A 19th century lighthouse complex designed by Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson’s uncle has gone on the market for £275,000 in Caithness, northern Scotland.
Although the lighthouse tower itself, which still operates, remains the property of the Northern Lighthouse Board, the other buildings are up for grabs.
They include the lighthouse keeper’s cottage, superintendent’s cottage, former engine room, former stable and storehouse, and 15 hectares of land.
The cottages may not look very grand, but the historical home comes with an impressive backdrop of the rugged coastline.
It is 18 miles from John O’Groats, and projects out into the North Sea and has breathtaking views.
The lighthouse was built in 1849 by Alan Stevenson, a member of the famous Stevenson family of engineers, which included his brother Thomas, father of Robert Louis Stevenson – famed for works including Kidnapped and Treasure Island.
Alan Stevenson built 13 of them around Scotland between 1843 and 1853, but this one is believed to be the first with a diagonal glass framed lantern room.
A spate of shipwrecks in the early 19th century prompted the decision to install the lighthouse and the unemployed poor of the area were paid 3/6d a day to build an access road from nearby Wick to Noss Head.
The lighthouse was automated in 1987 and the Clan Sinclair Trust acquired the estate in 2006.
The trust is now selling it to raise funds for the ongoing preservation of the crumbling Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage is a Category A listed building, which was constructed in the classic Stevenson style.
An Egyptian-style building in traditional white with ochre trim, it was once two separate residences but has since been knocked into one spacious three-bedroom home with a study, kitchen, dining room, living room and two bathrooms.
But the four-bedroom Superintendent’s Cottage was a later addition and is not listed.
Alastair Campbell, from estate agents Bidwells, said: ‘The history of Noss Head itself and the surrounding area makes this property quite unique and will no doubt be of great interest to a variety of prospective purchasers.
‘Although unusual, Noss Head would lend itself to a range of uses and the new owners will certainly not tire of the views.
‘The setting is very secluded; the land is bounded by a dry stone wall which spans Noss Head from north to south, effectively dividing the property from the rest of the headland.’
