Goddards House and Garden: York’s Arts and Crafts Chocolate Legacy

An Arts and Crafts Masterpiece Rooted in Chocolate Heritage

Goddards House and Garden was constructed in 1927 as the family home for Noel and Kathleen Terry, members of the renowned Terry’s chocolate manufacturing dynasty. Designed by York architect Walter Brierley, often called the "Lutyens of the North," the house exemplifies the Arts and Crafts style with its handmade local bricks arranged in geometric patterns and distinctive chimney stacks. The house is Grade I listed, reflecting its architectural and historic importance. Inside, the house was furnished with an eclectic collection of Georgian furniture and clocks, reflecting Noel Terry’s passion for antiques and history.

The Garden’s Design: A Series of Enchanting Garden Rooms

The five-acre garden, designed by George Dillistone, offers a series of garden rooms that blend formal and informal elements. Key features include a cruciform lily pool fed by a semi-circular reflecting pool, herbaceous borders bursting with fragrant blooms, a rock garden, and a wildlife pond. The garden also includes a restored tennis court and a croquet lawn, originally a bowling green. Mature trees frame the garden, which slopes gently down towards York Racecourse, offering views of the iconic Terry’s factory clock tower across the Knavesmire.

A Living Link to York’s Chocolate Legacy

Goddards is more than a historic house and garden; it is a living connection to York’s chocolate heritage. The Terry family’s factory, visible from the garden, ties the site to the city’s industrial past. The National Trust acquired the property in 1984, initially using the house as regional offices, while opening the gardens to the public from 2006. The house, though not open for tours, preserves the atmosphere of the 1930s when the family and business were at their peak.

Visitor Experience: Tranquil Gardens with Refreshments and Wildlife

Visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls through the garden rooms, relax on benches dotted throughout, or savor light refreshments and drinks on the sunny terrace overlooking the lawns and formal pond. The garden is a haven for wildlife and a perfect spot for nature lovers seeking a tranquil escape. Dogs on short leads are welcome, and the garden’s accessible paths make it suitable for a wide range of visitors.

Seasonal Access and Facilities

The gardens are open seasonally from March to October, with varying days of operation depending on the month. Facilities include accessible parking, assisted access toilets on request, motorized scooters available by pre-booking, and card-only payments at the refreshment kiosk. The house remains closed to visitors as it functions as the National Trust’s regional office.

Preserving History and Nature for Future Generations

Goddards continues to be a treasured site for both its architectural significance and its beautifully maintained gardens. The National Trust’s stewardship ensures the preservation of this unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, offering visitors a serene glimpse into York’s past and the legacy of the Terry family’s chocolate empire.