The 40-acre island is linked to the Guernsey by an ancient causeway

The 40-acre island is linked to the Guernsey mainland near L'Eree by an ancient causeway which is covered at high tide.

Although the house is popular with nature lovers, Guernsey States, which spent about �20,000 maintaining it last year, wants a tenant.

Several people have already approached the Resources Department.

Chief property manager, John Sylvester, said: "The States originally wanted the house to be a hostel for youth groups and that was reasonably successful.

"But because these organisations do not have any money themselves the States have had to put all the money in for maintenance themselves."

Mr Sylvester added: "There is a lot of interest from the private sector who would like to take the house on as a let and spend some money on it, but we will look at every bid."

A decision is likely to be taken in the next few months.