The Garden

The large, sunny garden faces south and is easily reached via the conservatory and decking, with 5 steps down (stair gate at the top) to the patio. A large table and five chairs are provided for the conservatory and decking with another set on the patio, as is a barbecue and a supply of locally produced charcoal. There is also a children's table and three chairs, plus a stone seat by the raised flowerbed.
 

The lawn slopes down towards Woodlands Drive, with a shrubbery and a traditionally laid hedge to provide privacy from the occasional passers-by on this section of the 30 mile long Esk Valley Walk. The garden is safely fenced off from all traffic, with an unusual 'deadwood fence' of coppiced Hazel from the wood, while a new post and rail fence separates children from the parking area, which has room for up to 3 cars.

The shrubs on the lawn are surrounded by fences to stop the occasional Roe Deer from absent-mindedly browsing them away completely. Not only does the shrubbery provide screening, but it also carries lots of flowers for the butterflies in summer and berries for the wild birds in the winter.

In the winter of 2001/02 a 'Twigwam' (or 'Treepee') for children was planted on the front lawn, using coppiced Hazel poles from the wood and 'Living Willow' from Somerset.

The orchard alongside the garden has many old apple trees (both eaters and cookers) as well as a plum tree. Guests are welcome to pick the fruit when ripe, for their own consumption.