Dumfries House

Dumfries House is a country house museum in Old Cumnock, southwestern Scotland, set within a large park of mature trees and water features. The main building follows the Palladian style with a symmetrical facade of pale stone, flanked by lower side wings and a central staircase inside.

The Adam brothers designed the estate for William Crichton in the 1750s, who held the title Earl of Dumfries. The family left the house in the 1990s, after which it was acquired by a trust in 2007 to preserve the collections.

The estate preserves furniture crafted for its original residents from the mid-18th century onward, pieces that were never sold or replaced. Visitors see mahogany furnishings and gilded details that reflect the tastes of Scottish landowners at the time.

The park is open during daylight hours without charge, while guided tours inside require advance booking. Paths around the house are mostly flat and wheelchair-friendly, though some areas have gravel surfaces.

Several rooms display wallpapers and wall hangings from the 18th century that remained in their original position. These textile elements survived centuries without restoration and show the craft techniques of that period.

Location: East Ayrshire

Location: Old Cumnock

Inception: 2008

Address: Dumfries House Estate, Cumnock KA18 2NJ

Website: https://dumfries-house.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 55.45557,-4.30799

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:39