Landmark home for council tenant

A keen historian is sought for the 17th Century Dutch Cottage

A council tenant is being sought for a 17th Century cottage in Essex.

The 20ft (6.2m) Dutch Cottage, in Rayleigh, a landmark in the Essex town, stands vacant and the district council is seeking to fill it.

As well as gaining a one-bedroomed round home, any prospective tenant would have to welcome visitors in.

The council said it was looking for someone keen on history as a tenant would be expected to give guided tours once a week.

The candidate must be someone with a passion for the local heritage, a knowledge of history, and a willingness to act as a guide for tours for the public, the council said.

The Dutch Cottage was acquired by the Urban District Council of Rayleigh in 1965.

It had been in private ownership and was sold to the council under a trust agreement.

The council undertook a major restoration in the early 1980 and the property has been tenanted since then.