Guisborough’s Tudor Croft Garden, on Stokesley Road, has been granted grade II-listed status by Historic England.
It is now one of just five parks and gardens among the 199 heritage sites protected by Historic England during the year.
Mike Heagney, the owner of Tudor Croft Garden (Image: Sam Booth)
The garden was originally created from 1934 for industrialist Ronald Crossley and is described by Historic England as a “rare survival of an inter-war suburban garden in a relaxed Arts and Crafts style”.
Mike Heagney, owner of Tudor Croft and long-time caretaker of its legacy, said: “We’re delighted that Tudor Croft has been listed by Historic England and is now protected for future generations to enjoy.”
He added: “Because of the visual connection from the garden to the moors, this listing should also prevent new housing being built adjacent to the site, which would badly damage the garden.”
Tudor Croft Garden owner Mike Heagney inspects the latest snowdrops (Image: Sam Booth)
The garden, which remains intact, and the family home have also been given grade II status.
Highlights of the garden include the Gnome Garden, featuring hand-crafted terracotta figures of elves, gnomes, and animals, all made by Commondale potter Walter Scott.
The site also boasts a secret garden with a stone-flagged bridge, a roofed fernery, and intricate rockwork believed to be the work of the Backhouse Nursery of York.
Tudor Croft Garden has been protected for generations to come (Image: Sam Booth)
Other features include a trout stream, pools, fountains, a rose pergola made from Crossley bricks, and a water garden.
The garden was in a state of disrepair when it was purchased in 1952 by Mr Heagney’s father, Tony.
He said: “The garden was completely overgrown when my father, Tony Heagney, bought the house in 1952.
An aerial view of Tudor Croft Garden (Image: Historic England)
“My parents and five children moved in exactly 73 years ago this week, waking up the next morning to find the entire garden covered in snow.”
Since then, the family has devoted themselves to its restoration and upkeep.
Mr Heagney said: “It brings us great joy, and we care for it with help from family, staff, and our wonderful team of volunteers.
“Restoring Tudor Croft to its current beauty has been a magical journey.
“Thank you once again, Historic England, for this very special accolade.”
In recent years, the garden has also served as a venue to raise funds for charity.
To date, Mr Heagney has raised more than £100,000 by opening the gardens to the public during the spring and summer months.
The listing places Tudor Croft among 19 “unusual historic buildings and places” highlighted by Historic England.
These include a Neolithic burial mound in the Yorkshire Dales, a shipwreck off the coast of Dorset, and Second World War anti-tank defences in Surrey.
Heritage minister Baroness Twycross said: “Britain’s heritage is as varied as it is brilliant, with each of these buildings playing a part in shaping our national story over the centuries.
“This year alone we have protected 199 heritage sites, from Neolithic cairns in the Yorkshire Dales to the fabulous Catholic cathedral in the heart of Liverpool.
“I’m proud that we’re safeguarding our rich history so future generations can continue to enjoy it.”
A Heritage England spokesperson added: “These newly protected places demonstrate the remarkable diversity of England’s heritage.
“They connect us to the people and events that shaped our communities.”
The next open garden weekends at Tudor Croft Gardens are on the last Saturday of January and the first Sunday of February, and again the following weekend.
Visitors will be able to view the garden’s renowned collection of around 350 different snowdrops.
Admission is £10, with children admitted free.
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