5 Minutes with Kevin Begg

Bringing Los Potreros to Life

As a fourth-generation member of the Begg family, Kevin Begg has grown up with a deep appreciation for the land, the culture, and the traditions that have shaped Estancia Los Potreros. Kevin is proud to continue the family legacy, managing the daily operations of the estancia and ensuring that its unique blend of Argentine heritage and authentic rural experiences thrives for future generations.

With a background rooted in agriculture and a lifelong connection to the estancia, Kevin has a hands-on approach to managing the property. From overseeing the Aberdeen Angus cattle and horse breeding programs to coordinating guest activities and events, he brings a deep understanding of both the practical and cultural aspects of ranch life.

Kevin’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism is at the heart of his approach to managing Estancia Los Potreros. He is passionate about preserving the natural beauty of the Sierras Chicas while ensuring that guests have the opportunity to experience the traditional gaucho lifestyle and the vibrant Argentine rural culture.

Known for his warm hospitality and approachable nature, Kevin loves sharing the stories and traditions of Los Potreros with guests, making sure that every stay is both enriching and memorable. Whether guiding a horseback ride through the pampas or discussing the estancia’s history over a traditional Argentine asado, Kevin’s dedication to his heritage and guests is felt in every aspect of the estancia.

Los Pots in the Top 101 Best Hotels in the World

Estancia Los Potreros Named Among Tatler’s Top 101 Best Hotels in the World

We were incredibly honoured to be included in Tatler’s prestigious list of the Top 101 Best Hotels in the World, a recognition that celebrates the most exceptional, unique and inspiring places to stay across the globe.

This achievement reflects our passion for creating an authentic Argentine estancia experience—one that combines heartfelt hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, sustainable living and the timeless traditions of rural Argentina.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Córdoba, Estancia Los Potreros is much more than a place to stay. It is a working cattle ranch, a family home and a gateway to discovering the true spirit of the Argentine countryside. Our guests are invited to experience life beyond the ordinary, from riding with our gauchos across open landscapes and exploring the surrounding wilderness, to sharing long, memorable meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Being recognised by Tatler places Los Potreros alongside some of the world’s most remarkable hotels and retreats, celebrating destinations that offer something truly special. For us, the greatest luxury has always been authenticity—the freedom of wide-open spaces, the connection between people and nature, and the warmth of making every guest feel part of the estancia family.

Whether guests arrive seeking adventure on horseback, a deeper connection with nature, unforgettable wildlife encounters or simply the chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the countryside, Los Potreros offers an experience that stays with them long after they leave.

This recognition is a tribute to the dedication of our wonderful team, whose passion and care bring the estancia to life every day. We are proud to share our corner of Argentina with travellers from around the world and look forward to welcoming many more guests to experience the magic of Estancia Los Potreros.

Capilla de Buffo: A Hidden Sanctuary of Love

Tucked away on the edge of our rolling hills is the Capilla de Buffo is far more than a chapel—it's a deeply personal monument, a blend of art, science, and eternal love. Built in the 1940s by Guido Buffo, an Italian-Argentine scientist, painter, and philosopher, this unique space serves as both a mausoleum and a spiritual refuge.

The chapel was created by Buffo in memory of his beloved wife Leonor Allende and their daughter Eleonora, both of whom passed away at young ages. Heartbroken but inspired, Buffo poured his grief into constructing a sanctuary that would honour their memory forever. The building’s design takes inspiration from the cardo santo (holy thistle) flower, a symbol of purity and fleeting beauty.

Every architectural detail, from the layout to the hand-carved symbols, reflects Buffo's emotional and spiritual connection to his lost family.

Guido Buffo was not only a spiritual man, but also deeply rooted in scientific thought. Inside the chapel, he installed three Foucault pendulums, instruments used to demonstrate the Earth’s rotation. These pendulums are not just scientific tools, they lend the space a mysterious, almost mystical ambiance.

In addition, the chapel’s acoustics were carefully designed to amplify even the softest sounds, creating an immersive sensory experience for visitors, one that balances silence with the subtle rhythms of nature and science.

On Sunday mornings, we like to ride down to the chapel and spend some time down their taking a tour and having an opportunity to witness something so unique and special. The memorial itself is filled with little symbols to honour both his wife and daughter, including circular metal discs on the floor which represent the star constellations on the night his wife died. Another fascinating element is every year on the birthday of his wife, a ray of sunlight, enters through the skylight on the roof and illuminates the alter.

The Legacy of Our Aberdeen Angus Herd

Our herd of Aberdeen Angus has been part of the estancia since the Begg family first settled here, although to begin with the cattle was bred primarily for personal consumption on the farm. Today the herd, much larger in size, is part of a commercial operation, every year developing the bloodstock further to produce an animal which calves easily and thrives on the poorer winter grass is a priority.

This year has been no exception and has been particularly exciting with the introduction of bloodlines which go directly back to Scotland and some of the original Angus cattle. Taking inspiration from our roots, we have focused these last few years in reintroducing traditional techniques into our daily life, by honoring the traditions that are historical to Estancia’s in Argentina.   

In the coming days and weeks we will begin to prepare for the annual cattle sales. The entire herd is rounded up from the adjacent hills and valleys and then the task of separating the animals begins. All cattle must be vaccinated and thoroughly checked before sale. Despite the blinding dust that begins to surround the corrals, the gauchos have exceptional skills in sorting the herd. 

Once the work is done the gauchos, guests, guides and neighbors sit down and enjoy a delicious asado on a long trestle table, ready for another day! 

The Modern Luxury of Responsible Travel

As countries around the world begin to relax their rules on quarantine, we can begin to think about turning our lock-down dreams into realities and begin to travel again. Over the last few months we have begun to witness a change in the natural world, perhaps a silver lining to such an overcast time. Air and water qualities have improved, wildlife across the world has begun to return to our cities and has begun to thrive in areas where they were once under threat, carbon emissions have started to drop and as a result so has air pollution.

This is a time to change how we travel, supporting hotels and destinations which have an ethos of responsible tourism and sustainable practices. Both of these are huge parts of life at Estancia Los Potreros. Still a working cattle estancia, we work hard to remain true to our original values.

We produce the majority of our energy through renewable resources mainly wind and solar all our farming is based upon organic principles. We try to minimise our impact on the land and allow nature to dictate our course, managing our herd carefully we prevent over-grazed and eroded land, ensuring we have sufficient grass for both our horses and cattle throughout the year. 

Located on a provincial reserve of the Sierras Chicas we have a farming style which continues to encourage the presence of incredible wildlife including the elusive puma, wild boar, foxes, hairs, and with regularly sightings of the Andean Condors, whose habitat lies across the Punilla valley, in the Sierras Grandes.Although we are known for our world class riding we have an incredible variety of birdlife year round, from the commonly spotted burrowing owls, field flickers and southern lapwings to visits from the more exotic peregrine falcons, black vultures and American kestrels. 

Supporting our community is very important to us, the majority of our staff are a part of our family. Many have followed in the footsteps of their elder brothers, fathers, grandfathers, and even great grandfathers, who have worked alongside the Begg family for generations. We have long supported the local rural school, with the help of our guests. By running a small shop on the estancia, we donate all the income to the school, which is where many of our gauchos studied, and is now attended by their children. 

Our commitment to responsible tourism was born out of a necessity, as our location is off the grid, and we have to be as self-sufficient as possible, but now more than ever we are working on minimising our impact on our environment. Although this doesn’t mean we are for-going luxury, we are redefining the way we live. Even mealtimes celebrate each season of fruit and vegetables accompanied by tender delicious beef from the estancia.

One of life’s great luxuries should be to leave a positive impact on the places we love to visit, helping them to protect their culture and history but more importantly ensuring we will be able to visit time and time again for years to come.

A Day in the Life: Herding Cattle at Los Potreros

The world has been hugely affected by the ongoing pandemic of 2020 and it is something I am sure many of us will forget; from the shortage of toilet paper to the extensive period of social distancing, disruption has been widely felt and Argentina is no exception. Although life on a working cattle estancia continues one of our guides Sammie has decided to share with us an insight into quarantine at Estancia Los Potreros.

"Que estamos separando? What are we separating?" "Las lindas de las feas. The beautiful from the ugly."

A year ago, if you'd told me I'd spend my morning on foot in a corral, sorting cows into "good looking" and "ugly," I'd have laughed you off. But that's exactly where I found myself as a guide at Estancia Los Potreros.

Starting Before Sunrise

Life on a working cattle ranch doesn't pause for much, and this week it was time to pregnancy test our Aberdeen Angus herd. Six of us saddled up while the sky was still glowing tangerine and rode out into the campo to find the cattle and bring them down to the cattle station.

Riding alongside my compañero Pachi, we headed across the sierras - hills that felt every bit as steep as Ben Nevis. "Go over that hill, and push any cows you find over the next one," he instructed, unhelpfully. Wanting to prove myself, I cantered up and over, and found cattle scattered across rock and crag. My horse, Muchacho, was far more sure-footed than I was and picked his way through the terrain without hesitation.

Learning the Gaucho Way

Months in, I still can't whistle like the gauchos do, but I've picked up their calls and a fair bit of Spanish vocabulary that certainly wasn't part of my schooling. Pachi and I eventually reconvened, and three lines of cattle converging from different directions became one herd, pushed together toward the station.

A Day's Work on the Estancia

Once the cows were gathered, everyone took a station. Georgie worked her horse in the corral, pushing small groups through; Pachi guided them into the chute; I shut the gate behind each one; our headman Dani held the head steady; the vet checked how far along each cow was with her calf. We only paused for an asado lunch before starting again.

Work continued after the vet left, this time separating male and female calves on foot - closer to a game of dodgeball with live cows than anything else, especially once I realised the gauchos had rebenques and we didn't. By the end, we'd picked out the 70 best female calves, the future mothers of the herd, chosen for their build, their longer legs suited to the rocky ground, and a "nice face" I still can't quite define.

Riding Home

We rode back as the sun dropped, exhausted, filthy, and thoroughly content. Days like this are what estancia life is really about - hard work, a bit of chaos, and a growing sense of belonging to this place and its rhythms. I'm still not sure if I'll leave here more fluent in Spanish or in cow, but either way, I wouldn't trade the lesson.

Through the Lens: Kevin Faingnaert at Estancia Los Potreros

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming renowned Belgian documentary photographer Kevin Faingnaert to Estancia Los Potreros. As part of a three-month journey through Argentina, Peru and Bolivia, Kevin contacted us to ask if he could spend a few days on the estancia, immersing himself in life on the farm and photographing the landscapes, horses and people that make this place so special.

Based in Ghent, Belgium, Kevin is an internationally recognised documentary photographer whose work has been featured by publications including National Geographic, The New York Times and The Atlantic. Before becoming a full-time photographer, he studied sociology, and this background is evident throughout his work. Rather than simply documenting places, Kevin is interested in understanding the people who live there, the traditions they uphold and the communities that shape their identity.

His approach to photography is thoughtful and immersive. Instead of arriving, taking a few photographs and moving on, Kevin spends time getting to know the people and places he visits. By living alongside local communities and experiencing their daily routines, he is able to create images that feel genuine and deeply personal. His photographs are not only beautiful, but also tell stories of culture, heritage and the connections between people and their environment.

During his travels across South America, Kevin deliberately chose to focus on everyday life rather than the continent's most famous landmarks. His project, which he describes as "A Love Letter to Peru, Bolivia and Argentina," captures quiet moments that might otherwise go unnoticed: the changing light across vast landscapes, conversations shared over a cup of maté, the rhythm of daily work and the traditions that continue to define rural communities.

His time at Estancia Los Potreros perfectly reflected this approach. Rather than directing scenes or searching for dramatic moments, Kevin observed life as it unfolded naturally. From gauchos working with horses and cattle to peaceful mornings in the Sierras Chicas, his photographs capture the authenticity of life on an Argentine estancia. The soft natural light, muted colours and carefully composed images create a sense of calm that beautifully reflects the pace of life here.

We are delighted to share a small selection of Kevin's photographs from his stay with us. They offer a unique perspective on the estancia and remind us that some of the most meaningful stories can be found in everyday moments.

If you enjoy documentary photography or simply appreciate authentic travel stories, we highly recommend exploring more of Kevin's remarkable work.