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 

Cattle �� heading to high pasture for the night

Ampleforth College and The Anthony Gormley Cross in the summer sunshine

Named in the top 10 by the Farmers Guardian

Chuffed to bits as we have heard this evening that we have been named by Emily Ashworth in the Farmer's Guardian as one of the Best 10 Farm Stays in the UK. Stretching the length and breath of Britain, we feel very proud and honoured to get this recognition  .It is 40 years ago  since we first opened the doors here at Carr House Farm to welcome guests.

This is what was said about us and then it continues..

This award-winning 16th century farmhouse is located on the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park.

An area known for its outstanding beauty, explore the many walks and historic sites this part of the country has to offer.

Sunday evenings are Pizza Evenings at the Grapes...

....and occasionally on other evenings. Word has spread that these pizzas are amazing, they are so fresh and tasty, not like some of the cardboard rubbish you can come across.

You can either eat the pizzas in or bring them home .

Here you see the landlord as chief pizza-maker and the lovely landlady sat in her famous chair ,which had previously belonged to Queen Victoria . It was featured on last Sundays Antique Roadshow which was at Castle Howard. We spied a few people queuing up that we knew and saw Blenkers waiting patiently too.

This week I managed to get my pizza home to take a photo before it was eaten on the way !

The Grapes is in Slingsby just 3 miles from Castle Howard so makes a great change to visit a pub every now and again a bit further from home.
The Grapes is a pub with many little rooms and is very popular with locals as well as passerby too.

 The Grapes Inn is an authentic spot to cosy up by the fire or enjoy the sunshine.

“Everyone is welcome whether you’re a farmer in your wellies, someone walking the dog who fancies a drink or a group of girls dressed up for a great night out.” – Catharine Spooner, landlady

Breakfast time with a difference

Gilling East Miniature Railway just down the road from us