A Closer Look at the Royal Family’s Holiday Accommodations
Prince Edward and his family have had to make some unexpected changes to their holiday plans this year. Instead of staying at their usual retreat, they found themselves in a different location due to circumstances involving his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The Unusual Stay at Gardens House
Edward and his wife Sophie had originally planned to spend their Easter break at Wood Farm, where Andrew has been staying since early February. However, they were forced to change their plans and stay at Gardens House on the King’s Sandringham estate instead.
Gardens House is a secluded four-bedroom property that can cost up to £4,110 a week during peak season. It features beige carpets, cream walls, floral patterned curtains, and a kitchen with a traditional tiled floor, wooden cupboards, and a metal sink. While it may not be as luxurious as other royal properties, it serves its purpose as a functional holiday let.
Why the Change?
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh usually use Wood Farm for their Easter break, but the house is still occupied by Andrew, who has been living there since he moved to Sandringham following public backlash over his connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew was expected to move to a new permanent home at nearby Marsh Farm once renovations are complete. However, concerns have been raised that he might delay the move because he prefers the privacy and seclusion of Wood Farm, which is located down a 300-yard drive.
The History of Gardens House
Gardens House was initially considered as a possible home for Andrew when he was stripped of his royal title and left his 30-room mansion, Royal Lodge. However, it was ruled out by King Charles due to its proximity to Sandringham House, just 300 yards away.
Despite this, Gardens House continues to be rented out to members of the public as a holiday let. It is almost fully booked until the end of December 2027, and it is possible that someone else had already booked the dates before Easter, leading to Edward and Sophie’s visit being arranged instead.
What Makes Gardens House Special?
According to the Norfolk Hideaways website, Gardens House is described as a “charming detached Norfolk hideaway” owned by the King. It is nestled within the heart of the Sandringham Estate and offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by beautiful gardens.
The property features a functional kitchen with an Aga, a comfortable sitting room overlooking the garden, and a choice of super-king or twin beds in two bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a stroll around the Country Park, which spans over 200 hectares, and children and dogs are welcome to roam freely in the informal garden.
A Quiet Retreat for the Royal Family
While the interior of Gardens House may not be vastly different from Wood Farm, it is believed to offer a similar sense of peace and quiet. The official Sandringham website describes it as a perfect spot for a family holiday, with elegant heritage and a peaceful setting.
The property includes everything needed for a comfortable stay, such as WiFi, private gated parking, and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests can also book provisions to be delivered before arrival, with breakfast provided each morning or meals arranged through the estate’s private catering service.
The Ongoing Situation with Andrew
It was recently revealed that Prince Edward became the first member of the Royal family to secretly visit Andrew at his Norfolk bolthole. He reportedly asked Andrew to move into Marsh Farm as soon as possible, as his continued presence at Wood Farm was preventing Edward and his family from using it.
Edward left Gardens House in time to attend the traditional Easter Sunday church service at Windsor with his son James Earl of Wessex. His daughter, Lady Louise, was not present, and the Duchess of Edinburgh did not attend due to feeling unwell.
Andrew has been making regular visits to Marsh Farm in recent days, with art and boxes of possessions delivered there. However, he has not yet moved in, despite having curtains put up and security gates installed. He has also been seen walking his dogs and driving around in his Range Rover.
A source told The Sun: “Andrew was evicted from Royal Lodge at Windsor but now has two homes at his disposal. He is just going back and forth between Wood Farm and Marsh Farm. It’s got to be sorted as Edward and Sophie like to use Wood Farm.”
