Dumfries House expansion named after King Charles gets £6.5m

New Venue at Dumfries House to Host 200 Guests

The venue will accommodate up to 200 guests. It aims to meet the growing demand for five-star events. The development will also boost employment and education opportunities in the region.

Development by The King’s Foundation

The King’s Foundation will deliver the project. This charity was founded by King Charles in 1990 and is based at Dumfries House.

Revenue from ticketed events and exclusive-use hire will support the estate’s conservation. It will also fund education programs and community initiatives benefiting over 10,000 people each year.

Details of the New Hall

The new extension will cover 430sqm, including a 282sqm public hall. It will replace the Pavilion marquee, which has served as an event space for over a decade.

The hall is designed to complement the Robert Adam architecture of Dumfries House. It will use traditional craft techniques and locally-sourced materials, including stone from a nearby quarry.

Statements from The King’s Foundation

Gordon Neil, executive director of The King’s Foundation, said, “Upon completion of this sympathetic new extension, we can say that Dumfries House has been built by three major influences in British architectural history.”

He added, “The most important thing for The King’s Foundation was to produce a building that incorporated traditional crafts and locally-sourced building materials.”

Neil noted that they used a local quarry for the stone and traditional building techniques from 300 years ago, along with modern elements to meet today’s standards.

He stated, “The King’s Hall will be a true testament to the impact of His Majesty on Dumfries House and the vital education and employment it provides.”

Sustainability and Event Hosting

The venue will showcase sustainability. Heat pumps and biomass boilers will provide heating. Menus will feature organic, locally-sourced produce.

The King’s Hall will allow the charity to host five or six large-scale events each week, compared to the current one or two.

Comments from Dumfries House Management

Evan Samson, general manager of Dumfries House, said, “The King’s Hall will offer the intimacy, atmosphere, and historic grandeur that guests have come to associate with events at Dumfries House.”

He added, “This new venue will give us a unique offering that will become part of the House, appointed and furnished to luxury standard.”

Samson expressed ambition for The King’s Hall to become a top venue for luxury weddings and private events.

He noted that the space will allow access to the historic house, with revenue supporting local employment and education opportunities.

Project Approval and Timeline

The first phase of the project has been approved by East Ayrshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland. The inaugural events in The King’s Hall are expected to take place in July 2027.