The ice sparkles on the round pond and the covering of frost softens the symmetrical outlines of the hedges and neatly clipped topiary in a misty white. Beyond the garden the waters of Loch Leven are uncharacteristically calm and blue. It is a tranquil sight and one that is unusual during the winter months.

Kinross House sits on a sandy peninsular, which juts out into Loch Leven, overlooking the tiny island where Mary Queen of Scots was held captive for 10 months in 1567. William Bruce designed the house in 1680 – it was built between 1685-1691 – and was described by Daniel Defoe (author of Robinson Crusoe) in 1772 as ‘the most beautiful and regular piece of architecture (for a private Gentleman’s Seat) in all Scotland, perhaps in all Britain.’

In 1902 the neglected gardens were redesigned by Sir Basil Montgomery, with the help of his wife. They laid out the yew hedges along classical lines that perfectly reflect the lines of the house and planted trees to provide a backdrop for summer borders of roses and herbaceous plants.

The present occupiers, Jamie and Lizzie Montgomery – who have two children Edward and Iona – have risen to the challenge of maintaining this historic garden with the help of head gardener Kenny Stewart, who has three full-time staff. The contrasting conditions provide an ongoing challenge.

In the winter the battle is with the east winds that whip up the grey waters of the loch and wreak havoc on plants and in the summer they deal with the demands of growing roses and herbaceous plants on dry, free draining soil. Nonetheless the simple, elegant framework of the topiary has proved its worth over the past century by demonstrating a timeless quality – the outline looks as good in the winter as it does in the summer.

The beech hedges, a Lawson Cypress, and ancient holly domes, (Ilex aquifolium,) are

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