Mr & Mrs Smith

As you might hope from a property that harks back to England's golden age, this aristocratic house is rich in cultural clout. In fact, these particular reviewers feel honoured to have stayed somewhere so steeped in history. There has been a manor house on this patch of Norfolk since the 11th century but the current hall dates from 1569 – hardly your average self-catering stay.

From the moment you drive along the avenue of lime trees in front of the house, and before you even ring the jangling front door bell you get a sense of Felmingham Hall's heritage. Your first sight of the interior will be of flagstone floors and a huge carved fireplace in the reception hall; these architectural details combine with stylishly upholstered sofas signifying this is a place to revel in history without surrendering any boutique hotel-loving sensibilities. Indeed this beautifully restored Elizabethan manor has all the comforts of modern living.

The walls of the main sitting room are lined with 17th-century portraits, from owner, Roy's, much-treasured collection. As the atmosphere conjures centuries past, you could be forgiven for overlooking a TV, CD and DVD player in the corner – after all, for all its Elizabethan splendour, this extra-special self-catering property also has all the facilities needed for an unforgettable escape. A unique room  decked out not only with antiques and audio-visual enhancements, but also with a baby grand piano. When it comes to entertaining, Felmingham Hall doesn't do things by halves. As befits such a regal property, there are plenty of corners for your courtiers to relax or socialise in. Kick off a special-occasion stay with cocktail shenanigans in the snug bar with banquette seats. It's an ideal aperitif or after-hours rendezvous in which to flex your then-meets-now mixology skills – 'Mead martini, anyone?' As for the huge dining table in the dining room, it is made from a single mighty piece of timber. Adding to its filmic impact at sunset, the west-facing window catches dusk's glow magically and overlooks a flower meadow and the fields beyond. For more low-key meals in balmier months, there's a dining table and chairs located next to the little summer house in the garden. All you need is Cate Blanchett among the cast.

Climb the grand oak staircase past a witty mural with a modern take on mounted antlers, and you'll find another eye-popping sitting room. With a Tudor-style ribbed and moulded ceiling, a vast fireplace, incredible portraits and a mini library, it lies in the centre of a floor flanked by three four-poster-enhanced bedrooms. These follow the same beguiling formula of perfectly preserved history laced with contemporary comforts. 14 can sleep in the hall, and if need be, six in the neighbouring Dovecote and 10 in the Longbarn, which makes it a versatile venue which is ideal for special celebrations, family holidays and house parties. Banish any fears of old-fashioned plumbing in the main hall (apart from the occasional gurgle of pipes in the night): each of these grand rooms has its own own pretty white mosaic-tiled ensuite.

Head up another floor, and you'll find four more bright and airy bedrooms, including one with an oak four-poster. Two of these simple but stylish boudoirs are ideal as twins or as family rooms. As grown-up as this grand manor house is, children are well catered for at Felmingham Hall, especially as there’s a fantastic playroom off the dining room with a large selection of toys and games. Just quiz Jamie Oliver, who spent a summer's sojourn here with his family.

For all its indoor quirks and surprises, wood-panelled splendour and oil painting magnificence, Felmingham Hall also has exceptional alfresco allure. The gardens are an idyllic place to relax and there's a heated pool at your disposal from May to October. This luxury stately home-style stay is also the perfect base for exploring one of the finest regions of England. The Norfolk Broads are a 15-minute drive away and the spectacular, sandy stretches of the north Norfolk coast are within easy reach. And these aren't just any old beaches – celebrated throughout the land for seal safaris and kite surfing, it makes summering in the UK an unbeatable option. Alternatively, you can compare your own magnificent manor to those owned by the local aristocracy; the surrounding countryside has several beautiful country houses with landscaped parkland to stroll in.

To ensure the most special of occasions runs smoothly from start to finish, your hosts can also employ a wide range of VIP services. How's about a champagne reception? Or a classic car on loan? They can even arrange a helicopter transfer. After all, it's marvellous being able to step back in time, but for the full once-in-a-lifetime stay, you might fancy a few extra 21st-century thrills as well.

Reviewed by Juliet Kinsman and Jim Whyte