The Old Rectory Country House and Restaurant in Wicklow town is expected to make about £900,000 when it is auctioned by Lisney on October 13th. The four-star hotel and its famous restaurant have been run for the past 20 years by Paul and Linda Saunders who now plan to retire.

The Victorian building has been renovated and extended over the years and is in superb condition, according to the agents. There are eight en suite bedrooms, a fitness suite with sauna, as well as owners' accommodation.

The Old Rectory has won many awards for its high standard of accommodation and its restaurant including the AA's "Inspectors Selected Award for Ireland" and the Egon Ronay 1997 award for the Best Healthy Eating in Ireland. The Old Rectory also features in Bridgestone's "100 Best".

The country house hotel stands on over an acre of outstanding gardens. There is planning permission for a extension of 2,200 sq ft.