Couples dreaming of a regal celebration will soon be able to host their own royal wedding at the Scottish headquarters of King Charles's charity. The King's Foundation has unveiled plans to construct a major new events space at the historic Dumfries House estate, aiming to make it a premier destination for luxury matrimonial celebrations.
A New Chapter for a Historic Estate
The development, named The King's Hall, will be a single-storey extension to the east wing of the 300-year-old house. It is designed to host up to 200 guests within a 282 square metre public hall. The foundation has stated its ambition for the venue to become the "go-to venue for high-end, luxury weddings and private events" when it is scheduled to open in 2027.
In a commitment to heritage and sustainability, the building's design will mirror the existing architecture of Dumfries House. Construction will employ the same traditional techniques and locally-sourced materials used when the house was originally built between 1754 and 1759. The project will also integrate modern, eco-friendly technology including heat pumps and biomass boilers.
Boosting Events and Supporting the Community
This significant expansion is expected to dramatically increase the estate's capacity for large functions. Currently, Dumfries House hosts an average of one or two major events per week. The new hall is predicted to enable the venue to accommodate five or six large-scale events weekly.
Evan Samson, General Manager of Dumfries House, highlighted the need for the development: "One of the challenges for us in recent years... has been the lack of a large-scale events and entertainment space that is in keeping with the aesthetic and atmosphere of such an historic building." He described the new venue as a "unique offering" that will be appointed to luxury standards.
Gordon Neil, Executive Director of The King's Foundation, emphasised the tribute to the monarch, noting the use of traditional crafts and stone from a local quarry. All proceeds generated from The King's Hall will be reinvested into the conservation of the Dumfries House estate and the foundation's wide-ranging education programmes and community initiatives.
A Royal Legacy Secured
The Dumfries House estate, located near Cumnock in East Ayrshire, was purchased for the foundation in 2007 with the direct assistance of the then-Prince of Wales. King Charles founded the charity, originally known as The Prince's Foundation, in 1990. The new venue represents the latest phase in his long-term vision to secure the future of the historic property and use it as a force for good in the local area and beyond.
