Experts spot a hidden stone lizard at Tudor Croft during garden evaluation.
Ron Crossley built the house in the Arts and Crafts style. The building dates back to the 1930s. Robert Thompson, known as Mouseman, did the interior panels. Crossley included items from his brickworks to decorate the garden.
The Heagney family has owned the property since 1952. Mike Heagney wants Historic England recognition, which would cover both house and gardens.
Experts studied the grounds carefully and think James Backhouse laid out the rock gardens. He founded a nursery in York, and his father helped the Stockton & Darlington Railway. A famous Backhouse garden is at Aysgarth, a Dales wonder.
Experts looked for Backhouse signs at Tudor Croft too, noting that workers hid animals in the rock shapes. The experts finally found the animal design, visible the whole time: a stone lizard smiled from the fernery top.
Tudor Croft is open February 15 and 16, from 11 am to 3 pm. Entry costs £10, and parking is free for all guests. Look for the rare snowdrop Treasure Island, and see if you spot the Guisborough gecko also.