Historic design of York stately home's gardens to be recreated 90 years on

The National Trust is looking to revive the George Dillistone planting schemes at Goddards House and Garden, in York, which were once the private haven of the Terry family.

Would-be visitors are being urged to explore the four acres of garden rooms as they are today, while being able to examine the trust’s plans to return them to their design roots.

New displays show Dillistone’s intricate original plans and explain how changes are set to be made over the coming years to recreate them.

Dillistone set out his vision for the gardens at Goddards in 1927 and they remain among the most complete examples of arts and crafts design in Britain.

Tom Longridge, gardener for the National Trust, said: “One of the charms of Goddards garden is the surprise of it, especially considering you’re close to York city centre and on the edge of the racecourse.

“This starts as you arrive and step under the arch on Tadcaster Road with the driveway leading to the house in front of you.

“The words ‘hidden gem’ can sometimes be a cliché but I think it’s fair to apply for Goddards as a visitor attraction that hasn’t been open to the public for many years.”

Goddards House and Garden was home to chocolate baron Noel Goddard Terry, famed for Terry’s Chocolate Orange, and his family from 1927 until 1980 when it was acquired by the National Trust.

The gardens have been open to visitors since 2006 and the house’s seven rooms were opened up more recently.

For further information on Goddards House and Garden visit nationaltrust.org.uk/goddards or call 01904 771930.