As we’ve suddenly fallen in love with the idea of a countryside cottage we thought we would take a tour of Yorkshire villages to see what else is on offer in the shape of rural retreats.

Our travels took in Tollerton, Askham Richard, Bolton Percy and Huggate – which is about a widespread journey as you can get (so don’t say we don’t work hard on your behalf!).

Here are four cottage gems that we found… Wandern Cottage, Tollerton: A delightful Grade II listed two bedroom semi- detached period cottage in a very popular village. The property retains many interesting period characteristics with its feature fireplaces, feature Yorkshire range and exposed ceiling beams. There is a sitting room, kitchen and bathroom to the ground floor with two bedrooms to the first floor. Among the highlights here is a super rear garden which is split into two levels, with a paved patio area looking out over a lawn and shaped borders with a riot of mature trees, shrubs and flower beds. It is priced at £179,950 by Stephensons.

Vine Cottages, Bolton Percy: This is a lovely, light and bright semi-detached cottage which, again, has very pretty gardens. It’s undergone an extensive modernisation and refurbishment programme – yet still retains the best of its original period features.

The dining kitchen is a particularly smart feature and there is a country-style sitting room with a feature brick fireplace. On the first floor there are two bedrooms and a house bathroom and there is a further bedroom with WC on the second floor. As we said, super gardens to complete the package. It is offered by Ashtons at £229,950.

The Old Smithy, Askham Richard: As the name suggests, this was originally the village smithy but since those days it has been extended and improved to create a super home which has all mod cons blended nicely with attractive period features. On the ground floor there is a spacious living room, a double bedroom (presently used as a dining room) and a house bathroom and a spacious dining kitchen. On the first floor there is a master bedroom, a further single bedroom and a shower room. That’s the basics but they don’t tell you that there is a lot of character and charm in this home.

Only a viewing will tell you that. So contact agents Hudson Moody, who have set a guide price of £289,950.

Rose Cottage, Huggate: We’ve always thought of Huggate as one of the Yorkshire Wolds’s most scenic villages – and so we were thrilled to discover this delightful offering which makes the most of the area’s fantastic views from its elevated position.

The original property dates back to 1850 and has been tastefully extended and improved by the present owners. There’s a surprising amount of space on show here with highlights including a smartly fitted kitchen with breakfast area, dining room with snug and a sitting room with French doors through to a conservatory. There are three bedrooms, a shower room and a house bathroom. Outside is an impressive, well-stocked garden and a range of three brick and pantile stores. Good home in a good spot, offered by Chris Clubley and Co at £330,000.