Shiver and shine... lighthouse put up for sale with one or two unexpected guests

A HISTORIC – but haunted – lighthouse is looking for a new owner.

The landmark on the banks of the Humber, at Paull, built in 1836 to stop vessels running aground, is on the market priced at 189,950.

The property, which was built by Trinity House, in Hull, has superb views over the estuary, but it has also has what present owner Jim Deighton described as “one or two unexpected guests”.

Mr Deighton said that on a dozen occasions he or other people had sensed other presences. Neighbours in the coastguard cottages next door had reported seeing a small man in a uniform “walking through the wall”.

However, he said he believed that the ghosts were “friendly”. The artist added: “I have had 25 happy years there and it has absolutely superb views. But it does take a hell of a lot of looking after.

“Keeping up with the maintenance is a constant task. The move gives me more time to concentrate on my art.”

Martin Russell, of Reeds Rain estate agents, said there had already been a lot of interest in the property, which consists of a house attached to the tower, with three bedrooms.

Mr Russell said: “It’s very rare that this type of property comes on the market. It’s just about getting the right person, someone who appreciates the property for what it was and is willing to do some work on it. It needs a good bit of tender loving care.”

A ladder gives access to the lamp room at the top of the tower, which has a small door giving out onto a balcony.

The lamp room was built facing Hull to guide vessels leaving the port to a safe channel in the estuary. The building is Grade II-listed.

The lighthouse went out of use in 1870 when the sandbanks moved and caused the channel to shift and new lighthouses were built at Thorngumbald Clough. The cottages linked to the lighthouse on either side predate the tower.