14/10/2010 – People of Inverclyde were getting the chance to live in a lighthouse, as one of Gourock’s most stunning and historic landmarks went up for sale.

The property attached to Cloch Lighthouse was on the market for the first time in 30 years for offers in the region of £200,000.

It is not known exactly when the house attached to the lighthouse was built, but records show it was sometime between 1797 and 1820 — making it around 200-years-old at the time of the sale.

The owner was retired grandmother Eileen Rombach, who was selling up to move into something smaller.

(Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Rombach, 83, moved into the property with her late husband, David, in 1980 and said the home is filled with wonderful memories.

She said: “I’ve watched so many ships coming and going. You name it, I’ve seen it.

“I used to visit the lighthouse as a child and from around this spot we could see the warships and submarines coming and going during the Second World War, so it already held great memories for me but actually living here has been wonderful.”

The Cloch Lighthouse was built in 1797 by Robert Stevenson and Thomas Smith. It is believed it was originally built to warn boats away from The Gantocks — a dangerous reef of drying rocks, or skerry, directly west of the point.

The tower was 80 feet high and has a fixed white light, visible for 14 miles, which was paired with the Gantocks Light at Dunoon to warn approaching shipping they are entering the River Clyde.

The property was also looked after by the National Trust and Historic Scotland, which protects the historic value of the properties within Scotland.

Mrs Rombach said: “I’ve loved living here. “It has the most beautiful views across the river and it’s so peaceful. But the best bit is the privacy — and no one can build up in front of me.”