Dumfries House

Dumfries and Galloway holiday 15

In some ways, my whole Scottish trip came about because of my desire to visit Dumfries House, in New Cumnock. I'd seen a TV programme about its restoration and I was enthralled. This wonderful Palladian mansion, built between 1754 and 1759, was one of the earliest commissions for the renowned architect Robert Adam. It was one of the properties belonging to the Marquesses of Bute. After the Dowager Duchess of Bute's death in 1993, it passed to her grandson, the racing driver John Bute (Johnny Dumfries). He had to sell it to pay death duties, and when the National Trust for Scotland for some reason turned it down (!), in 2007 he put the house and its contents (including many pieces of priceless, original, Chippendale furniture) up for sale. 

A campaign was launched to save it and King Charles, at that time Prince of Wales and Duke of Rothesay, raised £45m to buy it through his Prince's Foundation, with contributions from heritage charities, the Scottish Government and many individuals. It is said that some of the valuable furniture, including a rosewood Chippendale bookcase which, it is estimated, would have fetched around £20 million at auction, was in a furniture van on the M6 on its way to Christie's in London when they received orders to turn back! 

It's a truly fabulous place and I wasn't disappointed. You weren't allowed to take photos on the guided tour inside, which was a shame as it was stunningly beautiful, but the exterior and grounds also provided many memorable shots. The website is HERE, with lots of info and photos. 

The lovely cupola towers on either side mark and mask the junction between the original house and the sympathetic extensions to two side wings, designed by Robert Weir Schultz and added in the 19th century.  

The pergola fountain was added in the most recent restoration. Designed by William Pye, the TV programme showed him personally arranging all the water jets so that they criss-cross just perfectly. King Charles has been very involved in decisions relating to the restoration. Indeed, he and Camilla were here on the day the Queen died and they had to rush back to Balmoral. The attention to detail in the whole place - both historically and since it was bought and restored by the Prince's Foundation - is astonishing and somehow very heartwarming.  

More tomorrow!