A SPECIAL sod-cutting ceremony has taken place to mark the start of house building on part of one of Worcester-shire's most famous gardens.

After almost 30 years of opening their garden at Barnards Green House, Malvern, as part of the National Gardens Scheme, Philip Nicholls and his wife Sue have sold a third of it to Hagley Homes, of Hagley, near Stourbridge, who plan to build four imposing detached executive homes there.

The Nicholls' house has historic connections, once being the home of Sir Charles Hastings, who founded the British Medical Association 175 years ago.

The front of the house, overlooking a famous rose garden, dates from 1635. Two wings were added later and the central part was built in 1840.

Mr and Mrs Nicholls moved into the house 30 years ago. Mr Nicholls, who is now 92, was at the Treasury in Whitehall for 20 years and was one of 10 United King-dom Forestry Commissioners.

During the Second World War he was military assistant to General Sir William Platt, who commanded the British forces in East Africa. He was also a former pupil and master at Malvern College Mrs Nicholls was secretary to Lord Reith - of BBC fame - whose work inspired the Reith lectures.

During her time with the BBC she became well-known for her dried flowers, about which she wrote a book, as well as supplying leading London florists.

Mr and Mrs Nicholls said they were sad to have to sell some of their wonderful garden" but it was now too much for them to manage.

However, they were very impressed with the approach of Hagley Homes, which would be safeguarding outstanding areas and re-siting the listed greenhouse in the grounds.

Richard Jones, managing director of Hagley Homes, said: "We feel very privileged to be undertaking such a project on which I believe is one of the most outstanding garden areas to come onto the market for many years."

The four homes on the site, which is to be known as Hastings Pool, will extend from 2,000 to 2,500 sq ft and prices will range in price from £575,000 to £650,000. The selling agents are Andrew Grant New Homes on 01905 734736.