Our Aberdeenshire Gardens

The MacRobert Trust Gardens at Douneside House, the Trust’s flagship gardens, boast an exceptional quality and variety of plants and flowers. The 17 acres of botanical wealth are maintained and nurtured by the Trust’s expert horticultural team, who have created an inspiring environment for our guests to explore.

Find a quiet spot to sit and relax by the stream, or lounge on the ‘infinity lawn’ to the front of the house, looking across the Aberdeenshire countryside and Grampian mountains. On a warm Scottish summer evening, the front terrace, overlooking the lawn is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner Gin & Tonic or glass of champagne.

The Plants and Walled Garden

Horticulture fans can revel in a vast range of fascinating plants on show in the gardens, and visit a small arboretum where we are growing a collection of ornamental trees from around the world. The greenhouse meanwhile, which is open to all guests, is home to a magnificent display of plants throughout the summer months.

Our rock-pool gardens, with their beautiful parade of Hosta, Primula, Iris and Rodgersia, are another must-see. The pools used to be Lady MacRobert’s alpine rock gardens, designed by the world-famous Backhouse Nurseries of York in 1911.

An array of fresh, organic vegetables, salad leaves, herbs and fruit is cultivated in our walled garden. Once harvested, the produce is delivered straight to the kitchen team and is used for that day’s menu – providing the ultimate ‘garden-to-table’ experience. Explore the latest menus here.