The postcode HG4 is in the cathedral city of Ripon in the Yorkshire Dales. It hit the news earlier this week when the annual pancake race, dating back 600 years, was abandoned because of health and safety issues. Apparently the main problem was the possibility of slipping on the cobbled streets, which has never actually happened. Ripon has the feel of a town rather than a city and has managed to retain its charm with some picturesque buildings. This includes the six-bedroom Victorian villa, above, which was found in a search for a large detached period home for sale on Globrix, the property search engine part-owned by News International, owner of The Times. The property, for sale for £950,000, has been developed into a modern, stylish home but retains most of the original features: a tiled reception hall, an impressive turned staircase, and an opulent bathroom with a roll-edged ball-and-claw bath. There are attractive gardens on two sides, plus an attractive terrace area. Here you can enjoy the summer evenings and, if you listen carefully, hear Ripon’s hornblower, who announces the night watch at 9pm every evening. Contact: Knight Frank, 01423 530088. www.globrix.com.