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King Charles borrowed £20m to save Dumfries house - but he'll never live there

The monarch and his charity restored the estate

king charles dumfries house
Bridie Wilkins
Senior Health & Fitness Writer
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King Charles III's Scottish restoration project, Dumfries House, is to be showcased on ITV on Wednesday evening in the documentary, A Royal Grand Design.

The royal acquired the property in 2007 when he was the Prince of Wales, before his son Prince William took the title. The website explains: "Used £20million of his own charitable foundation’s money and personally brokered a £45million deal to secure the house and its collection of Chippendale furniture."

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The residence is set in 2,000 acres and boasts a stunning 18th-century house and adventure playground.

Unlike other royal homes, the estate is not intended as a residence for Charles and his wife Queen Consort Camilla – instead, it is used for a range of education and training opportunities, and it is open to the public all year round. Take a breathtaking tour inside the stately home and grounds...

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dumfries house exterior

Photos obtained by the MailOnline show that the one-acre walled vegetable garden, which is known as the Pierburg Building And Kauffman Education Gardens, has been planted in the shape of the Union Jack flag – albeit without the bold blue and red colours.

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charles standing inside living room

In 2017, Prince Charles was joined by Ireland's president Michael D Higgins in the Yellow Room. Also known as The Family Parlour, it was originally intended as the main living room of the house, although it was also used as a dining room during the 19th century.

Dumfries House is host to the annual Wool Conference, where key members of the fashion, interiors and wool industry join to support Prince Charles' Campaign for Wool. Here, Charles is photographed with model David Gandy and M&S CEO Steve Rowe, who worked with the campaign.

charles wearing a kilt inside dumfries house

The photo is taken in the Tapestry Room, in the West Pavilion of the home. It is panelled with cedar wood, as a natural moth deterrent, in order to protect the tapestries hanging on the wall. There is a very high ceiling, as well as 18 domed skylights, and a huge marble fireplace. The grand piano was a donation to Dumfries House by a local secondary school.

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dumfries house hosting event in hall

Another view of the Tapestry Room taken when Prince Charles met the Scottish First Minister revealed two glazed cabinets on either side of the fireplace. They house platinum decorated service sets to be used for dining.  

charles with ant and dec in dumfries library

Ant and Dec met Prince Charles for their unique documentary, When Ant and Dec Met The Prince, and visited his home Dumfries House. This photo was taken in the Library, which is designed with inspiration from the culture of Constantinople. It's lined with rows of books in wooden shelves, while the room also has a large skylight. 

dumfries gilded ceiling with chandelier

The North Drawing Room is decorated with mint green walls and gold gilting. It features a large glass chandelier, and two gilted mirrors on one wall.

dumfries bathroom with art on walls

Dumfries House was the former home of the Marquises of Bute, and this was her personal bathroom. It features high ceilings with white panels, and a deep wooden tub with black framing.

dumfries house hallway with large art on walls

The Picture Gallery showcases a set of 17th century paintings acquired from the 3rd Earl of Bute, who was previously Prime Minister of Great Britain. It features light cream walls with several chairs and small side tables along the way.

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