Walled Garden And Sundial, Cairness House

The walled garden and sundial at Cairness House date probably to the 1780s, with extensions to the east before 1899. The large, early walled garden is situated to the southeast of Cairness House. It has unusually shaped walls forming an irregular, sac-like plan, featuring a straight east wall and a bowed west wall that widens from a short north end to a longer south end. The walls are constructed of coursed and random rubble, with snecked detailing and large, roughly squared quoins. The gateways in the south and east walls have segmental, voussoired arches. A square-headed pedestrian gateway with a brick lintel is located in the south wall, and a later outer wall forms a narrow, brick-lined strip along the east wall, bordering a lane. The remains of a lean-to greenhouse are visible on the north wall. A baluster sundial by G Adams, London, is located within the garden; it is currently being restored.

The walled garden is prominently sited on open ground adjacent to the drive leading to Cairness House and forms a significant element of the estate. Estate plans dating from around 1850 indicate a small lodge alongside a pair of pepperpot gatepiers at the southeastern corner of the garden. While the walls have undergone minor alterations, the garden’s overall design remains remarkably well-preserved. The garden, along with Cairness House and the South Lodges and Gates, is designated as a group-listed site. Originally listed in 1982 and revised in 2008, the garden is currently undergoing restoration and replanting.