Survey Data
Reg No
13303008
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Artistic
Original Use
Garden
In Use As
Garden
Date
1840 - 1880
Coordinates
209807, 279948
Date Recorded
08/08/2005
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Formal Italian gardens on rectangular-plan (stepped in, narrows to the north end), laid out c. 1860. Garden surrounded by yew hedges and split into sections with box shrubbery. Fountain to centre on circular plan and statue of Perseus holding severed head of Medusa towards the south end. Flight of cut stone steps to towards the north end, flanked by urns on moulded rendered bases on square-plan. Inner boundary of yew hedges flanked by urns on moulded rendered bases on square-plan. Runs northeast to southwest to the south of Castle Forbes (13303001).
Appraisal
An attractive Italian style formal garden that forms an integral element of the Castle Forbes (13303001) complex. The garden is well-maintained and retains its original formal qualities and layout. Of particular interest is the collection of ornamental garden features, including a fountain with nymphs, decorative urns and a fine statue depicting a scene from Greek mythology, all of which are of artistic merit. The statue is of Perseus holding the head of Medusa and is based on a work by the Italian sculptor Antonia Canova (1757 – 1822). The sword in Perseus' hand is now missing.