Historic Kinmount House mansion looks to expand wedding business

Expansion plans have been lodged to help support the "viable ongoing use and maintenance" of a category A-listed Georgian country mansion in the south of Scotland.

Kinmount House, at Cummertrees near Annan, was built between 1813 and 1820 for the 6th Marquess of Queensberry.

It is now an popular wedding venue with its pavilion capable of hosting up to 200 guests and a smaller site, The Croft, for about 50.

The latest plans would include a permanent kitchen being put in place at the smaller venue in order to ensure "continued rural tourism activity and local economic benefit".

Kinmount House was designed by English architect Sir Robert Smirke, one of the leaders of Greek Revival architecture.

He designed several other major public buildings including the main block and facade of the British Museum, Royal Mint, Somerset House and Covent Garden Theatre.

He was also a pioneer of the use of concrete foundations.

The property was sold to British industrialist Edward Brook - great-grandfather of the current owners - in 1896.

He went on to commission a number of alterations and extensions to the house which was used as a hospital during both world wars.

A design statement submitted with the extension plans said Kinmount House was a "key income generator" for the estate which has "significant maintenance, management and running costs".

The application would not increase the capacity of The Croft but would enclose an existing outdoor space and provide a "permanent kitchen solution".

The statement added that Kinmount had proved "incredibly popular as a wedding and function venue" and the latest plans could overcome some "existing constraints experienced" particularly during bad weather.