Commendation for a great horticultural B&B

Today's edition of The Observer includes an article by Desmond Balmer entitled Homing instincts: Britain's top 10 boltholes, reviewing the forthcoming Good Hotels Guide for 2011. First on the list, which picks ut ten characterful places to stay, is Austwick Hall, located in Austwick in the Yorkshire Dales. We had a wonderful few days there in June 2008, enjoying the beautiful house, the superb food and the lovely garden. The house and food get their mead of praise from Mr Balmer, but he doesn't mention the garden, which is a major focus of attention for the owners Michael Pearson and Eric Culley.

Having been rather overgrown and rambly, they have brought it under control and given it structure, and have greatly increased the diversity of the plantings. A feature of particular interest to me, though I have not yet seen it in flower, is the development of a snowdrop walk, amongst which are placed a collection of sculptures. This year's major development has been the creation of a vegetable garden in raised beds, supplying produce for Michael's use in the kitchen (right, pic by Eric Culley). The gardens are open for the National Gardens Scheme, and at other times of the year by appointment, though I believe they are planning snowdrop open days next year. A selection of pictures is available on their website.