The King's Foundation, the charity founded by King Charles III, has unveiled plans to construct a new, high-end wedding and events venue at its historic Dumfries House headquarters in Scotland. The development, named The King's Hall, aims to become a premier destination for luxury celebrations while funding the estate's conservation and community work.
A Royal Vision for Grand Events
The single-storey extension to the east wing of the 300-year-old house will provide a substantial 282 square metre public hall, designed to accommodate up to 200 guests. This move directly addresses a long-standing challenge for the estate: the lack of a large-scale events space that matches the grandeur and historical aesthetic of the main house. The foundation has stated its ambition for the Scottish venue to become the "go-to venue for high-end, luxury weddings and private events" upon its planned opening in 2027.
Harmony with History and Sustainability
In a nod to both tradition and modern environmental principles, the building's design will meticulously mirror the existing architecture. It will be constructed using the same techniques and locally-sourced materials employed when Dumfries House was built between 1754 and 1759. Gordon Neil, executive director of The King's Foundation, confirmed the use of stone from a local quarry and period building methods, blended with modern techniques to meet current standards.
Staying true to the charity's focus on "harmony and sustainability", the new hall will be equipped with modern heat pumps and biomass boilers. Event menus will prominently feature organic food and locally-sourced produce, ensuring the operation aligns with the monarch's long-standing environmental values.
Funding a Charitable Future
The project is expected to significantly boost the foundation's activities. Currently, Dumfries House hosts an average of one or two large events per week. With The King's Hall, the estate anticipates being able to stage five or six major events weekly.
All proceeds generated from the venue will be reinvested. The funds will support the ongoing conservation and development of the Dumfries House estate, its contents, and the foundation's wide-ranging education programmes and community initiatives.
Evan Samson, General Manager of Dumfries House, described the new venue as a "unique offering" that will be appointed to a luxury standard. "It opens doors for us to entertain so many more types of events and cater for so many people," he said. The house and its entire contents were secured for the nation in 2007 with the direct help of the then-Prince of Wales, underlining the deep personal connection King Charles has to this project and its future.
