Well, we’ve had fun touring the countryside for the last two weeks but, as a born and bred townie, I have to confess I’ve missed the city life… so here are some interesting city centre rentals for those who love the luxury of having everything on your doorstep.

But, to help ease you back into urban life we start with a property that, while just being a hop, skip and a jump from the centre of York has some super surroundings.

It’s Riverside Cottage, at Clementhorpe, a fantastic, well-positioned period cottage with views over the River Ouse and only minutes walking distance from the city centre. Tucked quietly off Clementhorpe, this is a spectacular property that offers two double bedrooms and a single bedroom and a family bathroom. There’s a big and spacious sitting room with open bricked fireplace and views of the river, a dining room with feature fireplace leading through into a superb kitchen with integrated appliances and Belfast sink. The accommodation also includes a private sun-trapped courtyard, utility store and shed housing a washing machine and tumble dryer. It is offered by Letters of Distinction at £1,250pcm.

And if it is spectacular townscape views you are after then Linley and Simpson have just the thing… in the shape of a superbly presented city centre apartment in Stonegate Court, Blake Street – with fantastic views of the Minster. The property has a private entrance with spiral staircase leading to a hallway; there is an open plan lounge/dining area with patio doors providing access to the balcony offering those panoramic views of York Minster; two double bedrooms and a brightly fitted kitchen with oven/hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washer/dryer. Added attractions include a plasma TV and DVD with surround sound. You couldn’t be more central to the city yet there is a great bonus here in the shape of a secure garage (like gold dust in the city centre) situated off Gillygate, The rental is £995pcm.

The same agents also have have a smart two-bedroomed apartment set within the city walls at Strand House, Dixon Lane, Piccaddily. A third floor aparment, it has an entrance lobby, hallway with storage cupboard, living room open to kitchen with fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, oven and hob, two double bedrooms and bathroom. It also has a secure allocated parking space. The rental is £650pcm.

Quantum, meanwhile, can offer their own hugely attractive property in the shape of stunning period house at Clifton, Clifton Green. This is a high and handsome four-bedroomed three-storey end terrace with a lot of space and style on offer. On the ground floor is a lounge, dining room and a breakfast kitchen with granite work surfaces and an AGA – and there is also a utility room and cloaks. On the first floor there is a sumptuous drawing room, a double bedroom and large study, bathroom and separate WC. The second floor hosts a-master bedroom, double bedroom and shower room. Beautifully presented throughout with a number of original features blending with modern facilities, it is offered at £1,295pcm.

And by way of contrast, Quantum also offer a large modern duplex apartment on Bishopsfield Drive, Leeman Road. It’s very well presented throughout and has a lounge with Juliette balcony, an open plan kitchen with white goods, a first floor cloakroom and two good sized bedrooms (one with en suite shower) to the second floor. Nicely situated for the station and the city, the apartment comes with parking and is priced at £750pcm.

If you are going to have a city centre lifestyle in York then you might want something of an historic touch – so a pair of properties on the books of Letters Ltd might appeal.

They are set in the marvelous backwater of St Andrewgate, a quiet spot yet only a corner away from the hustle and bustle of all that our city has to offer.

The first is a one-bedroomed ground floor apartment with a newly-fitted kitchen with electric oven and hob, fridge freezer, washer dryer and dishwasher. There is a smart living room and a large double bedroom with wardrobe. There is, however, no parking available with this property. The rental is £625pcm.

The second St Andrewgate property is a three-bedroomed town house which, again, will have a newly fitted kitchen, and will also be substantially redecorated. There is a smart dining kitchen with gas cooker and washing machine, a separate dining room and ground floor cloaks. On the first floor there is a spacious lounge and double bedroom with fitted wardrobes. On the second floor there is a double bedroom with fitted wardrobes and a single bedroom and bathroom with shower. Off street parking for one car on offer with this one. The rental is £850 pcm.

And finally a very tidy two bedroom apartment in St Peter’s Court, Bootham.

A well presented flat in a popular area, it offers a large entrance hall, lounge, two bedrooms, bathroom, and a newly fitted kitchen/diner. There is also the added benefit of a large storage/office area, Offered with communal gardens, use of bicycle shed and parking. It’s on the books of Martin and CO at £650pcm.