Fancy a country home in an idyllic setting, surrounded by gentle slopes, woodlands and historic castle ruins?

Well, if you have about £400,000 to spare, Castle Point Council might have just the deal for you.

The council is selling the former ranger's house in the centre of Hadleigh Castle Country Park, with a guide price of £400,000.

The four-bedroom property called Ray View, which sits off an unmade road in the park, was once a maternity home, but had more recently been used by park ranger Tony Dovaston as part of his employment contract.

However, the council says it decided to sell the house after Mr Dovaston told the authority he wished to find his own accommodation.

The decision to sell the property did not come before councillors at committee, but was instead agreed by council leader Pam Challis and deputy leader Jeff Stanley.

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, said: "No one I have spoken to knew about it.

"The council gave delegated authority to the chief executive and solicitor, with the leader, to dispose of council land - but that was for small parcels of land, not something like this.

"It is a wonderful place. It gave us a presence in the country park."

Andrew Smith, the council's chief legal officer, said: "The property is no longer required for is current use and costly renovation would be needed for it to be used by the council for any other purpose.

"By selling the property, the council can release its value and use the proceeds to fund other priorities within the community."

Christine Woolward, Dedman's auction director, said she felt an auction was the best way to deal with the house.

She said: "It is hard to put a value on a property like this because it is so unique.

"There has been a lot of interest in this house.

"There is a resident barn owl and, for someone who likes the location, who likes walking and being in the country, this is ideal."

The auction will take place on Wednesday, January 17 at 3pm in Saxon Hall, Aviation Way, Southend.