Scotland to Gowrie Farm: The Story Behind King’s Barn

From Scotland to Gowrie Farm: The Story Behind King’s Barn

The Scottish roots of Gowrie Farm reach back to the very beginning.

In 1858, John King, a Scottish immigrant who had arrived in Natal with his wife Janet and their children nine years earlier, purchased Gowrie Farm. The King family would become closely connected to the early development of Nottingham Road and to a story that continues at Gowrie Farm today.

A Scottish Connection

The family’s ties to Scotland extended beyond John King himself.

In 1874, Charles Smythe arrived at Gowrie Farm. His connection with the Kings stretched back to Scotland, where John King had managed Methven Castle, the Smythe family home.

Charles later leased Gowrie Farm from John King, married his daughter Margaret, and became an important figure in both the history of the farm and Natal.

When Golf Came to Gowrie Farm

By 1923, golf had found its way onto Gowrie Farm.

Early photographs show golfers putting on a sand green surrounded by fencing to keep the animals out — a wonderfully simple reminder of how the game was first played here.

When golf returned to Gowrie Farm in 2008, that same sense of simplicity shaped the course: push-up greens, low tees and fairways following the natural lie of the land.

The course grew from 12 holes to a full 18, but its connection to traditional golf remained.

A Name That Remains

In March 2026, another chapter was added with the introduction of The Crofts, nine self-catering cottages alongside the golf course.

At their centre is King’s Barn.

The name is no coincidence. King’s Barn was named in honour of John King, linking one of the newest additions at Gowrie Farm to the man who purchased the farm in 1858.

Today, it is a place for people to gather, share a meal and spend time together — more than 160 years after the King family first became part of the story here.

Heritage, Still in Play

Gowrie Farm has changed considerably since 1858. A farm became part of the story of Nottingham Road. Golf arrived, disappeared and eventually returned. Twelve holes became eighteen. New places to stay have been added alongside the fairways.

But some things have endured.

The Scottish roots, the traditions of the game, the importance of gathering together and even the King name remain part of Gowrie Farm today.

Heritage here isn’t simply something we look back on. It is still very much in play.