One of the seats of the Marquess of Bute termed recently as 'one of the most exceptional houses in Scotland', Dumfries House, is to go on the market in September should the National Trust for Scotland fail to acquire it.
The Marquess said he has chosen to sell the property in order to concentrate on his estate on Bute, saying that he never lived in Dumfries House, and thought of it more as his grandmother's home.
The potential sale has raised eyebrows from collectors who would rather not see the famous collection of Chippendale furniture scattered and the house sold off in lots, as the property and its contents together are a unique holding.
The National Trust for Scotland has been invited to raise the funds required to secure the property. However, it believes it will need help from other bodies including the Scottish Executive in order to afford the expected high price.
The Chief Executive of the Trust told the Telegraph yesterday: 'The Trust's main concern is that the magnificent contents, including the Chippendale furniture, may be split up and sold piecemeal.
'For an entire collection of this quality to survive in tact is extremely rare. It is the totality of the house with its original furniture in situ that is of such international importance.'
Should the Trust lose out, the house is due to go onto the market in September. FPD Savills is advising on the sale.
Guy Galbraith, from Savills' Edinburgh office, said today that he had been to the house as part of his advisory role. He lost no time in saying it was 'one of the most exceptional houses in Scotland.'
FPD Savills
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