Description

A large walled garden of around half a hectare, constructed of large blocks of coursed and snecked local granite rubble. Contemporary with and located to the immediate north of Sandford Lodge (listed separately), the walled garden is rectangular in plan with an elliptically curved east wall incorporating a roofless structure with a corner fireplace. A further small bowed outshot is set within the north wall, and the walls are topped with coping stones. There are three pedestrian openings - the opening nearest the house having ashlar gatepiers with polished ashlar pyramidal capstones.

Adjoining the west wall is a multi-phase, L-plan farm steading range including a small single-storey cottage. These farm buildings are of standard design and construction and have been substantially altered. They are excluded from the listing.

Historical Development

The earliest known mention of the walled garden at Sandford Lodge is in 1833, although it was likely constructed with the Lodge, in around 1800. An advertisement for the sale of the estates of Boddam and Sandford notes the gardens of the mansion-house on the south side of Sandford Bay are in full bearing (Aberdeen Herald, 1833).

The house and walled garden of Sandford Lodge are depicted in detail on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1868. The layout of the walled garden and Sandford Lodge has remained largely unaltered since that survey.

The house and grounds fell out of use after 2006. There have been no substantive changes to the walled garden since that time (2025).

Statement of Interest

Sandford Lodge Walled Garden (LB16365) meets the criteria of special architectural or historic interest for the following reasons:

• As an unusually large and solidly constructed example of its building type that retains its footprint and wall height.
• For its relationship with and contribution to its grouping with Sandford Lodge (LB16364).
• For its early date and as a rare example of a large, coastal walled garden on the northeast coast of Scotland.

In accordance with Section 1 (4A) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 the following are excluded from the listing of the walled garden (LB16365): adjoining steading ranges and cottage to west.

Architectural Interest

The walled garden is a large and solidly constructed example that retains its footprint and wall height. The massive roughly square stone coursers are a notable feature. It is further distinguished by its curved east wall and bowed outshot to the north wall, maximising the effects of the sun and providing protection from coastal winds.

The walls are constructed of local Peterhead granite, which is nationally renowned for its quality.

While the wider setting has been altered through the introduction of industrial development, the walled garden contributes to the coastal setting, the picturesque quality of which would have been a consideration in the siting of the mansion house and garden in around 1800.

The layout of the walled garden has not changed significantly since at least the mid- 19^th century. The functional relationship between the walled garden and the adjacent house remains clear.

Historic Interest

The walled garden at Sandford is of interest for its early date, and as a relatively rare example of a substantial walled garden located on the northeast coast of Scotland.

Late 18th or early 19th century estate mansion-houses or summer residences of this stature were constructed by or for prominent landowners, proprietors or town officials with significant social and economic connections with the local community.

The existence of a house and walled garden of this age and design in this location is evidence of the developing social and industrial importance of Peterhead and its environs around the turn of the 19th century.

Statutory address and listed building record revised in 2025. Previously listed as 'Sandford Lodge Walled Garden'.

External Links

• Wikidata Q56622106

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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