Fettercairn Wilderness Retreat

Inspired by the wilderness of the Scottish Cairngorms landscape, home of Fettercairn distillery, Fettercairn Wilderness Retreat is a balcony garden to ignite the senses and invigorate the soul. Surrounded by wild and verdant planting reminiscent of the Cairngorms landscape, it echoes the grassy heathland, rocky outcrops and mossy glens.

A striking copper bathtub for a cold-water plunge brings the sound of moving water and a more sheltered seat provides space to breathe and relax – slowing the mind following a bracing dip. The garden is designed for a busy professional couple who love the outdoors and in particular the Cairngorms in Scotland, and want to recreate the environment for daily health benefits on their high-rise city balcony.

The planting represents the various plant communities of the Cairngorms wilderness, tolerant of extreme weather conditions, not unlike those experienced on an exposed urban balcony. Pinus sylvestris is found throughout the Cairngorm forest and Cytisus grows happily amongst the rocky outcrops. Meanwhile evergreen Erica and grassy hummocks of Deschampsia flexuosa cover the rolling heathlands.

 

At a glance

Who would use this garden?
Professional person or couple.
Where is the garden set?
The balcony is located in a modern apartment in a bustling UK city such as London or Edinburgh.
Who or what is the design inspiration for the garden?
The inspiration for this garden came from one of the designer’s hiking and whisky tasting holidays to the Cairngorms, which included a trip to Fettercairn Distillery. ​
 

Garden legacy

The Balcony is being relocated to the Fettercairn distillery.