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Dumfries House

Dumfries House, 13 miles east of Ayr, by Cumnock.
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The house was designed and built by the Adam brothers (Robert and John) for the Fifth Earl of Dumfries. Completed in 1758, the magnificent Palladian mansion, set in a 750 acre estate, is one of the grandest and most imposing designs of any mansion house in Scotland.



However, its principal heritage is said to be the interiors. Furniture comprises one of the most outstanding eighteenth century collections in any house in the United Kingdom, with magnificent examples of the work of Thomas Chippendale, and such Edinburgh craftsmen as Alexander Peter and William Mathie. It is arguably, the most complete and in-tact collection, surviving in any Scottish country house, with the pieces still remaining in-situ, in the locations originally designed for them by Robert Adam.

The original owner (Marquess of Bute) chose to sell the property, in order to concentrate on his Estate on Bute (Mount Stuart), saying that he never lived in Dumfries House, and thought of it more as his grandmother's home. The National Trust for Scotland, was invited to raise the funds required to secure the property and its contents. The Trusts first valuation of the property was turned down. That began rumours the property would be sold at auction, with the contents sold in lots.

27/06/2007, The Scottish Government, along with a newly-formed consortium, reached agreement with the Marquis of Bute, to purchase Dumfries House, and its collection, to safeguard it for the nation. The announcement of the agreement, came on this day from Prince Charles, who brought together the consortium to fund the acquisition of the house.

The Scottish Government, through Historic Scotland, contributed £5 million towards the £45 million total cost of the project.

The house is now run by an independent trust, the Great Steward's Dumfries House Trust. It opened to the public in the summer of 2008, with the first day being sold out.

For more large images and in-depth history, view the page Dumfries House.

For updates on visiting dates and new information, visit the official website dumfries-house.org.uk.

For more stunning Scottish Mansions, Visit the website: rs/mansionvisits