On Wednesday 6th July, a coachload of Stewartry U3A members paid a visit to Dumfries House near New Cumnock in Ayrshire.
This was the first major house designed by the young Robert Adam for his patron the 5th Earl of Dumfries in the mid18th century. This beautiful house, complete with its original furnishings, was on the point of being sold to pay death duties in 2007, when Prince Charles personally brokered a last minute £45million deal to secure the house and its contents, including the most complete collection of Chippendale furniture. Those in our group who had visited in the early months of its opening could remember seeing the labels still attached to items of furniture, ready to be packed off to Christie’s saleroom, to end up scattered all over the world.
Following a sociable lunch in the Rothesay Room, we were given an hour long tour of the House. Those on a return visit were amazed to see the transformation that has been effected in the 8 years since its purchase. Walls and plaster ceilings have regained their original colour and freshness; the upholstery of chairs, sofas and beds gleams in gold and blue damask; cleaned carpets and tapestries are vibrant again. Alongside the stunning work of bygone craftsmen, we admired the skill of modern restorers who can still practise their craft. Pointing out many priceless pieces of furniture and art, our guide even managed to persuade us that the purchase price of £45m was indeed a bargain!
Outside too, work continues on the parkland and estate with new plantings, pathways, a maze, children’s playground, shop, restaurant and tea room. The Prince’s vision was to create a sustainable business that would help regenerate the local economy in East Ayrshire and, as well as the House itself, the Home Farm, Education Centre and various workshops are now beginning to fulfil that aim.
Those of our party who braved the drizzle for a walk to the arboretum and new walled garden were rewarded with a stunning display of flowers, terraces, vegetables, greenhouses, planters and arches. Amazingly, this 5-acre walled garden, one of the biggest in Scotland, has been rebuilt from a derelict dumping site in just 2 years. As elsewhere, the quality of the materials and the workmanship on display couldn’t fail to impress.
You can tell we enjoyed our day and we highly recommend a visit: if you haven’t been, go; if you have been, go again! Thanks to Helen Henderson for organising the trip so efficiently.