Now, let’s begin with a history lesson… Today the delightful village of Riccall is renowned for its peaceful, tranquil surroundings and air of rural calm.

Back in 1066, however, it was swarming with some right rough customers – it was the base camp for Harald Hardrada as he warmed the lads up for the Battle of Fulford.

Harald won that contest, but went down to defeat at the hands of King Harold Godwinson shortly afterwards at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

Since then there has always been an historic thread running through Riccall and it is mentioned in the Domesday Book, with the spelling of Richale.

Which (and here comes the clever link) is the name of an enterprising new development from Stamford Homes.

Richale Park, in Riccall’s Station Road, caught our eye not just because of the smart look of the properties being built there, but the wide range of house and apartment styles on offer.

And the fact that prices start from just £137,950 is a bit of an attention-grabber, too.

Riccall is one of the area’s nicest villages and one that boasts a good range of local amenities, including a primary school, post office, butcher, hairdresser and beauty salon and a well-regarded pub and restaurant. Not to mention the Regen Centre, an award-winning conference, events and community and sports facility.

So, what will be on offer now the first homes in the development are set to be released?

We took a sneak preview of the impressive project and here are some of the highlights.

The Whixley style is a semi-detached house with a lounge, ground floor cloakroom and impressive kitchen-dining room on the ground floor and two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor.

Then there is the Marston, again semi-detached, boasting a good-sized lounge, kitchen with dining area with French doors opening on to a garden and a cloakroom.

Upstairs there are three bedrooms.

The Tockwith is a detached house, it has a smart lounge and a large open plan kitchen, family and dining room. Of the three bedrooms upstairs, one has an en-suite and there is a family bathroom. You get an integrated garage with this style.

Spreading upwards in size there is the Deighton, which has four bedrooms, the master having an en-suite; on the ground floor there is, again, a lounge and large open-plan kitchen/dining/family space; there is also a separate utility room and a ground floor cloakroom. Garage and gardens complete the package.

Next up is an unusual and individually-styled house, the Harewood, built almost to run round corners (well actually, we think that is exactly what it does). Here there is a kitchen/family room/dining room, utility and cloaks on the ground floor. On the first floor is where you will find the main lounge, a study and a bedroom and bathroom.

On the second floor there are two further big double bedrooms with an en-suite bathroom. Our favourite design, for what it’s worth… The Wetherby runs it a close second (and this just our opinion, you understand, there are lots of styles to choose from here). This style has a lounge with doors opening onto a separate dining room and a smart kitchen. On the first floor there are three bedrooms, a bathroom and a study and on the second floor there is a very impressive-looking master bedroom with en-suite.

As we said, these are only the highlights – there are two other types of four-bedroom houses on offer as well.

And then there is also a good mix of spacious apartments here, too, some with two bedrooms, some with one.

So, there really is something for everyone here… And you won’t have to mix with old Harald Hardrada’s roughnecks either – Riccall is a lovely peaceful place these days.

• At the time of writing, we don’t have a full price list, so if you want more details you can contact Stamford Homes direct at the company’s website, www.stamfordhomes.co.uk or phone the marketing agents Stephensons on 01904 625533.