It will be an artistic retreat set in one of Scotland’s most scenic locations and boasting the royal seal of approval. Prince Charles has won a battle to build a specialist residence in the grounds of his stately home in Ayrshire.

The facility is to be built at Dumfries House, near Cumnock, to provide “inspiration and solace” for painters in an isolated spot.

Artists will be able to stay at two cottages on the estate which are being refurbished, as well as having access to a studio.

The buildings are to be erected on the eastern edge of the 2,000-acre estate near the River Lugar, one of the region’s most picturesque waterways.

Artists who stay there will also be able to attend courses run by the Royal Drawing School at Dumfries House.

The heir to the throne is a keen painter. He describes himself as an “enthusiastic amateur” and his watercolours are respected in the art world, having raised more than £2 million for his charitable foundation.

Plans for the residence were submitted to East Ayrshire Council in August and have now been given the green light after no objections were received.

In a written report, planning officials said: “The proposal will convert and extend the currently derelict cottage into overnight accommodation for artists and aspiring artists associated with The Prince’s Foundation and Royal Drawing School.

“The new building forming the artist’s studio will provide a creative workspace for those staying.

“The development is considered to be a sympathetic development that integrates into the landscape.

“The renovations will be done sympathetically while bringing the derelict cottage up to modern standards.”

A design statement submitted by The Prince’s Foundation to the local authority said: “Due to the buildings’... setting, it is hoped that artists will find inspiration and solace during their time there.

“Building One will consist of an open plan layout within the centre of the building which will house the main living space including kitchen, dining and lounge area.

“Leading off the shared living space on both sides will then be a double bedroom, each with a private terraced area.

“Building Two will consist of a central kitchen / living space with shared bathroom and then an individual workspace or studio will lead off either side of the shared space.

“This combination of shared living and private workspace will result in a harmonious balance between productivity for artists and an appreciation of the privileged setting that the development sits within.”

The art project comes just days after it emerged a number of paintings had been removed from public view at Dumfries House over allegations that they are fake.

Businessman James Stunt has been accused of lending artworks to the headquarters of the prince’s charity, including a “Monet” and a “Picasso” actually painted by a notorious American art forger.

Mr Stunt has insisted the paintings are genuine while the Prince’s Foundation said it was “extremely regrettable” that their authenticity is in doubt.

The Princes of Wales helped arrange a £45 million deal to buy Dumfries House and its collection of Chippendale furniture.

He led a consortium of charities and the Scottish Government to make the purchase in 2007, with his own charitable foundation contributing £20m.

Last year, he was given the go-ahead to build a luxury wedding venue at Dumfries House. The 18th century property, designed by the Adam brothers, was put up for sale by its former owner, the aristocrat and former F1 racing driver Johnny Dumfries.

Its history stretches back to 1754, when John, Robert and James Adam submitted their completed drawings for construction of the building. Original furnishings were based on the rococo style, both English and Scottish.

It opened to the public in the summer of 2008 following intensive restoration work. Princes Charles recently merged four of his charities focusing on culture, heritage, built environment and community education into one foundation based at Dumfries House.