Inventory Garden & Designed Landscape

KYLE HOUSEGDL00249

Status: Removed

Documents

There are no additional online documents for this record.

Summary

Date Added
01/07/1987
Date Removed:
24/02/2017
Local Authority
Highland
Planning Authority
Highland
Parish
Strath
NGR
NG 74437 26584
Coordinates
174437, 826584

Most remarkable for its woodland garden with large-leaved Rhododendrons, Hoherias, shrub roses and Eucryphias, the designed landscape forms an impressive setting for Kyle House. Started in the early 19th century, most of today's planting was done by the present owners.

Removal Reason

In our current state of knowledge, this site no longer meets the criteria for inclusion on the Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes.

Artistic Interest

Level of interest
Some

The present form of the garden has some value as a Work of Art.

Historical

Level of interest
Little

The garden has been largely developed since the 1950s, although the yew trees remain as evidence of an earlier garden.

Horticultural

Level of interest
High

The plant content of the garden is of high horticultural value on account of its location on the Island of Skye.

Architectural

Level of interest
High

The garden provides the setting for a category B listed building and has thus high Architectural value.

Archaeological

Level of interest
Not Assessed

Scenic

Level of interest
High

Kyle House has high Scenic value by virtue of the contrast of the garden with the surrounding landscape.

Nature Conservation

Level of interest
High

Although not large, the deciduous woodland habitat provided by the garden is unusual on Skye.

Location and Setting

Kyle House is situated above the village of Kyleakin on the north-eastern shore of Skye. The A850 forms the southern boundary of the site before descending into Kyleakin, whilst the boundary to the north is formed by the cliffs which overhang the Kyle of Lochalsh. The village of the same name lies approximately 1km across the sea on mainland Scotland. Kyle House has a magnificent commanding position overlooking Wester Ross, the islands of the Inner Hebrides and the Cuillins of Skye to the north and west. To the east lies Loch Duich and, beyond, the peaks of the Five Sisters of Kintail. The climate is mild and damp; prevailing winds are from the west and south-west. Soil conditions are acid and peaty with rocky outcrops. Much of the soil was imported to the garden in the 19th century.

A look-out point in the garden is designed to frame the view to the lighthouse on the island of Eilean Bhan opposite and the mainland landscape beyond. The woodland edge of the garden is significant in the surrounding landscape, but the garden is more significant by the nature of its contribution to the largely barren landscape of Skye.

Kyle House stands within some 2.5 acres (1ha) of garden which extends north and east to the cliff edge and south to the A850. Documentary evidence is confined to the OS maps of 1876 & 1910. Design plans were not used in the creation of the present garden which includes some 11 acres (4ha).

Site History

The original owners of the site were Mackinnons who built the present house in the early 19th century and began the development of the garden. In 1920, the property was rented on a 25 year lease by the Seton Watsons. The present owners, Mr & Mrs Colin Mackenzie, purchased the property in 1950. The house was occupied by the Royal Navy in World War I and the American Navy in World War II and much of the previous planting was dug up during the last war. Mr & Mrs Mackenzie carried out much of the structure planting in the garden before settling permanently on the island in 1956. The garden has been continually developed since then.

Landscape Components

Architectural Features

Kyle House, listed category B, was built in the early 19th century; it is thought that the architect may have been Gillespie Graham but there is no evidence to confirm this. It was extended in the late 19th century, and again recently with the addition of a modern sun lounge on the south side. Stone urns, stand at the top of the steps on either side of the pathway south of the house.

Woodland

Shelter woodlands have been planted on the southern and western boundaries of the site. Largely coniferous species include Abies grandis and A. nobilis, planted since 1950 as a priority before subsequent development of the garden.

Woodland Garden

The Woodland Garden lies to the east of Kyle House. Beneath a canopy of beech, ash and rowan, planted some 80 years ago, the garden is host to a variety of trees and shrubs, including Eucalyptus, Embothrium and Crinodendron. The soil and climatic conditions are particularly suitable for Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Fuchsias which form the main understorey. Rhododendron macabaeanum is particularly well established. Of particular note is Eucryphia x nymanensis and Anopterus glandulosus. Olearias and Hoherias are planted amid the rocky outcrops and a collection of shrub roses grow in clearings, along with Meconopsis and many other woodland species. Different varieties of azaleas have been planted for colour behind the 'look-out point' by the dogs' cemetery. Some plants are labeled and a record system was begun by Mr Mackenzie.

The Gardens

The formal garden is situated to the south of the house. It is largely lawn, within which rose beds have been laid out and flowering shrubs planted. A footpath runs through the garden from the A850 to the house. An avenue of ornamental trees lines the path to the steps, on either side of which stand two Irish yews, planted by the original owners. Rhododendron and Fuchsia clothe the bank beyond the yews.

Walled Gardens

The kitchen garden is situated to the north of the house. It is walled on three sides and divided in two by a copper beech hedge planted since 1950. The garden is well stocked with fruit, flowers and vegetables. Polythene greenhouses have been constructed on the west side of the garden.

References

Bibliography

Sources

Printed Sources

G.A. Little,1981

Listings

About the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

The inventory is a list of Scotland's most important gardens and designed landscapes. We maintain the inventory under the terms of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We add sites of national importance to the inventory using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

The information in the inventory record gives an indication of the national importance of the site(s). It is not a definitive account or a complete description of the site(s). The format of records has changed over time. Earlier records may be brief and some information will not have been recorded.

Enquiries about development proposals, such as those requiring planning permission, on or around inventory sites should be made to the planning authority. The planning authority is the main point of contact for all applications of this type.

Find out more about the inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.

Images

Garden at Kyle House, Isle of Skye, looking south on clear day with blue sky.
Garden at Kyle House, Isle of Skye, looking east towards Loch Alsh, on clear day with blue sky.

Printed: 28/03/2024 19:59