SOME might say contemporary, eco-friendly houses are all very well, but aren’t they a little bit soulless.

Well, not this one. Here we have an absolute beauty that not only ticks every green credential box but has that hard to define character in equal measure.

The Studio is an individually architect designed property with a Scandinavian look and feel that has been built with energy efficiency in mind. It is greatly insulated throughout, every room has under floor heating and there are Mitsubishi Zen air conditioning units together with a heat recovery unit.

The house has been built to a very high standard with solid oak flooring, Norwegian triple glazed windows and sliding patio doors. Externally it is clad in Western Red Cedar, half of which has been stained Forest Grey with a wood preservative and half with a Swedish product, that pre-silvers the cedar to contrast, preserve and protect from staining.

Impressive this eco-friendly list maybe, but as importantly The Studio has also been designed to be welcoming. Indeed, once inside the house combines a sense of light and space with what the Danes call hygge - the warm feeling of comfort and conviviality.

That’s not all. The versatile accommodation allows a three, four or even five bedroom format and is currently laid out as a social house, that is ideal for entertaining, but with lots of options as to how you might want to use it.

We enter via an internal porch which leads to a hallway with two storage cupboards. One of them incorporates a whole house water filter unit and shelving, the other a cloakroom with hanging space, plus manifolds for the under floor heating.

At the heart of the property is a stunning large open plan family room with high ceilings, windows to three aspects and ceiling Velux opening windows.

The kitchen area is sited to the front elevation and boasts high quality contemporary fitted units incorporating a centre island. Appliances include a Neff hide and slide oven, halogen hob with pop up extractor, integrated fridge/freezer and heat recovery unit.

The central dining area has sliding doors on to a side patio area and a Mitsubishi Zen air conditioning unit, while the fabulous lounge area to the south elevation also has sliding doors, this time leading to the rear patio. With a high ceiling and additional high level windows this area again has a bright and spacious feel.

When it comes to the next room, flexibility is the key. Some might use it as a bedroom, others as a separate sitting room, but with windows and sliding doors to two aspects, a ceiling Velux over and air conditioning unit, comfort is the word, whatever the time of year.

You have the luxury of deciding whether to use it as a bedroom because set in the centre of the house and down three steps is another multi-purpose room which is currently used as a television room/home cinema.

Two bedrooms flank the house bathroom and there is a further shower room/WC for the second bedroom occupant’s privacy.

The master is approached through an inner hallway and has doors to the side garden, windows to two aspects and an air conditioning unit. There is also a dressing room with a window to the side, built in wardrobes and hanging rails.

Completing the ground floor inventory is the bathroom which comprises a quality three piece suite in white with a separate walk in shower unit.

Upstairs there is a storage room and separate storage/plant room which incorporates the boiler and consumer units. You will also find a studio/guest bedroom.

Outside, the driveway will accommodate up to four cars and double gates open on to a further large parking area.

The Studio has attractive gardens to three sides including a formal lawned garden with patio area, shrubs and bushes. Another two patio areas are found at the side and rear as well as an external studio room.

The owners are also offering a rare opportunity to purchase a private parking space, currently owned by them, within the City. It is at the city end of Bishopthorpe Road, a few minutes walk from the train station or to the city centre.

As far as location goes, The Studio is situated within the highly sought after village of Bishopthorpe, home to the Archbishop's Palace, Middlethorpe Hall and a selection of pubs.

Bishopthorpe lies to the south west of York and has excellent access both from the city itself and via the A64 to the A1. The village also has a doctors surgery, infants and primary schools, parish church, a library and a range of local shops. It is regarded as one of the premier residential locations within the city boundaries.

With its fine situation, impeccable green credentials and lashings of warm Danish hygge, The Studio really does offer all the practicalities of an eco-friendly house, but with the heart, soul and character that so many of them lack.

We like it a lot.

AT A GLANCE

The Studio, Maple Avenue, Bishopthorpe, York

Reception rooms: 2/3

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Gardens: To all sides

Wow factor: family friendly as well as eco friendly

Price: £700,000

Contact: Churchills

Tel: 01904 646611