The Dunmore Pineapple is part of Dunmore House, the former family estate of the Earls of Dunmore, located in Scotland. The Pineapple is about 45 feet high and flanked with two small guest rooms. Inside the estate are walled gardens. The protective walls keep the temperature inside the garden a few degrees warmer than outside creating a microclimate. Vegetables, fruit, and ornamental plants were grown there.
Dunmore pineapple by giannandrea is used under CC0 1.0 / Cropped and enhanced from the original
Pineapples were grown in a building with a hothouse. This was done through the use of glass window panes and a furnace which blew hot air into the growing room. Since Christopher Colombus encountered the pineapple in 1493, they became popular in Europe and were associated with power, wealth, and hospitality. Through that association, the pineapple also became used as a design motif.
It is thought that the Pineapple was added around 1777 when John Murray, the Earl of Dunmore at that time returned from his post as the governor of Virginia. In those days, American Sailors would place a pineapple or two on their fence posts to announce their return. It is thought that Murray decided to announce his return in a much more extravagant way.
Although it is called a “folly” or ornamental building which serves no purpose, the pineapple is expertly carved. The stonemason used the same type of stone as the archway below it, maintained a consistent width, and most notably, carved each leaf and piece of the pineapple so all water will drain off. The latter feature was critically important to ensure frost or frozen water would not damage the work.
Currently, the Dunmore Pineapple or Dunmore Park contains 2 guest rooms which are available for rent and the grounds are open to visitors year-round. The going rate ranges from about $102-$179 per night. See more information here about this very unusual and interesting building: Dunmore Pineapple.
