SOMETIMES you just know a house is going to be a little different – and while the saying says you should never judge a book by its cover, it is quite often how houses look from the outside that gives you a clue as to what is to come inside.

And that doesn’t mean we’re talking about big, grand houses… This week we’ve encountered several properties to rent in and around York which have been kept in pristine condition and presented stylishly and smartly.

Take 50 Francis Street in Fishergate. This is a town house in a run of homes close to the city centre, standing with a handsome front door opening on to a beautifully kept interior.

“An early inspection is recommended,” says letting agents Hudson Moody and we suspect they are absolutely right.

The accommodation offers an entrance hall leading through to a spacious sitting room which then runs through to a super, light and bright kitchen with a good range of fitted wall and base units with granite worktops over (and with smart tiled flooring) and with a range of built in appliances including double gas oven and hob, washing machine and fridge freezer.

There is plenty of room for a dining table here in a separate dining area which opens onto an attractive rear courtyard garden (set up nicely with patio area and brightened with colourful hanging baskets).

On the first floor the master bedroom has a range of built-in wardrobes and matching free-standing drawer units and there is a second bedroom and a smart, modern house bathroom.

A third attic bedroom to the second floor completes this stylish package. Hudson and Moody are looking for a rental of £900pcm.

Now, another very nicely presented terraced home, this one in Rosslyn Street on Clifton Green – another good spot, handy for town and commuting routes as well as all the local amenities.

We really loved the way this home has been presented, making the most of period features including high ceilings and ceiling roses, deep coving, picture rails and period-style fireplaces.

Immaculate throughout, decorated in a mix of pastels colours, its sense of style begins from the moment you walk into a hallway with its original Victorian tiled flooring.

There is a front reception room with wood-effect flooring and a superb feature fireplace with decorative tiled insets.

There is a nicely fitted galley-style kitchen with new hobs and white goods and there is a downstairs cloakroom. Upstairs there are two good-sized bedrooms, both with fitted wardrobes.

Outside there is a rear yard withy space for table and chairs and a brick-built barbecue (just the job for enjoying our present spell of warm weather). This excellent house is on offer with City Lets at a rental of £825pcm.

Talking of period pleasures, our next pick, in Knavesmire Cresecent is another Victorian home with lots of style and character. Again you have lots of period touches – which have been brought to the fore by a recent refurbishment.

The accommodation includes a spacious living room with a focal feature fireplace and big bay window overlooking Knavesmire and the racecourse (it’s in a great spot if you like the races!) The fully fitted kitchen diner includes an eight-burner duel fuel cooking range with a double oven (a chef’s dream to work with) an American style fridge freezer cabinet and dishwasher and there is a separate utility room.

There is also a formal dining room (again with panoramic views of Knavesmire and the racecourse).

Upstairs you will find a master bedroom with an en-suite shower room, a spacious family bathroom, a second double bedroom and a single bedroom/study. And there’s more – in the shape of a large double bedroom on the second floor.

The package is completed with a garage and a patio area. The rental for this “unique opportunity” is £1,495pcm. Interested parties should contact Letters of Distinction.

We’re moving now from period to present – and rounding this week off with a look at two modern homes with a dash of their own character and style.

The first is a fine property in Olivias Court, off Nelsons Lane. This is well presented semi-detached cottage which offers a lounge, large dining kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite shower room and a second double bedroom and contemporary bathroom.

Highlights here include the charming lounge and the lovely kitchen with its high white range of wall and base units and granite work surfaces and integrated appliances including oven and hob, fridge-freezer and washer-dryer.

The property has an enclosed lawned garden and patio to the rear and allocated parking for two cars. Nice home for which Ashtons are seeking £825pcm.

And now, in the last but not least spot, we have an uber-elegant property in Trafalgar House, Piccadilly Plaza. This is another beautifully presented home, a penthouse apartment with an elegant manner.

Light, bright and spacious and with good open plan areas the apartment offers an entrance vestibule leading to a large living area with a balcony from which you can enjoy views over to Cliffords Tower and Castle Museum. There is a dining area easing its way through to a large breakfast kitchen with lots of integral appliances.

The master bedroom also has its own balcony and an en-suite with bath and separate shower cubicle. There is a second bedroom and a large bathroom to complete the picture.

“This apartment is not be missed and early viewing is highly recommended to avoid disappointment,” say letting agents Martin and Co who are asking for a rental of £1,395pcm.