Have you been to Goddard's

Or for that matter do you know where it is or what it is ....
I had an invite the other week from Visit York to go and see Goddards for myself.
Noel Terry wanted to create a comfortable family home close to the chocolate works for Kathleen, his wife and his four children: Peter, Kenneth, Betty and Richard. This gorgeous hand crafted house was finished in 1927. Discover quotes and memories from the family threaded throughout the house on your visit.
 It was of special interest to me as some years ago now I heard the story of the farm where the milk was sent to York to the chocolate factory and that there were two little cottages which are very arts and craft were where the milk maids lived.
We were treated to a wonderful lunch and a tour of the house but what was stunning was the lily pond in front of the house and the amazing gardens. Very intimate gardens that seemed to go on and on complete with vegetable garden,greenhouse and orchard. 
Truly a lovely place to spend time away from the hustle and the bustle of the City.
It is now owned by the National Trust ,so you need to visit their website for more details. 
Shame my visit had not been later in the year as I love doing a Hyacinth Bucket and bringing a few seeds home .With great intention of planting them I dont think I have ever grown anything yet ! Her you see Sue from Visit York Biz and the girls from Bishops enjoying lunch on the terrace and photographs I took around the gardens 

because we love Castle Howard so much.....

We are very excited as Castle Howard opens its doors again today for the 2016 season.

Last year we were featured in the Guardians top 12 places to stay for wild flower gardens,orchards and meadows.
 This year we are basing our offers on gardens too.  We are offering guests who come to stay with us for 2 nights entrance tickets to the house and gardens a saving of £7.50pp a ticket. This will mean you pay only £10 instead of £17.50pp. Any guests staying for 4 nights weekday stays or more will receive complimentary tickets as a thank you for choosing to come to stay with us and for returning guests for their loyalty.

I went along yesterday and everyone is hard at work getting ready for the 2016 opening. There were people walking in the grounds but today ,Saturday now the house is open.  The daffodils are flowering to order as carpets of yellow glow around the estate.

I also spied something with my little eye at Castle Howard yesterday beginning with O. I wonder if you can find him too

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