Feeling fruity? Well, why not pip along to The Orchard in Bishopthorpe for a squeeze of some lovely luscious plums, pears, apples and soft fruits.

As the name suggests, this attractive Georgian village house, built in 1830, has a lot of garden, stretching to just under half an acre and including tall privet hedges, a flagged path fragrantly bordered by lavender, shrub borders with iris and echinops, a rose-covered pergola and a 'secret' garden with an extensive lawn and a small ornamental pond.

The garden is also home to a detached coach house that currently provides twin garages, a workshop, a laundry, a WC and a first floor playroom-cum-office.

Planning permission could be obtained to turn this into an ancillary property, but it should be noted that the coach house has a steep cat-slide roof, meaning the first floor is substantially smaller than the ground floor.

But what of the main house itself?

The stylish tone of what is to come is set from the moment you approach the panelled front door and find yourself surrounded by impressive fluted half- columns supporting the pediment above your head.

Once through a part-stained glass inner door you will come across a drawing room with an open fireplace flanked by alcoves, a sitting room with a deep bay window, a dining room with a carved timber mantle, a cloakroom with WC, and a kitchen with a terracotta tiled floor, timber units and a gas-fired Aga in a tiled recess.

A staircase with turned spindles, a sturdy newel post and a polished mahogany handrail takes you up to the first floor and on to a bathroom and four double bedrooms, two of which have tiled shower cubicles.

The staircase then rises further to the second floor where you will find two more good-sized bedrooms, both with eaves storage and one with washing facilities and a WC.

The house enjoys a good position at the heart of village life at 21 Main Street. Bishopthorpe itself is a very popular location - not least with the Archbishop of York who lives in a bijou little palace round the corner - and offers a number of good pubs, a smattering of shops including a fine chippy, and great views across and walks along the River Ouse.

If you find The Orchard a-peeling, pop into Blenkin & Co (01904 671672) and be prepared to part with upwards of £495,000.