Description:
Gardyne Castle, dating from the 16th century, is one of the most attractive small castles in Angus. After a turbulent history of battles with the neighbouring Guthries, the fortified house now sits in the centre of an enchanting garden created by its current owners over the past 21 years. To the east, the walled garden runs down to the Denton Burn. The castle’s extraordinary stone-capped turrets overlook a long, romantic double border, with herbaceous planting in front of the fruit trees trained up the wall facing a mature rose border on the other side of the gravel path. The castle’s southern front, which was extended in the 17th, 18th and early 20th centuries, is enhanced by a wisteria and overlooks a large enclosed knot garden of box, bay and yew mixed with white roses, peonies and lavender. Beyond is an immaculate formal lawn surrounded by yew topiaries and specimen trees, leading to a developing perennial wildflower meadow with a gentle path leading down through an orchard. To the north, an upper garden created since 2018, centred on a pepper pot doocot, provides an area for quiet contemplation with further yew topiary, an extended lavender border, white planting, a fishpond and the family’s collection of chickens. Beyond the formal gardens the grounds merge into mature woods with romantic walks along the Denton Burn, a range of specimen trees and some lovely naturalistic planting.
Directions: Turn off A932 at signpost to Pitmuies Garden. Go over two stone bridges and follow road uphill past small hamlet. Take first road on left. At sharp right-hand bend take private drive straight ahead (beside cream lodge).
Other details: The castle, which is a private home, is not open to the public and the garden is only open on the advertised date. No dogs, please.
