Dumfries House, nestled in rural Ayrshire, is a special place. Its jewel-bright rooms hold a precious collection of the furniture of Thomas Chippendale, the acclaimed 18th-century cabinet-maker best known for his mid-Georgian, English Rococo and Neoclassical styles. There are around 600 authenticated Chippendale pieces in the world, with 59 alone within Dumfries House.
Today the house is one of Britain’s loveliest stately homes, and a top Scottish visitor attraction – but not long ago, the estate was nearly lost to the British public for good.
In 2007 Dumfries House and its grounds were up for sale. Its outstanding collection of furniture was to be scattered, with items sold off to the highest bidder. Bodies such as the National Trust for Scotland had been approached but simply couldn’t take the house on. The collection and estate needed a modern-day knight in shining armour – or a prince – to come to the rescue. Lo and behold, at the eleventh hour, a prince did indeed save the day.
HRH Prince Charles stepped in, promising £20 million from his charitable foundation and personally brokering a £45 million deal to secure the estate, the house and its rich interiors. Work began immediately to reveal the precious contents of this private property to the public for the first time.
This story is from the July - August 2020 edition of The Official Magazine Britain.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July - August 2020 edition of The Official Magazine Britain.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Wonders of Wales
With its wild cliffs, pretty coves and puffins galore, St Brides Bay holds the best of Pembrokeshire
PEAK PERFORMANCE
From heathery moors to rolling hills and underground caverns, the Peak District is home to some of the most majestic landscapes in the country
1066 COUNTRY
England’s sunny south coast has a rich heritage, harbouring ancient castles and evocative landscapes that tell the story of the Battle of Hastings and beyond
TOP 10 LIVERPOOL
Once regarded as the second city of the British Empire, today this maritime city is a thriving cultural centre
SCOTTISH TRADITIONS
From Highland dress to Hogmanay, the Scots have some unique customs that have stood the test of time. But what were their origins?
SHEAR DELIGHT
Travel back in time with a visit to Suffolk’s pretty-as-a-picture wool towns, thriving centres of the woven cloth trade in the Middle Ages
National Trust on Screen
The National Trust’s Location Managers take us behind the scenes and revisit some iconic film and TV moments in which their historic houses and landscapes have starred
First AMONG EQUALS
This year marks the 300th anniversary of Robert Walpole taking office as Britain’s first Prime Minister. We delve into the history of this prestigious post, and reveal how it has evolved through the centuries
CIRENCESTER
Known as the Capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester is a beguiling introduction to the delights of the wider region
Capital Escapes
Staying somewhere special has never felt so appealing. Here’s our pick of the best hotels within easy reach of London