T  h  e    P  i  n  e  a  p  p  l  e




Probably one of the oddest follies built and certainly one of the most original from a design point of view, is The Pineapple Folly to be found at Dunmore Park.

Hot House
This marvelous structure was built as a garden retreat and hothouse in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore, John Murray, later to become Colonial Governor of Virginia, USA. The reason for the design is not altogether clear, legend states it was because the first pineapple to be grown in the country was at Dunmore, although probably not the first, pineapples were indeed grown at Dunmore, as the hot air heating system that was installed in the adjoining buildings testify to.

Unknown Designer
The pineapple of fifty foot height approximately, sits on top of an octagonal tower that is now owned by the Landmark Trust, and used as exclusive rentable holiday accommodation. The designer of this masterpiece is unknown, although Sir William Chambers is often cited, but there is no hard evidence to this, another source I uncovered said the designer was an unknown Italian.

Co-Ords: 288900 688530 / NS 889885  

Bookmark this Page    

Reproduction of part or all of the contents of any of these pages is prohibited except to the extent permitted below.
These pages may be downloaded onto a hard disk or printed for your personal use without alterations. Any other use needs consent of the web site owner Mr C Curtis :- see Contact Page. These pages may not be included in any other work or publication, or be distributed or copied for any commercial purpose except as stated above.