It would have to be the south for me, so far south in fact that we are currently considering New Zealand. Been North many a time, OH is from Norfolk/Scotland so lots of family up that way. Whenever we visit though we both agree we could never live up there, it's a combination of weather and a different pace of life. South of Oxford is about as north as I'd go. Bristol is nice....lived there for a while, traffic is a 'mare but good local airport. But that's me, and to be honest it sounds from your post that Yorkshire might be the place for you. In terms of the house, everywhere we've bought so far has been because I've had that special feeling about the house/location. Wouldn't buy without it, I think maybe you need to keep searching.....
Edit: apparently OH is from Norwich/Scotland LOL Norwich, Norfolk...same difference. Best I stay South, me thinks