Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden: A Story of Creation and Re-Creation

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On the A684 at the western end of Aysgarth village, about 200 metres before the Thornton Rust turning. Public access during daylight hours. Donations box. Locally there must have been a large population of teenage lads with air rifles," says Angela, "because we keep finding decapitated gnomes everywhere." If you can tear yourself away, begin your adventures at Hardraw Force Waterfall, before heading to the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes; here, you will also find plenty of pubs and restaurants so you can refuel before continuing on with your itinerary. John has been so enthusiastic from the start,” said Mrs Anderson. “But it is a big responsibility looking after it all the time. The people in Aysgarth have been so supportive.”

It continues to be open to the public but with the request that social distancing is observed. The public enter at their own risk and it is unsuitable for disabled or wheelchair access due to the narrow and uneven paths and steps. Admission is free and there is a donation box near the entrance which is at the west end of Aysgarth village. The hamper, which was left out for us, was such a nice gesture, too. We stayed in the gothic room, and the bed was so comfy! We stayed here over the Bank Holiday weekend for a family getaway to celebrate my sons first birthday." Although James died in 1869, his company flourished as it became fashionable to create Alpine corners in the grounds of stately homes. The company's best-known construction is a 30ft high replica of the Matterhorn mountain in a garden in Henley - the late Beatle George Harrison was its last owner.Meanwhile, in Aysgarth, Frank Sayer Graham (1859-1946) was making money. He farmed silver fur rabbits in his purpose-built warren at Lady Hill just outside the village. He could kill a rabbit in Aysgarth at 9am and it would arrive, frozen, in London on the 4pm train. From there the fur would go to the great fashion houses of Europe - he is said to have supplied the last tsar of Russia with silver fur for a stole. The property is beautifully decorated and has absolutely everything you could wish for by way of amenities. There's lots of money out there, lots of grants, but it's quite soul destroying trying to get it. After all, who's going to give money to an individual to do up their garden?" We've just received Listed Building consent to install Heritage wooden frame double glazing which should resolve any road noise concerns ,and keep us warm in the Dales winters , and this should be fitted by next year.

If you are thinking of getting the extended family together - this is a wonderful place to do it. Already recommended it to friends.But no one was allowed inside to see what had been created. "Locals who remember Frank all say they were not welcome in his garden," says Angela. "People who were then children recall his wife rapping on the windows of Heather Cottage if they so much as touched the railings." Boasting period features throughout, a woodburning stove and great proximity to a range of attractions, Manor House welcomes up to eight guests to enjoy a peaceful getaway in North Yorkshire.