For The Love of Travel

Today, Janice kindly made 2 car runs to Dumfries House to drop her guests off at this splendid estate.

William Crichton Dumfries, 5th Earl of Dumfries, commissioned a country house to be built in rolling farmland to the west of Cumnock. Architects selected were the Adams brothers, whose fame would eclipse that of their father, William. Completed in 6 years by 1760, it contains a spectacular collection of 18thC furniture, with works by Thomas Chippendale, Francis Brodie, Alexander Peter and William Mathie. Dumfries House was the principal seat of residence of the 6th Earl of Dumfries for 35 years.

In 1793, Lady Elizabeth, daughter of the 6th Earl and sole heiress to the Dumfries estates and title, through marriage, united the Crichtons of Dumfries with the Stuarts of Bute. The Dumfries House and estates passed to the Stuart’s and became an integral part of the extensive Bute estates. 2 further Marquess’ of Bute inherited the house/estate and the last in the lineage, Dowager Marchioness of Bute, died at Dumfries in July 1993.

In 2007, Charles Prince of Wales, led a consortium of charities and heritage bodies to buy the dilapidated house, its contents and estate  with a view to preserving it and making it to the public. And they have done a great job.

 The House is sumptuously and tastefully decorated and the Old Walled Garden is lovely to stroll through to enjoy the beautiful flower displays. 

                                                                                                         It just so happened that Prince Charles was visiting his home that weekend and a ‘Fun Dog Show’ was on at the same time. Hannah is a massive fan, was in attendance and managed to snap some pics of His Highness…

We are staying in a fine example of an 18thC country villa, where the renowned biographer, James Boswell, indulged his penchant for ” old laird and family ideas”. Built around 1760 by his father, Lord Auchinleck. Once inherited by Boswell, the house was host to much “social glee”.  Mine hosts are Janice and Frits whom I met on the Arctic expeition a couple of years ago. They love staying in Landmark Trust houses and this is one of them. Family members (Mark and Wendy; Jack and Jaqui) and some friends (Letia and Jasper) have been invited to join them on the estate. I have the privilege of being chosen as the only Aussie! And brought a selection of my tiaras from the colony to share with my female companions for dinner dress ups!

Auchinleck House expresses the rich spirit of the Scottish Enlightenment period, combining “classical purity with baroque exuberance”. This was a period of prosperity, curiosity and experiementation, where people sought solace in their landscapes and enlightenment through their intellect. The magnificent library has been restored as has the elegant dining room, its ceiling with elaborate paper mache decoration.  

Visitors to the house pass through the front doors beneath a Latin extract, chosen from Horace by Lord Auchinleck, carved into the pediment:

“Whatever you seek is here, in this remote place, if only you have a good firm mind” .

This speaks clearly to all of us today, as much as it would have to James himself.

Today we walked to the ruins of Lord Auchinleck’s old house in a beautiful woody glade – gnarled tree roots taking possession over the stone house over the decades. Then a walk past the gorge and the perimeter of the 35 acres of the property.  I think we might have passed Her Majesty on the way, walking her local doggies (West Highland terriers).

Back for lunch, parsnip and curry soup and lovely roast beef for dinner. Hannah is our chef and she does a wonderful job looking after us.

And it was a spectacular sunset tonight!!!