A 16th century Bradford mansion mentioned in the Domesday book is up for sale at £1.5 million.

Royds Hall has been owned by millionaire businessman Sir Ernest Hall for more than 25 years.

It is one of the finest remaining manor houses in the country and parts of it date back to the 1300s.

But now the Grade II Listed Hall, its gardens, stables and paddocks set in 20 acres of land at Low Moor, is on the market.

Sir Ernest, who owns the Dean Clough arts complex in Halifax, declined to comment on the sale, but it is understood he is moving abroad with his family. Since he bought the historic south-facing house in 1975 he has restored it to its former glory.

Paul Spencer, head of residential lettings at York-based FPD Savills, which is selling the property, said he could feel the history in every room.

He said: "It is absolutely fabulous - you feel as though you are on your own little island. It is probably one of the finest houses I have ever seen."

He said the Great Hall was a major feature, with its high vaulted ceiling, stone floor and minstrels' gallery - and the views were breathtaking.

"If this was in North Yorkshire, it would be £4 million. We have had quite a lot of interest," he said.

"This is for somebody who has a young family and wants to find a home to live in for the next ten to 20 years."

The Rookes family were the first tenants in 1313 and in 1598 Henry VIII granted them the freehold in exchange for knight's service.

The family was in the hall for almost 500 years until Edward Rookes died and, in 1788, it was bought by the Low Moor Iron Company. Harry Sugden then bought it in 1932.

Maps of Yorkshire dated 1600 or earlier show Bowling Hall, now a museum, and Royds Hall as the only two houses in the district.

Two years ago Sir Ernest spoke out against plans to build homes on land around the Hall as part of a multi-million pound Royds Regeneration scheme.

He feared the beauty of the countryside heritage would be spoilt and said the site and its ancient woodland should be for the people to enjoy.

Royds Community Association took its name from the hall and used the Rookes' symbol as part of its logo.

Keith Thomson, a director of Royds, said he was invited into the hall during the debate over the green fields surrounding the mansion.

"Sir Ernest Hall wanted to find out a bit more about Royds Community Association and he invited the Royds' board to hold a meeting in his hall," he said. "We all went, you rarely have the opportunity to eat off 15th and 16th century pewter plates."

Mr Thomson, an Independent Bradford Councillor for Wibsey, described it as a "splendid" building.