“AH, that’s very Wheldrake…” I had been looking at the beautiful external picture of this week’s property pick on the screen of my computer. A surveyor acquaintance of mine immediately recognised the location.

Now, I know it’s his job – and he sees a lot of houses. But even so. It says much about the village that it can be immediately identified from the picture of one house in isolation.

But then Wheldrake is that sort of place – steeped in history (it was established long before the Norman Conquest of 1066) and character (it has been classed as “a conservation area of some significance since the 1970s).

What’s more it is set in beautiful countryside with Wheldrake Ings, an “internationally important” nature reserve where “many wild flowers flourish and rare birds prosper”.

So much for history and location, then (and thanks to Wikipedia for the background research). But what about this week’s property?

Well, this is a house which, like the village in which it sits, is full of history, charm and character.

It is Number 5, Main Street, a stunning 18th century detached house which, from the moment you set eyes on its sprawling, mellow red brick frontage, tugs at the heart strings.

And while it resides happily with its neighbours and might be “very Wheldrake”, it is very much its own property.

Indeed it has been beautifully refurbished and upgraded by its present owners, who have skillfully blended old with new, creating contemporary comforts while very much staying true to the house’s roots.

But let us walk you through this stylish home and you will see what we mean… We will start in the delightful, sun-splashed lounge which has exposed beams running across the ceiling, recesses either side of a feature open fireplace with brick hearth.

It’s a lovely, cosy and comfortable sitting room – and it has the added advantage of an attached study/office (a fine gentleman’s retreat) with windows drawing in the light from two sides.

There is a separate dining room, again a cosy spot full of character with ceiling beams and a feature living flame cast iron stove set in an exposed brick surround with wooden mantel over.

The spacious breakfast kitchen is another delight, a bright and lively spot with stone flooring and modern base and wall units in warm wood with contrasting black granite work surfaces and a double Range-style oven and hob.

There’s more to come, too, with a door from the kitchen opening to a rear hall off which there is a utility room and ground floor cloakroom.

And there is plenty of space upstairs, too – where that blend of tradition and contemporary styling has been used to great effect.

The master bedroom, for instance, has a range of smart fitted wardrobes and a modern en-suite with walk in shower, washbasin and low level WC.

There are three further bedrooms to this floor and one of them is youngster’s delight – reached as it is by stairs up to a mezzanine level (a study area for homework or a pirate hideaway… or wherever imagination will take you).

All of these bedrooms, by no means by the way, are bright and light and attractively presented.

The house bathroom, too, has been skilfully modernised, making the most of the swooping spaces with a feature roll top cast iron bath, a large walk-in shower, hand basin and WC and chrome towel rail/radiator (another of those mod con touches every home needs).

So a very individual home with lots of style and space inside – and with a lot to offer externally, too, including an attractive lawned rear garden with a patio area and fringed with flower borders and shrubs and bushes.

A driveway also runs to a detached brick garage with up and over door, power and light and steps up to a boarded loft space (so lots of potential to create more than just a garage).

Finishing as we started, we will sign off with a few details about modern day Wheldrake. It is located six miles south of York with good road links not only to York city centre but to the A19 and A64 and other commuting routes. Local facilities include a supermarket/post office, local pub and a popular primary school (and the village is in the catchment area of the highly regarded Fulford School).

Super house, then, in a super spot.

At a glance

5 Main Street, Wheldrake

Reception rooms: 3 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 (plus ground floor cloaks).

Gardens: Attractive rear garden and double garage.

Wow factor: A refurbished house full of genuine character and charm.

Price: £525,000.

Contact: Churchills. Phone: 01904 646622.