A COUNTY estate has announced a variety of extension plans to mark the end of a successful year.

Middleton Lodge, in Middleton Tyas, near Richmond, includes the 17th century Georgian mansion, as well as boutique hotel and restaurant the Coach House.

The nine-bedroom restaurant with rooms has gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months and has enjoyed several award wins and acclaimed recognition from across the travel and hospitality industry.

The Coach House has also expanded its offering several times, first with the launch of the Treatment Rooms in June 2015, which was followed by the restoration of the Farmhouse, adding another five double bedrooms to the Coach House’s accommodation offering.

To continue with its expansion, Middleton Lodge has appointed general manager Daniel Courtney, a hotelier with more than 20 years’ experience.

One of his first priorities will be overseeing the construction of the kitchen gardens, set to launch in 2017, which will compromise of a large garden, landscaped in parts, with several vegetable patches as well as a wild area.

It will be open for the public to explore and learn about the variety of plants and herbs grown in the region.

Mr Courtney said: “The entire process of creating a true kitchen garden means that this is a two year project before we even start to see the plants, flowers and herbs flourish into life.

“This expansion is a fantastic addition to the estate and will act as the perfect place for guests, residents and visitors from the local area to come and make the most of this beautiful Georgian country estate.”