Latest news with #SandringhamEstate
Forbes
01-08-2025
- Forbes
The Folly On The Royal Sandringham Estate In Norfolk Welcomes Guests
The Folly, Sandringham Estate Oliver's Travels One for the royally inclined, The Folly, a beautifully restored retreat on the Sandringham Estate, which of course is a royal residence in Norfolk, England, is now welcoming guests for overnight stays. Part of the Oliver's Travels collection, which is known for its unique breaks, the turreted hideaway offers guests a thorough unique chance to stay within the historic grounds, and one of the British royal family's most beloved residences – and one that famously hosts the family for Christmas. A general view of Sandringham house a country house which is privately owned by the British royal family, Sandringham, Norfolk. (RDImages/Epics/Getty Images) Getty Images Set within 20,000 acres of ancient woodland, pristine gardens and farmland the estate has a rich history, after all, it's been a private royal residence since the 19th century when it was originally purchased by Queen Victoria in 1862 for her son, Prince Albert Edward (who later became King Edward VIII). Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022) on the 30th anniversary of her reign, with her husband Prince Philip (1921 - 2021) on their estate at Sandringham House, Norfolk, 4th February 1982. (Photo by Keystone/) Getty Images Designed as a country retreat away from the prying eyes of London, the original house was largely replaced by a Jacobean-style residence in 1870 built by A J Humbert with involvement from Edward. A beloved estate it welcomed those within the upper elechons of society and was known as a lavish party pad – think raucous shooting parties, and it came complete with its own time zone, famously set half an hour ahead of GMT to maximize daylight for hunting. The Folly, Sandringham Estate Oliver's Travels Now, for the first time, guests can experience a taste of this legacy first-hand by booking The Folly. Sleeping up to six across three bedrooms set in two wings, it was formerly built as a tea retreat for ladies of the house, and later evolved into a refined, self-contained property. The Folly, Sandringham Estate Oliver's Travels Oliver Bell, Co-Founder of Oliver's Travels, says, 'We're incredibly proud to introduce The Folly at Sandringham to our collection. At Oliver's Travels, we've always championed holidays that are a little out of the ordinary - with a portfolio full of heritage-rich and characterful homes, The Folly is a natural fit.' He continues, 'It's a rare privilege to offer guests the chance to stay within the grounds of such an iconic estate. This property isn't just a place to stay - it's an experience steeped in history, comfort, and quiet grandeur. We're excited to open the doors to such a unique retreat, and can't wait to see the stories that unfold here.' The Folly, Sandringham Estate Oliver's Travels As you'd expect it has been tastefully refurbished, staying true to its original period featured from its arched doorways and cozy stone hearths to the hand-finished floors. For another personal touch, the property also showcases historical artefacts from the estate's private collection, which can be seen throughout the space. The Folly, Sandringham Estate Oliver's Travels The kitchen and dining areas are finished in heritage turquoise, with butler sinks and traditional cabinetry. To kick back and relax, the drawing room opens out to landscaped gardens through elegant French doors, while the sitting room features William Morris wallpaper and a wood burner. The Folly, Sandringham Estate Oliver's Travels One bedroom includes access to a wraparound balcony, and there's also a hidden staircase leading to the turret, offering far-reaching views across the estate. Rates at The Folly at Sandringham start from £3,00 for a three-night stay for 6 people, to book visit The Folly, Sandringham Estate Oliver's Travels The Sandringham Estate itself hosts an array of events throughout the year which will need to be booked separately, from a Safari Tour with Afternoon Tea to Heritage Live gigs (including Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey). For those who want to venture further afield visit The White Horse Norfolk at Brancaster Staithe for its unbeatable sunset views and seafood, The Gin Trap Inn in Ringstead, a characterful pub that dates back to 17th century, the cozy village pub Rose & Crown in Snettisham, and while you're there stop by The Old Store around the corner for some delicious baked goods. There's even a boutique winery near by at Burnham Market, in the form of Cobble Hill, which welcomes visitors by for tours and tastings. SNETTISHAM, ENGLAND: Birdwatchers gather as waders flock together seeking new feeding grounds during the incoming tide at the RSPB's Snettisham Nature reserve in Snettisham, England. The reserve lies on the edge of 'The Wash', one of the most important bird estuaries in the UK, supporting over 300,000 birds. A few times every year higher than average tides force thousands of waders including Knot, Oystercatchers, Sanderlings, Black and Bar Tailed Godwit and Plover to take flight, and advance up the mud flats in search of food. The event is one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles in the UK. (Photo by) Getty Images
BBC News
17-07-2025
- BBC News
Sandringham head gardener's home becomes holiday let
The former home of the head gardener at a royal estate is being offered as a holiday let - with a stately price tag six-bedroom Gardens House was once the residence of the head gardener on the Sandringham Estate, the Norfolk home of King Charles is being marketed as a holiday let "within the heart of Sandringham's royal grounds", with the cost starting from £4,110 per Little, managing editor of Majesty Magazine, said the let was a sign that royal estates were "actively striving to bolster their revenue streams" and the house would appeal to "well healed Brits". The Gardens House joins another property on the Sandringham estate, called The Folly, as holiday homes available to the general public. The Sandringham Estate covers approximately 20,000 acres (8,100 hectares) with 600 acres (242 hectares) of gardens. The estate is a popular tourist destination with both the house and garden open to the the grounds is a working sawmill and organic farm - and a number of properties. 'The Gardens House sleeps eight people, has three bathrooms and is dog-friendly. The listing describes it as "once home to the Estate's head gardener, this handsome brick residence now offers guests a rare invitation to experience the grace and quiet rhythm of life on one of Britain's most storied country estates". Mr Little said royal estates had always had commercial offers but the way they were being presented had changed. "The way in which these properties are marketed is much more upfront these days, a consequence perhaps of the fairly recent change of ownership," he said. "Given the grandeur of The Folly, in particular, there is a heightened awareness that the privately owned royal estates are actively striving to bolster their revenue streams."Sandringham is not the first royal residence to rent out property to holidaymakers, with eight cottages and lodges available for hire at Balmoral Castle, is stated on the Balmoral website that "some cottages are not available for rent for certain dates during the Royal Family's visit". Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Press and Journal
16-07-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
First look inside how £39m transformation of Inverness Castle will 'tell the story of the Highlands'
Inverness Castle's transformation is nearing its completion – with some areas of the redevelopment already finished. The £39 million project is on track to open in autumn according to principal project manager Jason Kelman. From being home to a prison and criminal courts, it will soon feature immersive rooms aiming to celebrate the 'past, present and imagined' of the Highlands. Mr Kelman said the north tower construction work is completed and will now undergo a deep cleaning process before opening. He said: 'I think we've done pretty well on this contract. 'I've done a lot of listed building contracts over my time, I've got 35 years of experience in the construction industry. 'To be where we are on a project of this size and scale and complexity, in the time it's taken, it's very good.' Despite challenges holding up work, he is still feeling positive about opening later this year. The project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council and other public sector agencies. Mr Kelman said the focus on making sure local contractors have been utilised is causing a slight hiccup due to a Highland construction 'boom'. Mr Kelman added: 'Overall on the programme, we have had a couple of issues which have held us back slightly. 'One of the biggest issues we've been hit by is labour shortages. When we set the contracts we wrote into the tender we wanted local businesses to be used. 'That has probably come back to bite us slightly because the construction industry within the highlands is booming at the moment. 'We have also had issues with materials, as it is natural stone which we're using and sometimes what had been quarried out wasn't to the quality of our needs. 'At the beginning, a lot of material prices were going up, so we did an exercise to order as much as we could. 'The final pieces which we're waiting on include glass and glazing windows which are coming from Austria. 'But it isn't something to worry about. I've worked on other projects where we have delays, where we're talking months and months. 'We're not there with this project. We're really looking at, at most, weeks.' Head of The Inverness Castle Experience Garry Marsden has said the new attraction is 'fairy-tale-like' by combining the magic with the castle setting. Joining from his role at Sandringham Estate, he is looking forward to seeing a huge number of customers enjoy the experience, of which 220,000 are expected annually. Mr Marsden said: 'The Inverness Castle Experience is completely different to what people will perceive it to be. 'If you got 100 people in this room and ask them for expectations, they would never guess what is behind those walls and in each room. 'It's something completely different and I think that's important. This is telling the stories of the Highlands, the faces, the sounds and so much more. 'Inverness is the gateway to the Highlands – and people who come here can hopefully take some of that information away.' Mr Marsden will head up a staff team of around 90 once the castle experience is open.
Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Daily Mail
A BnB fit for a King! Holiday home on the Sandringham Estate just yards away from the royal home is available to let - here's a look inside!
A property on King Charles III's Sandringham Estate is available to let for an eye-watering £5,623 a week. The Gardens House - which was the house of the late Queen Elizabeth II's head gardener - is just a stone throw away from Sandringham House. It is nicknamed 'the most comfortable house in England' and holidaymakers can now discover just how cosy this royal home really is with the unique opportunity to stay within the grounds of the Sandringham Estate. The Gardens House is a beautiful four bedroom Edwardian property situated 300 metres from Sandringham House - one of King Charles III most beloved royal households where the family are known to spend their Christmases. However, the privilege of staying on the grounds of the palace comes with the hefty price tag of £5,623 a week. But at that price visitors will be staying in the closest cottage to the estate while also being able to enjoy the home's timeless period features and the expansive grounds which surround it. Indeed, guests - including their pets - are free to roam the gardens as they wish. Oliver's Travels, which is exclusively marketing the rental home, said: 'The Gardens House rests within the heart of Sandringham's royal grounds, where manicured borders give way to woodland stillness. 'Inside, the house unfolds with warmth and character. Botanical wallpapers, timeless furniture and rich textiles echo the rhythms of the gardens beyond. 'Light spills through tall windows into a choice of inviting sitting rooms, while the kitchen offers a rustic heart to the home. French doors open onto the terrace for alfresco breakfasts or evening drinks beneath the Norfolk sky.' The Gardens House is not the only royal property that holidaymakers can rent for a getaway. This includes homes that the King and Queen are known to stay in throughout the year. Including Charles' secluded three-bedroom farmhouse on the Llwynywermod estate in Carmarthenshire. Charles and Camilla are known to spend a couple of weeks a year at the home. They bought the £1.2 million estate in 2007 including two cottages available to rent. The North Range and West Range cottages, which cost between £1,400 to £2,400 a week depending on the time of year, are ideal for walkers due to their short distance from the Breacon Beacons National Park. Outside of the UK, fans of the Royal Family can rent Charles' getaway in Transylvania, Romania. Charles bought the estate in Valea Zalanului, Szeklerland, in the 1990s and now rents it out as a nature retreat to those wanting to explore the Zalán Valley and the surrounding mountains. The guest house is situated near to the village of Viscri, and the 400-year-old cottages have been decorated with traditional antique Transylvanian furniture, and textiles. Prices range from around £100 to £300 a night depending on the size of room and whether or not guests have chosen full or half-board. North of the border, visitors can stay on a royal estate as equally grand as Sandringham - Balmoral. Members of the public can stay on the historic estate in an array of different cottages including - Colt Cottages, Connachat Cottage, Karim Cottage, Knocks Cottage, Rhebreck Lodge. Garbh Allt Shiel, Sterinbeg and Tigh Na Garaidh. The most affordable are the Colt Cottages, near the castle. The pricier Rhebreck Lodge is 'set in a quiet location at Easter Balmoral and enjoys wonderful views across the valley towards Crathie Church.' All self-catering, the cottages range in price from £645 in the smallest cottage during off peak season to £1975 in one of the larger cottages during the Christmas period. The King and Queen Consort spend a couple of weeks a year in the secluded three-bedroom farmhouse on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. Two adjoining cottages are available to rent The Royal Family have been in love with Balmoral since the days of Victoria and Albert. Tucked away in the Cairngorms National Park in Crathie, Aberdeenshire, the 50,000-acre estate was bought by Prince Albert in 1852. More recently, It was one of the happiest places for the Queen and Prince Philip, who spent many weeks in the late summer and autumn there. Travellers also have the opportunity to stay in historic royal households. This includes Osborne House on the Isle of Wight which was Queen Victoria's favourite royal palace. Guests can stay in holiday lets, including No 1 Sovereign's Gate and No 2 Sovereign Gate at the formal entrance to the estate. Each two-bedroom property sleeps four people with a private garden. Residents at Sovereign's Gate have access to the beach at all times, even when it is closed to the general public. Pavilion Cottage overlooking the old estate cricket ground is also for hire. The two-bedroom cottage, sleeping four, is a short walk from the stately home and its formal garden. Victoria commissioned an extensive redesign of the estate, which was carried out by leading architect Thomas Cubitt with help from her husband, Prince Albert. And it was at Osborne, now fashioned into an Italianate Palazzo that she chose to live where possible, bringing up her large family there. The sprawling grounds included a private beach, gardens and a full-sized Alpine playhouse for the nine children called Swiss Cottage. Her son Edward VII had her private rooms sealed off when she died in 1901.
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Travel + Leisure
14-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
You Can Now Rent King Charles III and Queen Camilla's Favorite Country Estate
It's not every day that you get to say your vacation is fit for royalty. But with a new stay thanks to Oliver's Travels, you can. The travel agency is now helping travelers book unforgettable stays at The Folly at Sandringham, a stunning cottage retreat set in Sandringham , a private woodland country estate in the U.K.—it's owned by the royal family and one of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's favorite getaway destinations. The cottage, Oliver's Travels says, was originally constructed as a spot for the women in the royal family and their guests to retire to for tea in the afternoon, and has been lovingly upgraded into a "luxurious retreat" for all. "The Folly honors its romantic past while embracing modern comfort," the listing says. "Period features—stone hearths, arched entryways, hand-finished floors—have been lovingly preserved." And throughout the home, guests will find "royal artefacts from the private collection [that] add depth and authenticity." The royal luxury begins right when you step up to the home, with a gorgeous wraparound porch that allows you to sit and savor the stunning grounds for as long as you wish. Inside, guests will find a warm drawing room filled with cozy furnishings and French doors that open to the garden outside, making it an ideal spot to sit in the summer and let the country breeze flow through. "It's a space for reading, conversation, or simply watching the garden come to life," the company says. A cozy fireplace lights one of the living areas. Down a small staircase, guests will find a full kitchen and dining area that's just as chic as you'd expect, painted in "heritage turquoise." The space is perfect for those who want to cook and share a meal, thanks to its oversized sinks, electric range, and generous countertop space. When they're ready, guests can retire upstairs to sleep in one of the three double bedrooms spread across two separate wings, perfect for large families and large groups of friends. And yes, the primary bedroom has a king-size bed fit for Charles. It even has a fireplace that only adds to the royal romance. Interior of one of the guest rooms. The home also has a turret, a small tower that can be accessed through a stone staircase outside. At the top, guests can take in the sweeping views of the estate. "It's a serene spot for journaling, sketching, or morning coffee in the canopy," Oliver's Travels adds. Panoramic views from the lounge in the turret. "From your doorstep, the entire Sandringham Estate is yours to explore. Meandering trails, formal gardens, and open meadows invite long walks and peaceful moments," the listing says. Guests can also visit Sandringham House, located on the same grounds, which is open from April to October. While there, visitors can indulge in other royal activities and experiences, including afternoon tea, guided tours, and Forest School sessions on the grounds (these require advanced booking, so plan ahead). Or, simply book the property to do nothing at all. "The Folly is a place that invites rest, wonder, and reconnection," Oliver's Travels says. "Layered in heritage, surrounded by nature, and designed with care. This is a stay where every detail tells a story." Who knows, you may even run into a real-life king (or a prince) while you're there, too.
