A grand country hall may not be the first type of property that springs to mind when you think of a typical cosy home, but the two ideas are not mutually exclusive. For example, Morley Old Hall in Morley St Peter, Norfolk, which is far from typical.
The building itself is a stunning 16th century Elizabethan structure, with sloping roofs that show off a hint of the turreting which was classical at the time, and is even enclosed by a moat. But inside, the house presents a far more intimate proposition than the outside might suggest. As you would expect with a property of this age Tudor beams feature throughout, while rooms in this property are not all high-ceilings and draughty space that you might expect; instead, the house is a series of snug rooms with low ceilings which bring those beams into the heart of the space.
What also makes Morley Old Hall a cosy home is the great care that has been taken during the recent renovation to respectfully work in those modern features which make the property more liveable. This means that alongside the mullion-leaded windows and original brick fireplaces is an efficient central heating system, extensive rewiring to allow for the use of delicate mood lighting, and new plumbing which brings the bathrooms (of which there are many) into the 21st century.
The traditional E-shaped layout of Old Morley Hall begins with the entrance hall, with corridors leading off into the cosy dining hall, drawing room, kitchen and two en-suite bedrooms which are the ideal snug haven for guests, as they both come with separate access.
Heading up the original oak staircase brings in three further bedrooms, a bathroom and an upstairs sitting room, all of which continue the comfortable and cosy feeling without ever feeling small – you don’t forget you’re in a substantial period property thanks to the commitment that has been made to retaining original features.
Up another level and in that sloping roof you’ll find secreted away two more bedrooms and another sitting room.
Morley Old Hall proves that grand country halls do not have to be spacious and cold – big can mean cosy too. Similar properties to Morley Old Hall can be found at Savills, Norwich.
***This post is in association with Savills***
