say another organization is reportedly standing by to accept the donation if the City of Southport wishes to decline the offer.
Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.
Inside Katie's cottage. (Source: Relativity Media, Kara Lindstrom)
Inside Katie's cottage. (Source: Relativity Media, Kara Lindstrom)
Inside Katie's cottage. (Source: Relativity Media, Kara Lindstrom)
