Everyone knows that the official residence of British Royal family is Buckingham Palace, the majestic palace which is also the world’s most expensive residential property. Then there is Windsor Castle which often gets talked about and Balmoral Castle where the queen recently passed away. But did you know that British Royal family has dozens of more palaces and residential places to their name.
In this blog we are going to list down some of the most enchanting, and magnificent properties of British Royal family. Most of these palaces are lesser known, but belong to some or the other member of the British Royal family. Yes they should also be on your bucket list.
Buckingham Palace
The most popular of them all, Buckingham palace is the official residence of the British Monarch since 1837. It is built in Neo Classical style, and managed by Royal Collection Trust. Then history says that this palace was purchased by George III in year 1761 for Queen Charlotte.
In 1853 Queen Victoria introduced a room, which was the largest room back then in entire London. The palace comprises of 775 rooms, and 19 state rooms. Its also the official working palace of the monarch where he attends his visitors. Buckingham Palace is preferred choice for Royal events.
Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle is located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The castle sits on a whopping 50,000 acres and is comprised of total 150 buildings. The architecture is inspired from the Scottish Baronial Period. History says that it was purchased by Prince Albert I for his wife Queen Victoria in 1852.
In 1853 the site was properly reconstructed and the castles which stands today was built over the old one. Since long it has remained to be the favorite holiday spot of British Royal family.
Sandringham House
Sandringham House is located near Norfolk, England. It has been a part of British Royal family since 1862. It is built on a vast 20,000 acres of land which also includes a park spread across 350 acres. History says that it was purchased by Queen Victoria, for Prince Albert Edward as a birthday gift.
The original house was taken down for new one to be built in 1870 that still stands today. Sandringham house is known to be the place where British Royal family celebrates their Christmas, with a tradition of going to the St. Mary Magdalene church on Christmas mornings.
Windsor Castle
Windsor castle is located in the Berkshire county of England. It is the world’s largest and oldest inhabited castle. The castle was built by William the conqueror, back in 1070 and it took around 17 years to complete it. Since then more than 40 royal title holders have called it as a home.
It is also popular for St. George’s Chapel that is built inside it, which hosted the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The chapel is also the burial place of many kings and queens of British Royal family. The castle is used by the monarch in spring for Easter court.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is located in London, and is managed by Historic Royal Palaces which is non profit and doesn’t receives public fund. It was the childhood home of Queen Victoria, and has been home to most of the young royals. It has 547 rooms divided into apartments and offices, and is open to public too.
It is also home to Prince William and Kate Middleton who live in the apartment number 1A. It was also home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle who lived in the Nottingham Cottage within the palace. Back in time it has also been home to Princess Diana.
Clarence House
Clarence House is located in London and was built between 1825 to 1827. This house was built for third son of King George III, the Duke of Clarence. The house was also the residential place of Queen mother until her death in 2002. The house contains queen’s collection of arts and deco furniture.
It is the official residence of Prince Charles, now King Charles, and Queen Camilla. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have also live in this house when they got married in 1947. Also Prince Harry and Prince Williams lived here once before moving into Kensington Palace.
St. James Palace
St. James Palace is located in London and was built between 1531 and 1536. It has been the official residence of British Royal Kings and queens for 300 years until the reign of Queen Victoria. It is also the place where the announcement of new king and queen is done from Proclamation Gallery.
It was St. James Palace where Prince William proposed Kate Middleton. They even announced their engagement from this palace. Prince George was christened here. It is also the residential place of Princess Beatrice, Princess Anne, and Princess Alexandra.
Highgrove House
Highgrove House is located near Tetbury, Gloucestershire. IT is the private residence of King Charles, and the queen. He has also lived here formerly with Princess Diana, and Prince William, Prince Harry. It was purchased in 1980 by the Duchy of Cornwall. It was the weekend home for the then Prince of Wales.
Highgrove House is known for its gardens. The neoclassical estate house might be closed to the public, but they can get a tour of the garden. It is known to reflect the environmental side of King who has solar garden lightening and even energy efficient bulbs in the estate.
Holyroodhouse Palace
It is located in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is the official residential palace of the British Monarch when they visit Scotland. The construction of this palace began in 1128 as a monastery, but the palace was built in 1503 by James IV.
The palace once used to host the archery, hunting competitions and now it is known to host the Holyrood week when Monarch visits different regions of Scotland to meet locals. The palace is open to public all year around and they can see the Gardens, Holyrood Abbey, and the state apartments.
Frogmore Cottage
Frogmore Cottage is located Berkshire, around half a mile away from Windsor Castle. It was constructed in 1801 under the directions of Queen Charlotte. It is a grade II listed house which was given to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. They renovated the house with whopping 2.4 Million Pounds.
It has four bed room and four bathroom along with a nursery and yoga studio. For two decades this cottage has also been home to the Queen Victoria’s mother, the Dutchess of Kent. At one point this property was even leased to Princess Eugenie.
Anmer Hall
Anmer Hall is located in the Sandringham Estate. This Georgian manor was constructed in 1802. It was given by the queen to Prince William and Kate Middleton the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as a wedding gift. It was previously occupied by Duke and Duchess of Kent from 1972 to 1990.
It has 10 bedrooms, tennis court, and a swimming pool. Prince William and Kate Middleton got it renovated before moving here. They lived here after Princess Charlotte was born, until moving to their new residence in Kensington Palace.
Gatcombe Park
Gatcombe Park is located in Gloucestershire, and is close to the HIghgrove house. It was purchased by Queen Elizabeth II in year 1976 and given as a gift to her daughter Princess Anne. It is now her private residence where she lives with her husband Sir Timothy Laurence.
Daughter of Princess Anne, Zara Tindall moved here to live with the family in 2013 along with her husband the former Rugby player Mike Tindall. The estate is a working farm which also has livestock and also hosts the Festival of British Eventing every year.
Dumfries House
Dumfries house is located in the East Ayrshire. It was constructed back in 1754, by William Crichton Dalrymple. This palladium styled home was once due to be auctioned, due to losses and debt. But King Charles saved it by buying it through fundraising by his charitable organization.
Dumfries House is known for its lavish interiors and Chippendale furniture. The house and the gardens were renovated, which boosted local employment that was down in this small coal mining town. It is open to public where youngsters can also learn about the traditional craftsmanship.
Bagshot Park
Bagshot Park is located in Surrey, which is 30 miles far from London. This 120 room palace sits on an area of 21 acres. It is the official residence of Count and Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward and Princess Sophie. Bagshot Park has been British Royal family property for more than 200 years.
Bagshot Park is technically a property of crown estate, which is leased to the Count and Countess of Wessex for 150 years. It is comprised of house, lodges, and stables. History says that it has been popular place amongst royals for hunting.
Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle is located near Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was bought by the British government in 1920 and is home to Northern Ireland’s secretary of state, and place where British Royals stay when they are in Ireland. It was constructed by the Hill family in the 17th century.
It is built on an area spread across 100 acres of gardens, trimmed lawns, and meadows. In the history of this castle it has hosted many peace conventions and discussions. It is a two storey mansion, and is open to public who can also see the state rooms even been used to this time.
Royal houses, rules!
