One of England's great Tudor manor houses, dating from the 15th century and set in exquisite gardens, is up for sale for £7.5million.

Athelhampton House is located in Puddletown, just seven miles from Dorchester off of the A35 trunk road.

The house itself measures at 15,662 square feet and sits in grounds spreading out over 29 acres.

You will have plenty of options on where to sleep, with 11 bedrooms, eight bathrooms and 8 living areas.

It is regarded as a great visitor attraction that is not to be missed when visiting Dorchester, with a four and a half star rating on Trip Advisor based on 658 traveller reviews.

Dating from 1485, the great hall is a fine example of domestic Tudor architecture, the house has many interesting rooms, filled with antique furnishings and art.

The gardens, remodelled in 1891, surround the house and there are many 'compartments' built with ham stone, each with a different style or theme, water feature, pond or fountain. This won the 1997 Christies' Garden Of The Year Competition.

The great court features the 12 world famous giant yew tree pyramids and the gallery in the west wing exhibits works by the Russian artist Marevna who lived at the house in the 1940s/50s.

The house and gardens are protected by a Grade 1 listing, and are well maintained so that they are protected for future generations.

Tourists can enjoy a great lunch or afternoon tea at the excellent visitor centre complete with restaurant, tea room, gift shop and plant sales area.

Camilla Elwell, the property agent for Savills, said: "Athelhampton is undoubtedly one of the most magical houses in Dorset - steeped in history but with 21st Century living in mind."

The house regularly hosts events including weddings and school proms. A movie starring Dame Maggie Smith was also shot at the house in October 2008.

Afterwards writer, director and Oscar winner Julian Fellowes, from West Stafford, hailed Athelhampton as ‘the star of the movie’.

He said: “It’s thrilling to see it again and wonderful to watch in Athelhampton. The house is really the star of the movie, along with Maggie Smith of course.

“I wanted a house that had personality and this house has a real character, so in that way it was exactly what Green Knowe should be. I’m very pleased it started here in its own cradle.”