Celebrating 10 years of Dumfries House

Dumfries House is one of Britain's most beautiful stately homes. Set in 2,000 acres of land, this stunning estate and 18th-Century house with its unrivalled collection of original furniture has something for everyone.

Saved by the intervention of His Royal Highness, The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay in 2007, Dumfries House combines the neoclassical architecture of Robert Adam with the furniture of Thomas Chippendale and leading 18th-Century Scottish cabinet makers. Visitors can explore this stunning 2,000 acre estate 365 days a year.

Over the past ten years, a lot has changed in and around the house. Here we take a look at what the house and grounds looked like in 2007 compared with today.

The Coach House

Renovation of the coach house and stables began in the winter of 2010. It reopened in 2011 as the Coach House Cafe, with a conservatory and stable area, opening out to the patio.

The Dovecot

The 17th Century dovecot is of outstanding historical and architectural importance, and was origianlly built in 1671. It is one of the structures on the Estate which pre-dates Dumfries.

Family Parlour

This room was intended as the principal living room of the house. As the name suggests it would have featured at the heart of family occasions and gatherings.

The Great Steward's Dining Room

This room is the principal dining room in the house, and is now used for functions, conferences and weddings.

Pink Dining Room

This room is a favourite of HRH The Prince of Wales and is the best preserved room of the house, with the least alterations made since its inception.

Tapestry Room

The Tapestry Room was specifically designed to house four early 18th century Flemish tapestries, acquired by the 5th Earl of Dumfries, two of which had previously hung in the Blue Drawing Room. The room is panelled with cedar wood, as a natural moth deterrent, helping to keep the tapestries free from damage.

Temple

This Category A listed structure doesn't have a ‘practical’ use. It began to be referred to as a Temple and simply became a decorative feature.

The Walled Garden

In many ways this is the flagship project of the Dumfries House Estate restoration. The five-acre walled garden is one of the biggest in Scotland and features a unique 12-metre drop from north to south.