TURN left past the chickens, right past the rabbit hutch, watch out for the goldfish - then sit back and enjoy your facial.

Down the garden might not be the traditional place for a health and beauty salon, but Joanne Maddison-Raynor would not have it any other way,

She transferred her business from some rented rooms in Fossgate to a cabin in her back garden in Acaster Malbis two years ago, to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Now she offers manicures, pedicures, massages, aromatherapy, waxing, facials and eyelash tints from Novi Health & Beauty in her garden.

"I really enjoyed working in York but I struggled getting into York between school runs and with the high parking charges," said Joanne, 35.

"My husband suggested I work from home but I didn't want to do that because it would mean I was never cut off from work and the house would have to be immaculate, so my husband arranged for us to buy the cabin and put it in the garden.

"It's fantastic, I don't have any shop alarms or hoards of school children under the window, all you can hear is the chickens and cockerels.

"I'm always hear when my little boy gets home from school and school holidays are easier. I wouldn't have it any other way now."

Joanne said she had built up a steady stream of customers.

"A lot of people come here because they don't want to come into town. It's like another world for them, you open the door after they've walked down the garden and past the rockery -- the look on their faces is amazing."

Novi Health & Beauty is based at Oak Tree Cottage, Mill Lane, Acaster Malbis.To contact Joanne phone 07889 744348.

Updated: 11:12 Friday, April 29, 2005