The Magic of Dumfries House

One of my favourite local spots to visit at any time of year is the gorgeous and grand Dumfries House estate, located on the A70 in Cumnock. Hidden from view in 2,000-acres of space means there is plenty to do and see for all ages.

Access for anyone with a disability is easy, with limited disabled parking spaces, all parking being free to the general public. At the time of writing, I’m currently sitting in the Coach House Café, next to the Visitor Information Centre, enjoying a hot chocolate.

There is plenty of history surrounding Dumfries House. Built in the 18th century, it was on the verge of being auctioned after years of falling into misuse, until it was purchased and renovated in 2007 by HRH Prince Charles, who still frequently visits the House. I’m reliably informed that the House was originally built in 1742 so that a widowed Earl, William Crichton Dalrymple, the 5th Earl of Dumfries, could attract a fertile female that could give him an Heir – I can’t imagine the Earl would’ve been short of his admirers, given how the easily the House impresses and awes its visitors, even in the modern day! The Earl did attract a lady, Countess Anne Duff, who then appeared to turn her attention to another man. It’s claimed that Colonel Montgomery was dismissed from Dumfries House after being found behind the curtain with the Countess. One can only imagine it must’ve been an unhappy marriage for Earl William, who died in 1768 with no success in producing the Heir he badly wished for, and Countess Anne. The House then passed onto a nephew, Patrick MacDougall, whose daughter married Lord Mount Stuart which sealed an alliance between the Crichtons and Stuarts, two of Scotland’s most noble and powerful families of that period. Over time, the House was used less and less until it was extended in 1897 for the 3rd Marquess of Bute. The House was purchased by the Army in 1942, used as a Prisoner of War camp in 1943, and then fell into non-use until HRH Prince Charles secured a rescue package to restore the House, its grounds, and ensure none of the House’s original contents – like its famous Chippendale furniture – could be sold.

House tours are available to the public up until 18th December 2016, but commence again on 9th January 2017. Although I have yet to do a tour of the House myself, the website’s Accessibility page clearly states that power wheelchairs can’t be accommodated inside the house, although there are manual wheelchairs available to borrow. Only certain areas of the House have wheelchair access via a portable ramp or stair lift. There is no wheelchair access to the Gallery on the second floor. For those of us who are hearing impaired, a loop system to amplify a Guide’s voice is available to use.

If you’re a nature lover and are happy to overlook an 18th Century House’s lack of access for wheelchairs, Dumfries House has something for everyone – from gardens, walks, to an adventure playground for kids.
Who knows? You might be very lucky to catch a glimpse of HRH Prince Charles on a flying visit to Ayrshire, as I did a few weeks ago!