GETTING out of bed is a lot less painful when your curtains open to a great view.

Whether it's rolling hills, cows grazing in the fields, a glimpse of the village green or a cityscape view across the chimneys to York Minster, such scenes are to be treasured.

Luckily for us, in York and North Yorkshire there are an abundance of homes where you can watch the sun rise over more than just the neighbour's fence.

For a view which encapsulates the splendour of the city centre, look no further than this superb penthouse in Westgate, Leeman Road.

Built north and west facing, the seven-story building offers fabulous views across the River Ouse, towards the Hambleton Hills and York Minster.

Only two minutes walk from the station and Bar Walls, the two-bedroom penthouse is arranged on two levels in a block of 114 apartments, served by two lifts and a staircase.

Relax in the 120 degree circular living room or soak up the sun on the terrace before retiring to the master en-suite bedroom with views across the river.

And the price tag for such a location?

You decide price is available on application. Contact Naish estate agents & solicitors.

If open fields are more your cup of tea, check out Caru Cottage in the picturesque village of Yapham.

The charming three-bedroom cottage enjoys panoramic views over the Yorkshire Wolds and around 80ft of garden with lawned, paved patio and pebbled areas.

Sat in a cul-de-sac, the property comprises a sitting room with feature brick-built open fireplace, kitchen, bathroom and brick-built outbuildings.

Caru Cottage is available from Winkworth for £155,000.

For those searching for an element of fun, Rentons Countrywide has a treat for kids big and small.

Whoever buys St Marks Grove, York, will be lucky enough to enjoy their own giant train set. The electric train runs through the garden and tunnels in the rockery, while a fountain spurts water over a tiny bridge.

Inside, the five-bedroom detached home features a 17ft-long L-shaped family room and a lounge with a double-glazed bay window.

Other bonuses include a kitchen, conservatory, bathroom, shower room and double garage with electric roller door all for £279,950.

Back in the countryside, Blenkin & Co is offering the attractive Middle Farm in Sproxton, Helmsley.

This period farmhouse, with separate cottage accommodation, boasts five bedrooms and a spectacular village location.

Towards the back, roses and clematis grow in the garden and views of the Ampleforth valley, pasture and woodland lead to the horizon.

Inside, period fireplaces and beamed ceilings characterise the farmhouse, which comprises of an entrance hall, kitchen, sitting room, living room, laundry, cloakroom and family bathroom.

Middle Farm is on the market for £795,000.

A little easier on the pocket, Jackson- Stops&Staff is offering Vicarage Cottage in Nun Monkton, for £575,000. The four-bedroom brick-built house was constructed 25 years ago in the style of a period property.

The owners have continued to extend and improve the house, which overlooks the village green, pond and soon-to-be-restored maypole. The garden features a lawn bounded by mixed beech, holly and hawthorn hedges, alongside rose beds, a vegetable garden and flowering trees and shrubs, including weeping cherry and magnolia.

Inside, the home comprises a drawing room with an open fireplace, a conservatory with terracotta tiled floor, sitting/dining room, farmhouse kitchen and dining area, utility room, two bathrooms, cloakroom and office.

The same agent is offering Derwent House at Elvington. The doublefronted house, clad with wisteria, is thought to date from the mid 19th century and was upgraded with a three-storey wing in the 1930s.

The principal rooms enjoy extensive views over the garden and open fields to Sutton-on-Derwent Church, Sutton Lock and the Ings.

In the grounds, two ornamental timber bridges lead over Horse Dike to a wide grass lawn bordered by mature trees such as silver birch, weeping willow, flowering cherry, Scots pine and an old beech tree. On the east side is a part-walled vegetable garden with gooseberries, red and blackcurrants and raspberries. Derwent House, in Main Street, is available for £545,000.