The Japanese Water Gardens

The Gardens…..

Close by the castle lie the magnificent Japanese Water Gardens, designed in the early 1900s by its’ then owner, the renowned sportsman Hylton Philipson. The garden was brought to life when Japanese style was the height of fashion – hence its cherry trees, maples, iconic Japanese lanterns, ‘tea house’ and humpback bridge.

Permeating everything is the constant presence of water. Planned to provide exquisite new vistas at every turn, water from The Stobo Loch tumbles down a cascading waterfall and delightful little bridges take you over peaceful streams, whilst lush plant life and classic Oriental landscaping combine to create an overwhelming sense of peace.

….and it’s seasons.

The azaleas and rhododendrons provide a spectacular display in May and June. Calming strolls can be enjoyed with dappled summer sunlight radiating through the trees.

Autumn stimulates all senses with the unmistakable scent of burnt sugar from the Katsura and a riot of stunning reds and yellows. The Winter garden, occasionally dressed in white, with crisp smells of clean water from the hills above, brings its own flavour of serenity.