A reopening date has been set for The Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury.

Texan couple Kim and Whit Hanks, who took over Abbey House Manor and neighbouring Old Bell Hotel last year, have announced the gardens will be open from May to October on the second Saturday of each month.

This means the first opportunity to visit will be from 10am-4pm on Saturday, May 14.

All ticket proceeds will go to Malmesbury Carnival for distribution to local charities.

Whit said: “We’re thrilled to have secured the services of the award-winning team at Graduate Gardeners, with head gardener Freya Langford formerly of BBC TV Gardeners’ World.

"We expect at least a two-year journey to restore and reimagine Abbey House Manor gardens into exquisite gardens full of colour, scent and personality.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Abbey House Gardens will reopen in MayAbbey House Gardens will reopen in May

"We intend to open for the 2022 season once a month to allow visitors the opportunity to follow the first part of this journey.

"The ticket price will reflect the fact that much of the garden will not be ready for viewing, and we have decided to give all first season proceeds to charity.”

Volunteers from the Malmesbury community will be on hand to look after visitors at each of the open days, having been briefed by Freya on the garden’s progress.

A steering group chaired by Diana D’Arcy is bringing together those who are interested, if anyone would like to volunteer, email info@abbeyhousemanor.com

Tickets to the open days will shortly be available for £5 in advance online from the new Abbey House Manor website. Follow @abbeyhousemanor on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

From King Athelstan to The Naked Gardener

The Abbey House and Gardens have a rich history, dating back to the 12th century, with the first King of England, King Athelstan, believed to be buried there.

In more recent years it has been best known as the home of Ian Pollard - 'The Naked Gardener'.

Following Ian's death in 2019 the property was put up for sale.

The new owners divide their time between Malmesbury and Dripping Springs, Texas, where they are the founders of Whim Hospitality, Camp Lucy and Tillie’s Restaurant.

Prior to these purchases they were already regular visitors to Malmesbury, the Hanks ancestral home since 1500.