THERE is a school of thought among those of a pessimistic nature that you can’t possibly buy a good family home in York for less than £250,000 – the three per cent stamp duty threshold.

Well, we think that’s very much a glass half-empty kind of philoso- phy. We think there are a lot – well, at least quite a few – very decent properties under that £250k mark.

There is also a very good argument for raising that threshold, given how substantially average house prices have risen since it was first set, but that is another matter.

Here are two properties that grabbed our attention this week.

They are both on the books of Your Move Anscombs but we would rec- ommend a trawl around any of the York estate agents – and you might be pleasantly surprised.

For now, however, let us look at the first of this terrific twosome, an outstanding traditional (with a twist) semi-detached house in Water Lane, Clifton.

There is a huge amount to admire about this property, including a lovely blend of original character with contemporary styling.

The highlights include a beautiful bay-windowed front lounge with a feature fireplace and surround and attractive alcoves. There is then a super dining room with exposed floorboards and a French door set in a big bay window opening out onto the rear garden.

The ground floor is completed by a stylish kitchen with a good range of wall and base units in high white with contrasting worktops.

Upstairs, this extended property offers three bedrooms and a bath- room on the first floor while there is a real “wow factor” room in the shape of a light and bright master bedroom and en-suite shower room on the second floor.

There are gardens front and back – with the rear garden having a westerly aspect – and a garage.

It is offered at £250,000 – you can draw you own conclusions on the difference that 50p will make to the potential £7,500 stamp duty levy.

Meanwhile, you will find plenty of space, plenty of light and plenty of bubbly brightness at our next pick, a semi-detached house in Summerfield Road, Woodthorpe.

We loved the look of the long, open-plan through lounge dining room, with smart laminate wood flooring, a feature fireplace and lots of light streaming in from French doors opening onto the garden.

But there is much more to enjoy on this gently roaming and spa- cious ground floor, including a well-presented kitchen/breakfast room to the front and a large family room – again with French doors opening onto the garden – at the back.

On the first floor, two large double bedrooms share a house bathroom while on the second floor there are two further bedrooms and a WC with wash hand basin.

Good gardens and a garage complete a very smart package, for which the asking price, again, is £250,000.

• In both instances contact Your Move Anscombs on 01904 621532.