Historic Garden Landscaping at Abbot House in Dunfermline

Nestled in the heart of Dunfermline, the 16th-century Abbot House is one of Scotland’s most treasured historic buildings. As the oldest surviving dwelling in the city, it’s a site full of character and heritage — and any updates to its surroundings must respect and elevate that legacy. That’s exactly what we set out to do in this unique garden landscaping project in Fife.

A Sensitive Garden Restoration for a Historic Site

Our main goal was to enhance the beauty of Abbot House’s exterior by introducing a refined planting scheme and hard landscaping elements that would complement the rich architecture rather than compete with it. The brief focused on using natural materials and regional colour palettes to bring structure, contrast, and softness to the space.

We began by refreshing the existing beds — removing tired shrubs and conifers, reshaping overgrown specimens, and introducing a variety of vibrant, pollinator-friendly plants. Rose Campion, Nepeta, Rudbeckia, Achillea and Astilbe were used to create seasonal interest and softness, while Calluna and low-maintenance ground covers brought texture beneath the established apple trees.

In the raised Corten steel planters, we introduced calming combinations of ferns, Lavandula (lavender) and Creeping Jenny, which are already blending beautifully into the setting. These weathered steel features will continue to evolve with time — a perfect match for a historic property where age only adds value.

We also installed Corten edging to redefine the borders and spread light-toned gravel for contrast and improved navigation, tying everything together with a clean but natural aesthetic.