We, that is Gerlinde and Stephan, came from Cologne, Germany, straight to Balmoral because we had been enchanted by the secret of the North Shore. Originally trained as an Anthropologist (Gerlinde) and as a Photographer (Stephan) we decided that we would actually dare the impossible: to develop an organic farm from scratch. So far it has been an extremely rewarding and enriching experience with no time off!

The land here had been sitting idle for almost two decades when we took it over and began to farm in 2000. But of course we were just reviving an old tradition, for this farm dates back to the 1800s, when Scottish immigrants came to this area to settle and named it Balmoral, after the royal estate of Queen Victoria, Balmoral Castle, which she used as her retreat.

Balmoral is Gaelic and means “house of big rocks” or “majestic dwelling”. The following description of the royal castle, which appeared in the Presbyterian Witness, 1873, Oct.25, page 342, expresses very auspiciously our approach to Green Dragon in Balmoral;

"The interior of the castle is as simple and unpretending as the exterior. It is handsome but plainly furnished. In the grounds there is the same simplicity and absence of artificial effect. The natural foliage and vegetation of the scene have been preserved as far as possible and the heather blooms, as of old beneath the fir and birches. The Queen’s aim in the North seems to be to live as simple and natural a life as possible.”

And just in case you are wondering, the name Green Dragon came from a dream.... -watch out! He is around! If you wish, you might find him...! Dragons bring good luck and a taste of magic!

We are 1 km East of the Balmoral Grist Mill Museum on Rte. 256. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a unique visit at Green Dragon Organic Farm and B&B.