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The Dunmore Pineapple

Both strange and beautiful, the Pineapple has always amazed and inspired visitors. It was built in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore as a summerhouse where he could appreciate the views from his estate. At this time, pineapples were among Scotland’s most exotic foods.

The intricately carved stone pineapple, which is situated between the two bothies, forms an elaborate cupola atop an octagonal pavilion, with sash windows topped with Gothic ogee arches on seven sides and a door, topped with an ogee transom, on the eighth.

The pineapple is around 14 metres (46 ft) high and constitutes a stunning example of the stonemason's craft, being a remarkably accurate depiction of a pineapple. Each of the curving stone leaves is separately drained to prevent frost damage, and the "stiff serrated edges of the lowest and topmost leaves and the plum berry-like fruits are all cunningly graded so that water cannot accumulate anywhere, ensuring that frozen trapped water cannot damage the delicate stonework."

Courtesy of Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunmore_Pineapple

It is possible to rent part of this building for a vacation.
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14 comments

Roger (Grisly) said:

Great craftsmanship to create this magnificent pineapple, but it really adds to this superb facade Amelia.
17 months ago

Patrick Brandy said:

Remarquable bâtiment belle architecture merci pour l'info agréable journée.
17 months ago ( translate )

J.Garcia said:

So exotic and impressive!
Wonderfully shown and great information, Amelia
17 months ago ( translate )

volker_hmbg said:

Superbe shot of an exotic building!
17 months ago

Andrew Trundlewagon said:

An extraordinary structure.
17 months ago ( translate )

Keith Burton said:

Wow! What an unusual addition to the architecture ................it's amazing! A beautifully composed shot, with superb detail.

I read an article that explained that because, in those days, pineapples were so rare that only the rich could afford them, and of course they enjoyed showing off about it. Apparently that is why pineapple shaped sculptures are quite common on gateposts etc..........but this guy must have REALLY wanted to show off :-))
17 months ago

Ulrich John said:

Looks great, Amelia !
17 months ago ( translate )

Jean-louis Thiaudier… said:

Etonnante construction bien captée.
17 months ago ( translate )

Peter Castell said:

A wonderful example of British eccentricity , large or small they were incorporated into properties as a sign of wealth
17 months ago

Daniela Brocca said:

That's great!
17 months ago

Gudrun said:

What a fabulous place! I've only ever seen the pineapple in guide books:-)
17 months ago

Nicole Merdrignac said:

Photo très intéressante . Nicole . Bon week-end.
17 months ago

Rosalyn Hilborne said:

Wow! That's amazing. A great find....I love it :-))
17 months ago

Leo W said:

so impressive roof
17 months ago ( translate )