Two young women are breathing new life into one of the most familiar sights on the Southern Shore.

With its red-and-white design, the Ferryland lighthouse may be a focal point for the community, but it has been empty for about 25 years.

The 135-year-old Ferryland lighthouse has been restored by Lighthouse Picnics.

Friends Jill Curran and Sonia O'Keefe are building a new business from the 1870 lighthouse – a picnic service.

Tourists flock to the southern shore during the summer months to see whales, seabirds and icebergs.

Now heading into their second year, Curran and O'Keefe are appealing to visitors' palates with gourmet baskets featuring such fare as Mediterranean tarts, sweet scones with orange butter, and freshly squeezed lemonade.

Jill Curran and Sonia O'Keefe

The business was also inspired by a love of Ferryland, and – in Curran's case – a connection to family history.

Curran's great-grandfather, William Costello, was the lighthouse keeper, and her grandmother was born in the lighthouse.

"There was always been a Costello connection here from the time it was built in 1870 right up until it was automated in 1970," Curran says.

O'Keefe, who trained a cooking school in Ireland, says the idea for Lighthouse Picnics was developed over a Christmas holiday, while she visited Curran in Scotland.

They both felt the pull to come back to Newfoundland, and decided to restore the lighthouse as part of the business.

"We knew the view was everything out here," O'Keefe says.

"Picnics in Newfoundland are such a traditional thing, as well and so we really wanted to capture that."

Aside from rewiring the lighthouse, the pair and their contractor installed something it never had: running water.

Curran and O'Keefe say they are able to pursue their dream – finding meaningful work at home.

"Sometimes the idea is right under your nose, the opportunity is kind of right in front of you," says Curran. "Sonia is totally passionate about food and I've always had an interest in history and Newfoundland culture, as Sonia has.

"So, it's just a combination of things that you really love and feel strongly about."