The King's Foundation has revealed ambitious proposals for a substantial new events venue at its East Ayrshire headquarters.
Named The King's Hall in tribute to the monarch, the development will create a 430-square-metre addition to Dumfries House's east wing in Cumnock.
The single-storey structure will feature a 282-square-metre public hall capable of accommodating up to 200 guests.
Foundation officials have expressed aspirations for the space to establish itself as the "go-to venue for high-end, luxury weddings and private events" on both a national and international scale.
CGI image issued by the King's Foundation of Dumfries House: The foundation said it wants it to become the 'go-to venue for high-end, luxury weddings and private events' both nationally and internationally
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Revenue generated through ticketed events and private hire will fund ongoing conservation work at the historic estate, alongside the charity's educational programmes and community projects.
Construction of the extension will employ building methods identical to those used when Dumfries House was originally erected three centuries ago.
Stone for the project has been sourced from a local quarry, ensuring materials remain true to the estate's architectural heritage.
Modern building regulations have necessitated some contemporary techniques alongside traditional craftsmanship.
CGI image issued by the King's Foundation of Dumfries House: Plans have been unveiled for a new events space
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The charity has designed the venue to embody its core values of harmony and sustainability throughout.
Heating will be provided through a combination of newly-installed heat pumps and biomass boilers, reducing the building's environmental footprint.
Catering at events will prioritise organic ingredients and locally-sourced produce, reflecting the foundation's commitment to sustainable practices.
The structure has been carefully planned to complement the aesthetic of the 300-year-old main house.
Dumfries House estate near Cumnock, Ayrshire, headquarters of the King's Foundation, pictured in November 2025
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Dumfries House was constructed between 1754 and 1759 for William Dalrymple, the 5th Earl of Dumfries, with renowned architect Robert Adam leading the design.
The property underwent significant expansion in 1890 when Robert Weir-Schultz added east and west wing extensions.
King Charles, who established The King's Foundation more than 35 years ago, played an instrumental role in securing the house and its entire contents for the charity in 2007.
Gordon Neil, the foundation's executive director, has noted that completion of the new extension will mean Dumfries House bears the mark of three pivotal figures in British architectural history: Adam in the eighteenth century, Weir-Schultz in the nineteenth, and King Charles III during his reign.
Gordon Neil, executive director of The King's Foundation at Dumfries House estate
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Mr Neil emphasised the importance of incorporating traditional crafts into the project, stating: "The most important thing for The King's Foundation, given our education programmes in architecture and heritage craft skills, was to produce a building that incorporated traditional crafts and locally-sourced building materials."
He added: "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."
The new facility will dramatically increase the estate's hosting capacity, enabling five or six large-scale events weekly compared to the current one or two.
Evan Samson, general manager of Dumfries House, described the development as an "exciting time" for the charity, noting that the venue will offer "a unique offering that will become part of the house, appointed and furnished to luxury standard."
Planning approval has been granted by East Ayrshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland, with the first events scheduled for July 2027.