Winter is setting in, the winds and the rain already upon us – and snow is sure to come, say weather forecasters. Blimey! Not much fun in store for commuters, then… so the attractions of living, working and playing in the city centre suddenly seem a lot more attractive.

What could be better than having just a short walk to enjoy all the beauties of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe?

Well, snuggling up in one of these super city centre properties… We start with an absolute cracker that is, literally, right in the heart of the town – with brilliant views of the Minster to prove it.

It is in a prime development of executive apartments in Stonegate Court, Blake Street.

It has two double bedrooms, a lovely open-plan lounge/dining area with patio doors out on to the balcony where you can make the most of panoramic views, including those of the Minster. Lots of fitted gadgetry, including a plasma TV and DVD with surround sound, and the kitchen is fitted with oven/hob, microwave, fridge, freezer and washer/dryer. What’s more there is, unusually for a city centre apartment, parking/garage availability. It’s on offer with Linley & Simpson at £995pcm.

Next up is another gem in a super spot, in Postern Close at Bishops Wharf. It’s a newly decorated three-bed, three-storey modern town house in a popular development close to the river and a few minutes away from the city centre. On the ground floor, there’s a twin bedroom and a bathroom with shower; on the first floor is a lounge diner and – a fantastic plus – a conservatory/covered balcony, and a newly-fitted kitchen. On the second floor is a double bedroom, a further bedroom and another bathroom with shower. Letters of Walmgate are looking for £950pcm.

Martin and Co, meanwhile, are offering a pair of eye-catching apartments a short walk out of town. Bedford Mews is a part-furnished one-bedroom first-floor apartment which boasts a kitchen with electric hob and oven, fridge freezer and dishwasher, bathroom, large double bedroom, and a light and airy lounge with dual aspect windows. Allocated parking. Yours for £725pcm.

The second of the pair is a two-bedroom apartment at Terrys Mews, Bishopthorpe Road. This one is described as a “superb ground floor furnished apartment presented to the highest standard”. It has a stylish entrance hall with wooden flooring, a large lounge with picture windows and sliding door to Juliet balcony and an arch through to the well-equipped kitchen. Two double bedrooms, (one with large fitted wardrobe) bathroom, communal gardens and allocated parking complete the package which is offered at £795pcm.

Meanwhile, if you fancy curling up in a leather sofa and watching the world go by from your city centre windows then Arena have just the place for you – a newlyrefurbished, spacious first floor apartment situated bang in the heart of the City, just off the Coppergate shopping centre. There’s a smart contemporary feel including neutral decor, with a beautifully fitted house bathroom and fully fitted dining kitchen with oak units. There is a spacious lounge with large corner window giving those great views up Castlegate.

The master double bedroom has a built in wardrobe and en-suite shower room and there is a second double bedroom and luxury family bathroom. A garage is available by separate negotiation.

Arena are asking £1,200pcm.

And finally we have picked a splendid ground floor apartment in Skeldergate, a well presented and fully furnished property comprising large lounge/dining area overlooking garden, a fitted kitchen, spacious double dedroom with wardrobes, and bathroom with shower.

There is a parking space with security gate. This one is is offered by Churchills at £625pcm.