IT’S not often we find a property that ticks every box imaginable, but here we have a stunning five bedroom detached family house with 4,300 sq ft of accommodation.

That will have pricked up a few ears already, but wait, there’s more; much more.

You see, not only is this house set in the picture postcard village of Skipwith, but it has a separate one bedroom annex, boasts large gardens backing onto open countryside and being to the south of York, has easy access to the A19, A64 and into the city itself.

If that’s not enough It’s also a very grand house with Adam style fireplaces, ceiling cornicing and three good sized reception rooms. There’s even a billiard room and bar.

You’d never need to go out if you lived here.

But before we take a look inside let’s stop and consider the kerb appeal of this place. It’s an important consideration because that’s the view you will have every day. This one is very handsome indeed from the sweeping brick wall to the elegant block paving on the drive. The house also has a pleasing L shape and that gives it a good deal of character.

That’s enough dawdling; let’s have a look at what’s on offer behind the front door. The first thing that strikes you is this is a bit like a country house with a good sized, proper wood panelled hall leading to all the reception rooms and kitchen. Like the kerbside view, this is a layout you will find very easy to live with.

Spoilt for choice we’ll begin with the dining room. Again that sense of country house elegance is in evidence from the bay window to the double panelled doors which lead into the drawing room.

As we’re discussing classic layouts did you know the name has nothing to do with sketching, but was originally the withdrawing room; a place to chat after dinner.

Enough of definitions, let’s have a look through those double doors.

The drawing room is of Regency proportions with an Adam style fireplace housing an open fire, together with patio doors to the garden for al fresco postprandial cognac.

For less formal family gatherings the smaller sitting room is highly convivial and with another Adam style fireplace housing an open fire this will make a cosy winter den.

The breakfast kitchen has fitted units comprising a one and a half bowl sink unit with cupboards below, base and wall units, work surfaces, a built in double electric oven and hob, plus plumbing for dishwasher, not to mention an integrated fridge and fitted table.

Then there is a suite of utility rooms. The first has plumbing for the washing machine and space for a fridge and freezer. Then there is a laundry area with a lovely Belfast sink and more washing machine plumbing, together with space for a tumble dryer.

As part of this complex there is another useful room, currently being used as an office. With patio doors offering fine views across the garden it might also inspire you to turn it into an artist’s studio.

Last but by no means least on the ground floor is the games room. This fabulous and large multifunctional family room with two double glazed patio windows to the front has a built in bar and currently houses a pool table.

Up the grand staircase, with its finely carved balustrade and spindles, and onto the first floor where there are five bedrooms. Three of them are en suite with walk in shower cubicles; hand basin, low level WC, and laminate flooring, while the house bathroom comprises a panelled air bath with mains operated shower, shower screen, hand basin, low level WC and again laminate wood flooring.

Then things get even more interesting because the first floor is also where you will find the annex.

A separate staircase leads up to a living/dining room, with a double glazed window to the front and two double glazed Velux windows.

The kitchen has modern fitted units comprising a sink unit, base and wall units, plus an integrated automatic washing machine and dishwasher, electric oven and hob.

The bedroom has double glazed Velux windows, and a built in double wardrobe. Just off is a shower room/WC with walk in cubicle, wash hand basin and low level WC.

But if all this accommodation wasn’t enough, how about these gardens?

The one at the front has a long driveway which gives ample off street car parking and is where you will find the double garage.

The garden at the rear is just fabulous. Mainly set to lawn, there are patio areas and flower borders that are well stocked with shrubs, bushes and trees plus two single store rooms and a shed.

To match the elegance inside the house there is even a pond with a walk over bridge.

As we said at the beginning, it’s not often we find a property that ticks every box imaginable. To misquote Kenneth Wolstenholme’s famous 1966 World Cup final line - we have now.

AT A GLANCE

York Road, Skipwith, York

Reception rooms: 3/4

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 5

Gardens: Backing onto open countryside

Wow factor: Country house elegance

Price: £595,000

Contact: Churchills

Tel: 01904 646611