Author Archives: Gus the Estate Head Gardener

About Gus the Estate Head Gardener

I'm the person responsible for both the grounds and the livestock which are raised here. I live with Bree (my wife) in one of the cottages that has been here for centuries. I actually enjoy Winters here as my work load is considerably reduced as I let the younger staff members handle the needed work which leaves me time for reading, ice skating and skiing, not to mention just being with my wife. Bliss!

A Kinrowan Estate story: You’re Invited to A Pig Roast

You’re invited to a last pig roast which is coming up this weekend. Needless to say, you need a pig. Figure two pounds of meat per person. More if you’re feeding them all day long, as properly cooked pig — I swear … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Dolmens

I was passing by the Robert Graves Memorial Reading Room when Iain was lecturing the Several Annies on a subject that was dear to his heart: ‘There are a number of  dolmens — ceremonial standing stones — scattered about the … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Our Greensward

One part of the greensward is set aside for a cricket field. We just refurbished this area last year as it was showing its age after nearly a decade since the last spruce up. Yes, I know that Scots aren’t … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate Story: Strawberry Ice Cream

During the early Victorian Era, the Head Gardener at the time, Jacob Niles, persuaded the Steward, Allison MacPhee, to invest in a conservatory. According to the Journals kept by him and the Steward, the deciding factor was that it could … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate Story: Cranachan

Good Evening Ekaterina, Ingrid sends her love and hopes your trip to Canada is going well. Mrs. Ware cooked the traditional Scottish dessert that you love earlier tonight — cranachan, which you know is made with oats, cream, whisky and … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate story: A Troll under The Bridge: The Design Process (A Letter to Anna)

Dear Anna, Imagine an old forest witch, a crone with a cackle and gnarled hands. Well, Justina did one of those when she was here the first time. Alas the Troll proved more elusive in design. Much more elusive. And … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Chicken Pot Pie

Making chicken pies starts with slaughtering enough chickens to feed twenty-five or so hungry folk. A chicken dressed out yields two pounds of meat which is enough for four to six people depending on what else gets added in. All of … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Preparing for All Hallow’s Eve

Gus, here. All Hallow’s Eve is a week away, and the Staff is deep in preparations. Mind you, a lot of those are just fun and games: putting up decorations and scurrying around with secret costume plans. Some of the more inventive … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Venison Stew

A letter from the journal of Alexandra Margaret Quinn, Head Gardener here in the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Victoria to her friend, who was staying in Constantinople as of this letter. Alex, as she was known, copied her personal … Continue reading

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A Kinrowan Estate story: Our Greensward

One part of the greensward is set aside for a cricket field. We just refurbished this area last year as it was showing its age after nearly a decade since the last spruce up. Yes, I know that Scots aren’t … Continue reading

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