WE are fortunate in this part of the world not only to have one of Europe’s most beautiful cities to enjoy – but also some of the finest countryside to be found anywhere in the world.

And what better way to enjoy it than by snapping up one of these super out-of-town charmers?

The Cruck Cottage, Wrelton, near Pickering. “If homes could talk, we are sure this wonderful cottage would have a story to tell,”

reads the introductory brochure notes to this character-filled property.

A Grade II-listed building dating back to around 1665, it is a quirky, very individual property with lots of history – complete with gargoyles!

Originally a single-storey building, it was given an upper floor in the 1960s, but this was a very careful addition which complemented the property’s past.

Among the highlights here are beamed ceilings overhead, wooden floors underfoot and feature stone fireplaces to warm and cheer.

We were particularly taken with the house sitting room which has one of those feature fireplaces at its heart but is brilliantly lit by windows to the front and French doors to the back, which open onto a terraced area and give views across the gardens.

There is a similar light, bright feeling to the conservatory, there is an elegant dining room and a brilliant breakfast kitchen.

The ‘cruck’ beams which give the cottage its name are in evidence on a very characterful landing area, off which there are three large bedrooms and a house bathroom. It’s not just inside where this house scores, the extensive, pretty gardens also add to its delight.

As the selling agents conclude: “This is more than just a property being offered it is also a special piece of history.”

Price: Offers over £400,000.

Contact: RM English (01904 697900).

Mowbray Farm, Main Street, Low Catton. This is another impressively-individual rural home – and with a huge amount to offer for those who like lots of space. It’s almost a tale of two homes here as there is a main house which then has a set of added extras in the shape of a studio and conservatory and garage complex.

The house itself has an entrance hall with polished oak flooring, a sitting room with French doors opening out to the rear garden, and a feature stone fireplace with LPG cast stove, a dining room and a study (also with French doors to the garden).

Throughout each of these rooms there are smart touches including feature ceiling beams and fireplaces.

The other highlight of the ground floor is a very nicely-fitted kitchen.

On the first floor there are three bedrooms – all of which are good double rooms and with a range of fitted cupboards and wardrobes – and a house bathroom with freestanding bath and step-in shower.

With impressive landscaped gardens, this is a pretty package with lots of rural charm and character.

Price: Offers in the region of £385,000. Contact: Chris Clubley and Co. (01759 373709).

Carmel Cottage, The Green, Sutton on the Forest. A close contender for property of the week – simply because of its sense of joyousness.

This is a brilliant (in all senses of the word) house with a pretty face and a delightful interior. It’s an absolute charmer, a period cottage which as well as being a great house also has a lovely lawned garden to the rear.

Cute as an Easter bunny, it offers a smartly-presented lounge with an ornate feature fireplace and open coal fire and sash bay windows looking out over the (attractive) village setting.

The country-style kitchen has a good range of matching base and wall units and a stable door out to a courtyard area. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms and a house bathroom.

The private rear garden features a secluded lawned area and a summer house (ideal for enjoying the spring sunshine if it ever arrives).

Price: £197,500. Contact. William H Brown (01904 769991).

Apartment 1, The Corn Mill, Stamford Bridge. Brilliant open-plan style apartment in iconic conversion in the centre of Stamford Bridge. Offers combined living/kitchen area with full-length windows to three sides. Two bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room and bathroom.

Allocated parking and communal gardens, great river views. Price: £249,000. Contact:RM English (01904 697900).