Area Overview for Gardenstown

Gardenstown is a small fishing village on the north-facing Aberdeenshire coast, perched on the Moray Firth. Established in 1720 by Alexander Garden, it has retained its maritime character through centuries of fishing, coastal storms, and community resilience. The village occupies 33 hectares, with terraced housing clinging to cliffsides and historic stone cottages layered above the harbour. Its geography defines its layout: the oldest buildings cluster around the sea-level harbour, while newer homes extend inland. Gardenstown is one of three coastal settlements in the area, alongside Crovie and Pennan, but it is the largest and most stable. The 1953 storm reshaped its fortunes, washing away the path to Crovie and prompting its decline, while Gardenstown grew. Today, it thrives as a heritage-rich community, with festivals like the Fishermen’s Festival celebrating its roots. Visitors and residents are drawn to its charm, narrow streets, and coastal vistas, preserved through well-maintained 18th- and 19th-century architecture. The village’s economy blends fishing heritage with tourism, artisan shops, and hospitality, anchored by landmarks like the Garden Arms Hotel and the Church of St John the Evangelist.