Castle Fraser Sauchen Inverurie Aberdeenshire AB51 7LD The rich farmland of Aberdeenshire is home to more castles per acre than any other part of the British Isles and one of the finest is Castle Fraser, which sits amongst fields of oats and barley, 20 miles north of Aberdeen. The castle was built in 1575 for the Fraser family, who, over many generations, filled it with an extensive collection of artworks, including a portrait by Raeburn. For several centuries the five-story high walls, which were built in an elaborate Z-plan, were surrounded by formal gardens and productive orchards but during the 18th century the fashion for designed parkland reached this part of the country and the hedges and topiary were swept away to be replaced by the landscape that exists today.
The idea was to create an enhanced version of the countryside, so vistas were opened up and pastures were punctuated by specimen trees. Castle Fraser Garden (Image: Discover Gardens) As was the style of the times, a walled garden was created at some distance from the castle and today this sheltered spot is both decorative and productive. The central area has box-edged beds, while herbaceous borders, shrubs and medicinal plants grow around the walls.
The apple trees include many heritage varieties and all the fruit and vegetables are grown organically. The garden is divided by beech hedges, which hold on to their coppery-coloured leaves throughout the winter months. Thanks to its excellent drainage, the garden s.