It seems hard to imagine after the fine run of good weather we have been having, but the dark nights and cold mornings are lying in wait.

Well, that’s what one gloomy soul was telling everyone who would listen in the bar this week. (Don’t you just love that optimistic Yorkshire streak).

Still, he did have a point – we should make the best of the good weather while we can.

And here are three light and bright houses that definitely do just that… The first is a beautiful riverside house in the village of Naburn. Daveen is a super home for those who like lots of light and space. The delights start with a fantastic breakfast kitchen which is fitted with a lovely range of cream painted oak doors and solid rustic oak work surfaces and integrated appliances including fridge, dishwasher and double oven. There’s a handy ‘peninsula’ island and dining area – and the light streams in from a super arched window. What’s more, the house sitting room has a large picture window and there is a great garden room, ideal for summer party entertaining (and a big and brilliant garden) The light, bright feeling continues in the master bedroom which has windows to two sides and great views across the riverside. There are four further bedrooms which, like the rest of the house, have a stylish feel.

Excellent home in a great spot, offered by R M English at a guide price of £435,000.

We found another fine village home in the shape of a wonderful barn conversion in the sought-after Wolds village of Huggate. The house is tucked away in a tranquil spot down a no-through road. Dating back to around 1850, the property has been skilfully converted to retain many original features – along with some decidedly fine mod cons.

Again, there is a lovely light feel to this home. The dining room, for instance, has a feature arched door while the dining kitchen also has arched feature windows and French door opening to the garden. The kitchen is stunning in its own right with a range of stylish contemporary units and appliances. Plenty of character, too, in the large lounge which has a wood burning stove as a feature focus. On the first floor there is a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and great views of the Wolds.

There are two further double bedrooms and a single bedroom and house bathroom.

Outside, there are gardens to three sides, a double garage and off-road parking.

Again, a super bright and breezy home, offered by Ashtons at (a very reasonable, in our view) price of £249,950.

We return to town for the third of our terrific trio, a splendid period property in Heworth Green, York.

This is a beautiful example of its kind, substantially improved and extended and very stylishly presented.

The open plan dining room and kitchen is an absolute delight with a fantastic range of modern units including granite work surfaces and breakfast bar area. And (here comes another bright bit) a special feature of this room is the remote controlled Velux window that floods the room with light. What’s more there is also a sun-drenched conservatory, looking out on a patio area and garden.

The open flow to the house is further enhanced by the fact that double oak doors open from the lounge into the dining room (making this ground floor a great place for those summer parties). We should return to that lounge to tell you it is a very elegant room with high ceilings, cornicing and a feature period fireplace… lovely.

The quality does not end on the ground floor. Up the stairs we find two double bedrooms, both with en-suite shower rooms and on the second floor there is a family bathroom and a third, L-shaped bedroom which would make “a fantastic child’s bedroom or ideal study area for a home worker”, according to the agents Bairstow Eves who are seeking £365,000 for this gem of a home.