The Old Hall in Mulbarton is a Grade II Listed former manor house, which dates back to the 1500s and is for sale for £1.4m.

Tucked away down a long, private drive and set in some seven acres of beautiful grounds, including formal garden, paddock and woodland, The Old Hall has a sense of being deep in the heart of the Norfolk countryside.

Yet in reality, the spacious, seven-bedroom former manor house is just a short stroll from the centre of the village of Mulbarton and approximately 15 minutes' drive from the centre of Norwich.

'Location was very important to us when we were considering moving house,' recalls owner Frances Lee, who has been here for about 10 years now. 'This property was in an idyllic position but also offered great convenience; many large houses in Norfolk have one or the other so we felt very fortunate to have found both in this place.'

Living further away from Norwich at the time, the family was keen to find a home that was closer to the city but did not compromise everyone's love of country living, she explains.

But as much as they loved the glorious setting of The Old Hall, they were also taken with the fascinating Grade II Listed country house itself – and it is easy to see why. Now on the market with Chewton Rose for £1,400,000, it dates back to the 1500s and presents room after room of magnificent character features.

Hanging in the drawing room are two watercolour paintings of The Old Hall, which date back to the 18th century and are the work of artist Emily Draper. These will stay with the house, as will a 17th century map of the village, currently adorning the sitting room.

From the main wooden staircase at The Old Hall to the exposed oak beams and inglenook fireplaces in its reception rooms, echoes of the property's past can be seen throughout – there is even an old bread oven in the kitchen.

Yet as visitors wander through the three-storey home they also appreciate its unusual high ceilings, and unexpectedly bright and airy ambience.

The main part of the property offers generous accommodation. Visitors enter via a lobby and then move on into the reception space, where they find the drawing room, sitting room and family room or study.

The drawing room, with its inglenook fireplace and wood-burning stove, is a particular favourite place to spend time as it is cosy and welcoming in the colder months while cool and inviting on hot summer days.

Upstairs in the main part of the property there is a spacious master bedroom, four other bedrooms, a dressing room and two bathrooms. On the top floor, there are currently three attic rooms but this part of the house could be arranged to suit the needs of new owners, perhaps comprising more bedroom and bathroom space, or even a leisure area.

Adjoining the main house via an entrance hall is an annexe, providing flexible, additional accommodation. Here there is a sitting room, dining room, kitchen and conservatory, as well as two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

While the annexe can be kept quite separate from the house, it can also be brought into the main accommodation.

The previous owner of The Old Hall was an artist and made a studio from a separate building in the grounds; Frances is currently transforming this into a gym. She and her family have also enjoyed being able to pursue their passion for riding, keeping up to four horses at the property at times.

• The Old Hall is on the market with Chewton Rose at a guide price of £1,400,000. For more information call 01603 622017