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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
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