The Gardens
Seventeen acres of beauty, history and peace.
Set around Douneside House in the heart of Royal Deeside, the gardens are a living part of Lady MacRobert’s legacy, a place of sweeping lawns, terraced borders, rock-pool gardens, productive planting and quiet walks.
A living legacy
Designed with care, still tended with purpose.
The gardens were originally laid out by Lady MacRobert in the early twentieth century. Lady MacRobert continued to shape them throughout her life, drawing on her travels, her eye for plants and her deep attachment to Douneside.
Today, the gardens are maintained and developed by The MacRobert Trust, preserving the character of the place while allowing it to grow as a working, teaching and guest garden.
Explore the gardens
From formal terraces to quiet woodland paths.
Each part of the garden has its own character, from the wide open views of the infinity lawn to the productive walled garden that supplies the kitchen.
Infinity Lawn
A spectacular open lawn with views across the Deeside hills and towards the Grampian Mountains.
Arts and Crafts Terraces
Planted terraces give structure, colour and a sense of quiet formality in close proximity to the House.
Rock Pool Gardens
Once Lady MacRobert’s alpine rock garden, the pools now delight in bright drifts of Primula, golden Marsh Marigolds and blue Meconopsis.
Walled Kitchen Garden
Fresh vegetables, salad leaves, herbs, fruit and cut flowers are grown for the House and kitchens.
Ornamental Greenhouse
A Victorian-style greenhouse brings seasonal colour and interest through the summer months.
Arboretum and Walks
Ornamental trees, mown paths and wider estate trails invite gentle exploration beyond the House.
“Wander through the gardens or find the perfect spot to pause and unwind. From the fragrant, flower-filled terrace beside the conservatory restaurant to the cool, shaded rockpool gardens and the abundant organic kitchen garden, every path reveals a new tranquil setting and a beautiful vista to admire.”
Stephen McCallum, Head of Gardens, CHort FCIHort SHM
Garden to kitchen
Grown here, served here.
The walled garden supplies the kitchen team with fresh seasonal produce, including vegetables, salad leaves, herbs and fruit. Cut flowers from the gardens also help bring the life of the estate inside the House.
It is a quiet but important part of the Douneside experience: food, flowers and hospitality rooted in the same place.
Plan time in the gardens.
Stay at Douneside, dine with us, or ask our team about seasonal garden access, guided tours and the best time to explore.
Through the seasons
A garden that changes every time you return.
Spring brings the first colour and movement. Summer fills the borders, greenhouse and kitchen garden. Autumn softens the estate walks, while winter reveals the quiet structure of the garden and the surrounding hills.
For guests, walkers and garden lovers.
Whether you are staying in the House, visiting for lunch, joining a guided garden tour or simply taking time to pause, the gardens offer space to slow down and enjoy the Royal Deeside setting.
RHS Partner Garden
Recognised for horticultural excellence.
Douneside is an RHS Partner Garden and an RHS Qualifications Approved Centre. The gardens also serve as the primary teaching garden for The MacRobert Trust Horticultural Training Scheme, helping support the next generation of professional gardeners.