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Inside Prince William and Princess Kate's favorite vacation home – which you can rent too

Belonging to King Charles, the large old granite rectory, known as Dolphin House, is a jewel of the 'Cornish Caribbean' – rentable from $3.6K per week

Prince and Princess of Wales
(Image credit: GettyImages)

Prince William and Princess Catherine have traveled around the globe to fulfill royal duties – but where do they choose to unwind? Introducing Dolphin House, a vacation home in the UK's Isles of Scilly – owned by King Charles III. 

Located only 28 miles off the southern English coastline, the Isles of Scilly (aptly labeled the 'Cornish Caribbean') is home to some of the UK's most beautiful beaches, making it an obvious choice for the young family. 

When the Prince and Princess and their children visited in 2020 and 2021, they were believed to reside in the lesser-known royal residence that reports say is their 'favorite' vacation home. 

Dolphin House

(Image credit: Tresco / courtesy of Iglu Cruise)

The idyllic six-bedroom property may be owned by the crown – but that doesn't mean we can't all live like royalty – for a week, at least. The home is available for rent from around $3.6K (£2.9K) per week, according to the website. But what does this price tag include?

Dolphin House

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tresco / Dolphin House)

Nestled in the palm trees of Tresco Island, Dolphin House is a large old granite rectory with one of the most picturesque tropical gardens in the UK, also noted for its privacy, of course. The property also includes access to Tresco Abbey Garden, Sea Garden & Tresco Island Spa facilities (including the golf and tennis courts). 

Dolphin House

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tresco / Dolphin House)

It's unknown whether the Prince and Princess used the sporting facilities, but the travel experts at Iglu Cruise say they were spotted bike-riding around the car-free island, chatting with the locals, and going on country walks with their children. 

Dolphin House

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tresco / Dolphin House)

Inside the home, you could enjoy the modest dining room, living room, and kitchen used by the royals. It has six bedrooms, with the attic spacing yielding the most spectacular views – showcasing the vibrant landscape at its very best.

Dolphin House

(Image credit: Courtesy of Tresco / Dolphin House)

It is undoubtedly a particularly special place for Prince William, who vacationed in Tresco in 1989 with the king, his brother Prince Harry, and their late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. They, too, rode bicycles around the island – a certified site of Outstanding Natural Beauty – just as he did with his wife 32 years later. 

Dolphin House

(Image credit: Tresco / courtesy of Iglu Cruise)

'Tresco is a family-run island in the Isles of Scilly, just off the Cornish coast. At just two and a half miles long at the broadest point, the island was declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the government in 1975,' says Dave Mills, the global supply director at Iglu Cruise.

Tresco island beach, Isles of Scilly

(Image credit: Getty Images)

'It is clear to see why the destination is so popular with the royal family, a peaceful paradise that offers an escape from mainland Britain.' 

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.