Enter the time capsule that is Dumfries House – a Georgian mansion that has seemingly been untouched for 250 years and you will be overwhelmed by its opulent interior. Built for William Crichton Dalrymple, the 5th Earl of Dumfries by John and William Adams, it was intended as a ‘honey trap to find him a new wife who would give him an heir. Everything within the house was meant to impress and inspire awe in its visitors. From its custom made Thomas Chippendale furniture to its opulent carpets and soft furnishings, it was finished with the most fashionable creations of its day.

The 5^th Earl was anxious to emphasise that he was not a Jacobite sympathiser and for that reason had diverse symbolic images placed strategically around the house depicting him as a man of the world. Images such as coats of arms bearing thistles, not for patriotic reasons but because he was a Knight of the Order of the Thistle; a self study painting by Thomas Hudson, an Englishman, displaying he was a unionist; American feather images in the central medallion of the carpet in the Blue Drawing Room.

Had Dumfries House not been saved by the intervention of HRH Prince Charles in 2007, the priceless artifacts to be found within the building would have been auctioned off and a piece of important history lost forever.

Every room within the house is unique in one way or another. The Entrance Hall is clearly defined by Italian designs and contains the original furniture of eight hall chairs, central table, and two arm chairs by Alexander Peter, set up in situ. The Blue Room houses one of the first ever exquisitely produced Axminster Carpets. Special digital effects mean that visitors do not walk on the original carpet. The Pink Dining Room is the best preserved room in the house and is frequently used by Prince Charles when entertaining. The Tapestry Room was designed to house four eighteenth century Flemish tapestries and is lined with cedar wood to keep moths at bay from the precious hangings. A most luxurious four poster bed, designed by Thomas Chippendale, can be found in the Family Bedroom. The 5^th Earl hoped that the opulence of this bedroom would render him a suitable wife.

On the estate grounds itself, there are many things to occupy the delights of all members of a family such as the educational Engineering Centre where families can delight in taking part in experiments. The Play Area will keep children amused with its unique climbing frames.

Walking on from the play area you will come to the beautiful Chinese Bridge and the stunning Walled Garden.

Try to navigate your way to the pond in the centre of the Maze then rest in the Woodland Shelter or head for a-well-earned refreshment in the Coffee Shop.

Dumfries house is truly a magnificent way to spend a day when visiting Ayrshire – a place where you can learn so much about the past, enjoy the renovations that will carry on into the future or just relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.