Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has recently been staying at Wood Farm, a modest five-bedroom home tucked away on the King’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England. The property was originally intended as a quiet, temporary retreat while his permanent home, Marsh Farm (shown below), undergoes renovations.

However, the secluded farmhouse has now become a focal point of international attention after he was taken into custody.

The property forms part of the wider Sandringham estate, close to Sandringham House, the red-brick Jacobean-style country residence privately owned by British monarchs 1862 and best known as the Royal Family’s longstanding Christmas retreat.

Wood Farm is notably understated compared to the grandeur of other royal properties. With five bedrooms and a simple garden, it stands in stark contrast to the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor, from which Andrew was recently evicted.

Similarly, Marsh Farm, where Andrew is planning to move, is equally understated and secluded, a traditional red‑brick farmhouse on the Sandringham Estate with five bedrooms, two reception rooms, a kitchen, and outbuildings, reflecting a simple rural style rather than the grandeur of larger royal residences.

More broadly, Sandringham Estate is a sprawling royal property in Norfolk, Eastern England, covering about 20,000 acres of woodland, gardens, farms, and villages rather than being part of the official state‑owned royal palaces.

It has served as the private country retreat of five generations of British monarchs since it was purchased for the future King Edward VII in 1862 by Queen Victoria, and it has passed down through the royal line to the present monarch, King Charles III.

At the heart of the estate stands Sandringham House, a Jacobean‑style country house built in the late 19th century and described historically as 'the most comfortable house in England.'

Replacing an earlier, Georgian structure, the 19th century house was designed by architect AJ Humbert and constructed under the supervision of John Turner. It has remained largely intact inside, with ground-floor rooms preserved from Edwardian times and filled with family portraits, objets d’art, antiques, and historic collections.

Since the estate is privately owned by King Charles (rather than held in trust for the nation), Sandringham is used for family retreats and seasonal stays, most notably at Christmas, when the family traditionally celebrates together.

Alongside the main house, the grounds comprise several smaller houses and cottages on the estate, including the aforementioned Marsh Farm and Wood Farm, which have been used as residences or rental properties for staff, tenants, and, more recently, Andrew Mountbatten.

Although Wood Farm and Marsh Farm are modest by royal standards, Andrew’s presence there underscores how even the most private corners of the Sandringham estate can command international attention. These properties serve practical roles for the Royal Family and estate staff alike, reflecting the delicate balance between seclusion and public scrutiny that continues to shape the former prince’s evolving circumstances.

You can read more about the home in this book, available on Amazon, below.

In recent days, the internet has preoccupied itself with the same question: where is Catherine, the Princess of Wales? While the answer is, by all means, unconfirmed, some reports point towards Anmer Hall, the Georgian country home on Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England. 

We at H&G aren't going to comment on the rumors, but we couldn't help but take a closer look at Anmer Hall because, like all royal residences, they have a rich history that's always worth exploring. 

Built in 1802, the home first came into royal possession after Queen Victoria purchased it as part of the Sandringham Estate. Its red brick façade is a fine example of traditional Georgian architecture – complete with dormer and bay windows and a porch with Tuscan-style columns. 

The ten-bedroom home has a 'mixture of contemporary designs and well-loved antiques' including gilt picture frames and houseplants, per British Vogue. The dining room is said to be bold jewel green hue, while, outside, the grounds hold a swimming pool and a tennis court.

Once a wedding gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II, the family has been known to retreat to the home over recent years. Some report that Anmer is the family's 'favorite' home, with Catherine especially enjoying playing tennis on the aforementioned court that was installed on the property.

Most recently, the Prince and Princess of Wales were said to have spent the February school holidays together at the hall while Kate continued to recover from her 'planned' abdominal surgery (carried out on January 16th), The Sunday Times’ Roya Nikkhah says.

Though Anmer Hall is not as widely discussed as the more famous royal residences (including Adelaide Cottage and Kensington Palace, the Prince and Princess' other homes), it remains frequented by the family.

The hall's close proximity to Sandringham House, where the Royal Family traditionally gathers every Christmas, also makes it a convenient choice for the family when they stay in the country over the holidays. It's believed to be the setting of the family's 2020 Christmas portrait, taken by Matt Porteous below. 

Speaking on the BBC’s Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers, Prince William also emphasized his love for Sandringham, where Anmer Hall is found. 'For me, coming here and now living here, everything that [Prince Philip] has done has led up to Catherine and I feeling that this is a part of the country we want to be in,' the Prince says. 'We love this area, it feels like home, and that's because of what he's created.'

For more information on Sandringham, we're picking up this guide via Amazon below.

We never expected King Charles to influence how we decorate our bedrooms, but in 2023’s most unexpected twist, his Sandringham estate launched a mattresses and bedding collection that might just change how we sleep.

Located in Norfolk, around 110 miles from London, the Sandringham Estate is one of King Charles’ most beloved royal residences – famously playing host to the family over the Christmas holiday. However, it is about to become associated with some of the best mattresses and bedding on the market. 

Sandringham announced its partnership with Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. and Baavet Wool Duvets, who will use wool from King Charles' sheep to create luxury mattresses and bedding to mark Wool Month and encourage us to 'get cozy' for fall.

'It’s time to celebrate Wool Month and welcome the new season – we’re excited to share our very special collection of British-made mattresses and bedding crafted with authentic British wool,' Sandringham and the bedding company shared. 

'We’ve created a truly unique series of products made with the highest quality material and care – all certified by Made in Britain. Join us this month as we honor the beauty of authentic British-made, British wool products and gear up for a cozy autumn.'

As mentioned, the collection pays homage to locally sourced wool from the sheep owned by King Charles. However, the collaboration also encourages us to shop sustainably and invest in eco-friendly bedding that will stand the test of time. However, this will come as no surprise to followers of King Charles, as the monarch is a known champion for environmental issues.

In recent years alone, King Charles has spent time campaigning for conservation, organic farming, and other eco-causes – and much of his work takes place from his royal residences. Alongside this recent work at Sandringham, the monarch uses the weeds from his official home, Highgrove House, to create clothing with fashion designers Vin+Omi. 

'The greatest challenge we face is to reform our relationship with nature, to put sustainability at the heart of our economy, and to recognize that the conservation of nature is not a luxury but a necessity,' the King once shared in a statement regarding the environment. 

So, while we can't be certain that King Charles will use this mattress and bedding every night, we'd be surprised if they weren't used somewhere around Sandringham. And, as the estate reminds us, there's no better time to invest than this fall. 

For more information about Sandringham's legacy, we're picking up a copy of this book via Amazon below.

From his primary residence, Clarence House, to his country retreat, Highgrove House, King Charles III's royal residences are among the most beautiful and famous properties globally. However, grandeur aside, the royal family shares some decorating questions we all face as homeowners – including what color to paint their front door (or in their case, doors).

The power of the right front door color is no secret – it showcases your style and personality to all who pass by your home. And while finding the right hue is naturally important to us all, it is imperative in the case of the royal residences – where their chosen tone makes a more public impression on the world. So, which colors made the selection? 

Here, experts discuss the front door colors in King Charles III's 5 most famous homes – and what the chosen tones say about the man who lives inside. 

1. Clarence House – White

'The color white is often chosen by people who connect with traditions. So, a white front door would reflect that the homeowner is an avid supporter of traditional thought processes,' says Bailey Moran, a landscape design expert and the COO of Austin TX Realty. It is perhaps unsurprising, therefore, that the King chooses to reflect this ideology in Clarence House – his primary residence on The Mall in the City of Westminster, London.

'In symbolism, a white front door would mean that the homeowner has put effort into how their home should be perceived.'

2. Highgrove House – Cream

Differing only slightly from his primary residence, the King's country hideaway, Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, South West England, has a cream, off-white front door. 

'Cream is a beautiful color to paint your front door. It will portray that your home is serene while also adding a touch of warmth to the property,' says Carter Crowley, an exterior decorator and licensed realtor at Wisconsin's CB Home Solutions. It is, therefore, an apt choice for a home that no doubt encourages the King and Queen Consort to escape their duties in London. 

'This color is similar to white, as it symbolizes the cleanliness and freshness of your home. It is an inviting color that compels outsiders to take a look inside. It will attract the outside world toward the well-organized and spa-like beauty of serenity and simplicity. Plus, it will proudly reflect your positivity to others.'

And realtors aside, interior experts agree. New York-based designer Artem Kropovinsky says this cream hue is 'a symbol of refinement and elegance' and, of course, always versatile.

3. Sandringham House – Black

Located in Norfolk, Sandringham House is among the best-known royal homes – due to its striking size and the fact that it famously hosts the family every Christmas. Close-up images of the home's front door are hard to come by, but the main house has a black front door – a safe but stylish choice that evokes a hint of power (think: the front door of 10 Downing St) around the family.  

'Black is a sophisticated, dramatic color that can lend a home a stylish, modern look. It can also evoke a sense of mystery or intrigue,' Artem says. 

4. Llwynywermod – Blue

King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, have access to a charming Welsh farmhouse named Llwynywermod, which the now-Prince and Princess of Wales inherited with their titles. Though the cottage belongs to Prince William and Princess Catherine, it was a favorite of the King, who often stays there while visiting Wales. 

Though notably smaller than the other residence, this cottage is the most playful in its curb appeal choices. Lick’s Director of Interiors and Color Psychologist, Tash Bradley, says that a light blue tone, such as this, offers an 'easy-going family' aesthetic – adding that it looks 'relaxed' and 'approachable' in comparison to other hues.

5. Balmoral – Brown

It would be impossible to conclude the list without mentioning Balmoral, the King's Scottish castle that was Queen Elizabeth's beloved summer home. Here, the family has chosen a brown front door – a choice that, Artem suggests, is fitting for its verdant surroundings.

'Brown is a warm, welcoming color often connected to nature and earth. It can give a home a cozy and secure appearance,' he says. We could think of no better color for this estate – nestled deep in the Aberdeenshire mountains. 

We could also think of no more apt time to invest in coronation memorabilia. Here are our top picks of pieces that will stay in style – long after the event. 

King Charles and the Prince of Wales have marked the end of The Queen's Green Canopy project by planting an acer (or maple) in the gardens of Sandringham House, Norfolk. 

The tree was one of over 3 million planted around the United Kingdom since May 2021 – in honor of the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee (June 2022). The project aimed to increase and protect the native tree cover around the UK – as citizens were encouraged to plant a tree as a 'gift' for the Queen' who had spent 70 years on the throne.

The King and Prince William planted the tree on the royal residence grounds – recognizing the end of the second planting season – and the incentive.

'It is hard to believe that two years have passed since my mother and I planted a tree in Windsor Great Park to mark the commencement of The Queen’s Green Canopy,' King Charles says in a statement. 

'As the second planting season draws to a close, and with it this vitally important initiative, I particularly wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone from across the United Kingdom who has helped to plant over three million trees to create an enduring legacy in Queen Elizabeth’s name.

'This project has shown how simple, practical, and positive gestures can make a big difference, and I can think of no more fitting tribute to Her late Majesty’s seventy-year reign.'

King Charles' garden at the Sandringham estate offers much to be admired – from the thousands of acres of woodland and parks – to the array of flowers, shrubbery, and wildlife around the estate. This acer tree, however, is perhaps the most meaningful of all – and arguably, the most replicable in gardens on either side of the Atlantic.

'Acers are amongst the best trees for small gardens and offer a beautiful range of foliage colors – from dark purples to bright reds or yellow leaves – to grace any backyard,' says H&G's garden expert, Drew Swainston. 'They are slower-growing trees compact enough to make them perfect for growing in containers, too.'

Though the Queen's Green Canopy project may have come to an end, the King, who is known for his dedication to sustainable gardens, would still likely encourage tree planting worldwide. And an acer is a great place to begin.

'Acers like a cool and dappled shade; it is best to keep them out of the brightest sun as it can scorch their leaves,' Drew says.

'They are simple trees to maintain as they usually need very little in the form of pruning other than to smarten up their shape over the course of their long lifespan. The trees will benefit from a good mulch of compost or well-rotted organic matter each year and watering during particularly hot spells.'

We're spending this Easter weekend following in royal footsteps...

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla are renovating the gardens at their Sandringham – the Norfolk estate, where the late Queen spent around two months each winter. 

The royal residence, which famously plays host to the family's Christmas (including last year following Queen Elizabeth's death), is receiving a new lawn on the west side of the home. Since late January, the King has overseen the renovation that will eventually lead to a new topiary garden – a biodiverse alternative that celebrates his climate-friendly ideologies.  

The Sandringham royal lawn makeover is not due for completion until mid-May – notably around the time of King Charles's coronation, scheduled for May 6th. However, the past two months have marked significant progress – as exhibited by Sandringham via Instagram below. 

'The West Lawn redevelopment project now has many of the Yew trees and metal edging for the new beds laid out so the symmetrical areas can really be seen starting to take shape,' the team says. In the coming weeks, they will add the herbaceous plants – just in time for the most colorful months on the calendar.

Prior to the addition of new trees (seen above), the residence shared further updates around the time they planted the first tree around three weeks ago. 

'Working to plans designed by Landform Consultants, the first Yew Tree stands at approx 4.5 meters tall and will be left in the current shape, being topiarised later in the year.'

The garden, formally the site of a 'Parterre' Garden in the nineteenth century, was used for crops as part of the 'Dig for Victory' campaign in the Second World War. The team hopes the makeover will accentuate the 'decorative aspect' of the land – while increasing naturalistic planting in the area – and consequently improve biodiversity.

The renovation is also a response to the ever-changing climate and weather patterns that have impacted the lawn over recent years. 'In recent years, with changing weather patterns, the current expanse of lawn has been affected by warm weather and excessive rainfall,' a statement (on behalf of King Charles) shared after announcing the plans. 

King Charles is already admired for his dedication to sustainability and for carefully ensuring that many of his properties are eco-friendly. Perhaps most notably, he designed a sustainable garden in Highgrove House (his official residence in Gloucestershire, South West England). This garden is a wildlife haven – featuring a host of rare heirloom seeds, flowers, and trees. 

Plus, Sandringham Estate is already no stranger to eco-friendly ideas. They have partnered with the environmental conservation organization Ecologi to fund global tree planting and climate change projects. 

You can discover more about the residence in this book (available via Amazon) below.

The lawn at King Charles' Sandringham estate will undergo a climate-friendly makeover starting today, January 23rd. 

The formal lawn on the west side of Sandringham House will be dug up and replaced with a 'topiary garden' – a biodiverse alternative that reflects the King's climate-friendly ideologies.  

The makeover will mark a major shift for the royal residence that was once a parterre garden since the 1800s. The land was also used to grow vegetables for the Dig for Victory campaign during World War II. 

In a statement, Sandringham shared that renovation is a response to the 'changing weather patterns' of recent years, meaning the lawn was impacted by warm weather and significant rainfall.

'The newly developed garden will introduce new species that are more robust, hardy, and better able to withstand the impact of emerging weather patterns,' the estate says. The sustainable garden (plans seen below) will be ready for mid-May, in time for the summer visitors to enjoy.

'Topiary is the art form of turning trees, plants, and shrubs into architectural delights that never go out of style,' says the topiary experts at Sutton Manor Nursery.

'A clever and inventive way of adding interesting dimensions and structure to your garden, the topiary allows those of you with green fingers and an eye for design to be as creative as your heart desires.'

The much-loved country retreat of the British Royal Family, located in Norfolk, England, is often frequented by the King and Camilla, Queen Consort. They hosted the family (including the Prince and Princess of Wales) on Christmas Day – and it was where the late Queen spent most of her Christmasses.

The King and Queen Consort were seen walking to church in Sandringham yesterday, Sunday 22nd, ahead of the garden work today. Their outing marked the first time the couple was spotted at church since releasing details of the King's coronation that will take place on May 6th, 2023. 

King Charles is admired for his dedication to sustainability and for carefully ensuring that many of his properties are eco-friendly. Famously, Highgrove House, his official residence in Gloucestershire, South West England, was designed as a wildlife haven – featuring a host of rare heirloom seeds, flowers, and trees.

Sandringham Estate has also partnered with the environmental conservation organization Ecologi to fund tree planting and climate change projects. The estate donates a proportion of its booking and online shop funds to support the planting of trees as it hopes to boost green credentials over the next decade.

The year 2022 was one of historic change for the Royal Family. The period that began with Queen Elizabeth II on the throne will end with King Charles III as the reigning monarch following her death on September 8th. 

The Queen's passing saw a shift in the family member's titles, responsibilities, and royal residences. So after a year of significant change, it is only inevitable to wonder how their Christmas will compare to previous years. 

Many families learn that the first holiday after a death is the hardest, which is likely to be the case for the royals, who will no doubt remember the late Queen during their festivities. But what can we expect from King Charles' first Christmas on the throne? 

5 Royal Family Christmas traditions

Here, investigate the royals' most notable traditions and whether they are likely to continue after a year like no other.

1. The family will celebrate at Sandringham

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will host the royal family at Sandringham –the Norfolk estate frequented by the late monarch at Christmas.

Queen Elizabeth spent 32 holidays at the country residence and only broke tradition during the coronavirus pandemic when she celebrated at Windsor Castle. However, this year, King Charles is set to resume the Christmas tradition and welcome the Prince and Princess of Wales and other senior members of the family. 

Royal experts speculate how long the younger royals will stay at Sandringham, with some suggesting that Catherine hopes to spend some of the period with her parents, the Middletons. However, it is expected that they will be there for at least some of the day – and possibly longer. 

This year, The Daily Mail reports that the King may invite Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York (famously known as Fergie), to celebrate with her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. She has not celebrated with the Royals since 1992 when she separated from the Prince. 

2. They will attend church on Christmas morning

Many families go for a Christmas walk and/or attend a service at their local house of worship, and the Royals are no different. 

On Christmas morning, the family walks from Sandringham to St. Mary Magdalene Church, a 16th-century structure that was visited by Queen Victoria in the nineteenth century. While en route, the family greets well-wishers who often descend on the small town for the 25th. 

It is not guaranteed that the Royals will attend this service, but given their affiliation with the Church of England, it is expected this tradition will continue into 2022 and beyond.

3. Gifts are opened on Christmas Eve

The Royal Family opens their gifts on Christmas Eve – celebrating a Teutonic custom named Heiligabend Bescherung, the legacy of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, who also imported the German habit of cutting off the top of a fir tree for it to be decorated inside the home. 

A royal expert confirmed to the Daily Beast that the Christmas Eve tradition will continue and that the family will open their gifts at tea time on the 24th. 

4. The King gifts staff a Christmas tree

With his new role as monarch, Charles is now in charge of gifting not just presents to his staff – but Christmas trees too. 

The Queen's father, King George VI, passed the tradition to his daughter, who was known to give a tree to those who work for the family. Marie Claire reported that the trees came from her Windsor Crown Estate, and every year, she would gift a new tree with a Christmas pudding.

In a statement, the palace confirmed the Queen's gifts in 2021, saying that all members of the Royal Household received presents from Her Majesty, who personally handed the presents to some members at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

5. The Christmas message is pre-recorded at an earlier date

Hello! reports that the King will have pre-recorded his Christmas address to the Commonwealth before the 25th – allowing him and his family to have a relaxed holiday. 

King George V started this tradition when he broadcast his speech on the radio in 1932. It has since become a memorable part of the Christmas Day celebrations for many in the United Kingdom and globally. This year, the King will likely pay tribute to his late mother in the speech, which will be broadcast at 3 PM (GMT) on Christmas Day. 

King Charles III is set to host his first Christmas – not only as the British monarch – but without his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This holiday will be the first in modern history without the Queen, who was known for spending the 25th in her beloved Sandringham home in Norfolk, eastern England. 

The royal residence has become synonymous with Christmas for many across the UK and worldwide, for a good reason. The Queen was known to have spent 32 Christmases in the country retreat and only broke tradition during the coronavirus pandemic when she celebrated at Windsor Castle. 

This year, BBC News reports that King Charles will return to Sandringham, along with his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, and their wider family. However, royal expert Jeremy Archer suggests that year will be more low-key, and the Prince and Princess of Wales may not stay in Sandringham for an extended time. 

Jeremy Archer predicts Prince William and Princess Catherine will likely spend Christmas at Sandringham but will then travel south to Berkshire (with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis of Wales) to spend New Year's with the Middletons. 

'It is going to be different, but Christmas at Sandringham works well for the family,' the expert shared with OK!. 'Unlike Windsor and Buckingham Palace, it's a sporting venue and fits in well with their traditional Boxing Day shoot,' he says. 

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond adds that the Prince and Princess may only call into Sandringham to say 'hello' on Christmas day – saying that they may want to 'do their own thing for at least part of the time.' Therefore, it's possible that they may only enjoy a festive lunch at the Norfolk estate before moving elsewhere.

'While I imagine there will be a gathering at Sandringham, whether it will be quite as extended as it used to be with the Queen and with quite as many people, I’m not sure,' Bond says. 

If the King follows Christmas traditions, he will join the family at a service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on Christmas morning. Queen Elizabeth II was also known to gift her staff presents and a Christmas tree, so he will likely follow this ritual, too.

Beyond the home's regal interiors (and, we expect, luxe Christmas decorations), its grounds are equally as impressive. King Charles's private garden at the Sandringham Estate is among the most beautiful in the country – created by architect and garden designer Geoffrey Jelicoe in 1947 for King George VI. 

The formal enclosed areas of the garden showcase a quintessential 'cottage garden' aesthetic, which we expect to look beautiful when covered in snow.

Sandringham is not a full-time royal residence, meaning it is open to the public for much of the year. It is, however, closed for the holidays, when the family comes together, just as they will do this weekend. You can plan your visit to Sandringham online. 

Sandringham, PE35 6EN, England.

Ever since Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree to England in 1840 the British royal family has heralded the festive season with gorgeous decorative displays – and this year is no different. 

All of the royal residences across the country are decorated for Christmas each year, but Windsor Castle is arguably the most impressive with several Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, and intricate gold decorations.

It is hardly surprising that Windsor puts on such a grand show, however, given that the castle has hosted Monarchs for the holiday since the 12th century. It was King Edward VII that broke with tradition to spend Christmases at Sandringham – something that the late Queen Elizabeth II and her son, King Charles II, continued.

Here, we take a look at some of the finest decorations on display for guests at the castle.

As with any home, Christmas tree ideas are the center of the decorative focus at Windsor Castle however no tree entirely stands up to the immense 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree erected in St. Georges Hall each year. 

The castle's trees are grown on the castle grounds in Windsor Park before one is selected and hauled into the castle by a team of nine staff members to take pride of place in the Castle over the holidays and adorned with thousands of ornaments – a process that takes around 13 hours and two cranes to complete. 

For a castle of its size, one tree is obviously not enough for Windsor. However, the rest (much to the staff's relief, we imagine) are much smaller. The Crimson Drawing room, for example, has a slightly smaller tree although it is no less impressive. 

The tree is decorated ornately, matching the resplendent room it is found in, with red and gold baubles. It truly is a masterclass in how to decorate a Christmas tree.

In previous years, the castle has not stopped at traditional Christmas decor ideas and we doubt that this year will be any different. 

Last year, for example, the state dining room was dressed formally with the Grand Service, a collection of spectacular silver-gilt dining service that consists of over 4,000 pieces in total. The impressive tableware is still used today for state banquets. 

The state dining room was largely destroyed in 1992 after large swathes of the castle were engulfed in a fire. After painstaking restoration work, however, the dining room was reinstated to its past grandeur with gold paneled walls and ceilings, floor-length ruby red curtains, and matching carpets. 

As well as the grand central table, gold-trimmed mahogany tables line the back wall too, with the opposite wall dominated by an ornate marble fireplace and a portrait of Queen Victoria. 

For a family so invested in their gardens, with Buckingham palace gardens and King Charles' private garden at the Sandringham Estate being amongst the finest in the country, it is unsurprising that so much fresh foliage and greenery is introduced into the castle at Christmas. 

Alongside the living Christmas trees, fresh wreaths and garlands are used both inside the castle in hallways, grand stairways, and halls and outside on gates. Handcrafted by castle staff and gardeners, the garlands are yet another wonderfully personal touch to Windsor's decor. 

There is barely a spot in the castle that is not adorned with Christmas spirit, with Christmas hallways decorations taking on a new meaning in the expansive hallways and passageways of the castle. 

In the Queen's Gallery, for example, smaller Christmas trees line the walkways and are decorated to complement the rare silver furniture on display. 

Understated but sure to make an impression is a single tree found in the Inner Hall of Windsor, a space designed by King George IV in the 1820s to receive official guests. 

The hall is now the first room encountered by public visitors on their tour of the castle, with the warmly lit Christmas tree bouncing festive light around the grandly sculpted stone hall with its classical columns and vaulted ceiling ideas.

Is Windsor castle decorated at Christmas?

Windsor Castle is decorated every Christmas with the State Apartments adorned in beautiful decorations and several Christmas trees, many of which tower in height. Christmas is a special tradition in the royal household, with Prince Albert introducing the Christmas tree into mainstream English Christmas celebrations in 1840. 

Is Windsor Castle open over Christmas?

Windsor Castle is open throughout the year including at Christmas, with the astounding Christmas decorations viewable from the 24th November through to January 2nd. The castle closes on Christmas day, however, to observe the holiday. 

In a break with tradition, King Charles III is not expected to make the move to Buckingham Palace, the seat of the British monarchy, despite his new role as Monarch. 

The decision was one of the first made by the king after his ascension, with the King and Queen consort instead choosing one of their smaller preferred royal residences as their primary dwelling. The decision is one of many steps taken by the king as he aims to continue the modernization of the monarchy in the 21st century, something that his mother, Elizabeth II began the process of as early as her coronation in 1952. 

A royal insider reported that the King did not believe the palace was 'fit for purpose in the modern world' with the monarch unable to see the palace as 'a viable future home.' 

The choice of Clarence House

While the new King and Queen Consort will divide their time between three properties, Clarence House has become a firm favorite and shall remain the primary residence for the couple as they assume their new duties. Having moved into the home in 2003, the four-story stucco-faced home has been a site of refuge for the couple for many years, hosting close family such as son Prince William before his marriage in 2011, and his brother Harry. 

Just a short walk away from the Palace, the Regency-era property itself was built in 1825 by James Nash for the Duke of Clarence, the property's namesake. Since its creation, the property has continued to pass down through the royal generations, once being the home of both Queen Victoria's mother, Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and Queen Elizabeth II's mother. Interestingly, the home became the center of the Red Crosses' efforts during World War II, making it a stand-out piece of British history all-round.

King Charles' preference for the home is not a new phenomenon, however, with his Mother and Father, Prince Phillip, also wishing to remain in the home following Elizabeth II's succession in the 1950s. At that point, however, the pressure to follow tradition and make the move to Buckingham was much stronger and so the royal couple moved shortly after the coronation. 

The new King will also spend time at Windsor Castle and Sandringham House throughout the week, however, it is suspected that the couple will often slip away to their private residence Highgrove House, a property bought by the King in 1980 which has since been the home to many of his and Camilla's gardening exploits. 

The future of Buckingham Palace 

Although the new king has little interest in moving into the palace anytime soon, it will remain a key emblem of the monarchy and will be used for affairs of the state wherever practicable. 

What's more, with the royals not planning on moving to the home anytime soon, it is believed that more of the palace will soon be opened up to the public, expanding the existing tours into areas previously unseen by general visitors. 

Buckingham Palace is also currently undergoing mass renovations, the largest and most detailed since World War II involving a complete rework of wiring, pipes, and heating systems to bring the 319-year-old Palace up to modern standards. The work is not due to be complete until 2027, with the renovations costing the British Taxpayer approximately $423 million. 

One thing is for sure, this is the start of a very new era of the monarchy. 

Have you ever wondered what King Charles' private garden at Sandringham estate looks like? Wonder no more.

The Sandringham Estate has been one of many private royal residences for four generations of British Monarchs since 1862 and was the favored home of both Charles III's grandfather and great-grandfather.

The house itself stands on 20,000 acres of land in the Norfolk Coast Area of Natural Beauty and for good reason. The landscaped gardens, park, and woodlands are listed as some of the finest on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and the house itself is listed as a Grade II historical wonder. 

As the house is rarely used as a full-time residence, it opens to the public for much of the year however closes at Christmas as the royals traditionally spend the holiday together in this special property.

Here, we take a tour of the estate's spectacular gardens that hold a special place in the King's heart.  

Created by Geoffrey Jelicoe in 1947 for King George VI the formal enclosed areas of the garden are informally planted in a cottage garden style and are usually at their best in late July when they act as a haven for bees and butterflies.

The grounds have been developed in turn by each monarch since 1863 when King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra purchased the Estate.

The sixty-acre gardens sit with the thousands of acres of woodland and parks that stretch around the expanse of the property. The array of flowers, shrubbery, and wildlife make the gardens a delight to visit at any time of the year with year-round color being provided by the sheer variety of plant life.

Natural Springs feed the lakes and an ornamental stream planted with moisture-loving plants meandering through meadow areas. This part of the garden is managed in a more naturalistic style to encourage a wide range of wildlife. With a royal gardens' manager revealing his sustainable gardening secrets recently, it is unsurprising that the royal gardens at Sandringham also aspire to be a sanctuary for all sorts of creatures and plant life.

Nestled above the lake is an ornate summerhouse, affectionately called 'The Nest', while the gardens also house the King's Garden House. Once the residence of a head gardener, the property is now available to rent, set in one of the country's most idyllic garden settings.

Throughout the garden areas of informal lawn are dotted with trees of all ages including an oak tree planted by Queen Victoria and a Giant Red Wood tree planted by Princess Christian Of Denmark. The Oldest tree in the Garden is a Veteran Oak standing beside the upper lake, this is said to be over 8oo years old. There are sixteen species of oak in total around the estate, with many commemorative trees too.

The garden itself was landscaped in the Edwardian period giving the grounds the appearance of sweeping glades. The borders of trees and shrubs provide privacy while shielding the informal garden of color and interest throughout the year. Highlights of the garden include masses of spring-flowering bulbs and rows of rhododendrons and azaleas while lavender and rose beds are plants for fall color – extending the garden blossoming period through until the coldest days of winter.

The spectacular and ornate North Garden has been informally planted in a cottage garden style, making it a haven for bees & butterflies and offering aspirational inspiration for anyone's own cottage garden ideas. These colorful plants are surrounded by pristine hedgerows – perfect for spending time in during the spring and summer

The estate continues to hold a sentimental place in the royal family's hearts, with the Sandringham gardens being one of many Royal gardens remembering Prince Phillip for his green thumb.

It is expected that the new King will continue his family's tradition of holidaying at Sandringham for the Christmas period, and will likely deliver his first Christmas message as King from the same spot as his beloved mother.

Discover how to visit the Sandringham Estate

Far away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands has offered a green-filled sanctuary to our Royal Family for nearly 170 years. 

Overlooking the River Dee, chasmal lochs, and steep hillsides of ancient Caledonian pine forests, many monarchs and their extended families have sought refuge in this sprawling 50,000-acre royal residence, relishing its natural beauty each summer. Balmoral Castle, undoubtedly the late Queen's haven, is also amongst the world's best homes.

The royal love affair with the property began with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert: they bought the 27-year lease on the then 11,000-acre Grampian estate in February 1848 on the recommendation of the Earl of Aberdeen, lately their foreign secretary. Though they did so unseen (except for watercolors of the house), they were not to be disappointed when they finally saw it in person. 

In her diary of September 8, 1848, after a journey lasting several days, Queen Victoria recalled: ‘We crossed the Dee about five miles before getting to the castle, and the scenery became prettier and prettier. There is much agriculture and cultivation which gives a flourishing look to the country.’  It is believed that Prince Albert's love of Balmoral was influenced by a childhood spent in the wooded wilds of Thuringia in central Germany. It was pure mountainous solitude for the couple who very much enjoyed time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Balmoral offered the young couple a private refuge far from official life. It was pure mountainous solitude for the couple who very much enjoyed time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It would also contribute a significant chapter to the story of how the Victorian perception of the Highlands transformed the image of Scotland in the 19th century.

Away from her public duties, this beloved royal retreat became famously known as the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's 'happy place'. Balmoral Castle is also where she spent her last moments with family before she passed away on Thursday 8th September 2022.

Where is Balmoral Castle?

Balmoral Castle is an expansive 50,000-acre estate house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and a residence of the British royal family. 

Who owns Balmoral Castle?

Though official royal residences like Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace are owned by the Crown Estate – which is funded by British taxpayers – Balmoral Castle is a privately owned residence, inherited through the family. The only other privately owned residence is Sandringham, located in Norfolk, England.

Who designed Balmoral Castle?

The original estate of Balmoral on Deeside, deep in the Highlands of Scotland, was originally bought from the Farquharson family by Victoria and her husband Albert in 1848 after they fell in love with the landscape. The estate came with a house, which was soon discovered to be too small for the Royal Family and related officials. Work quickly started on a new one, constructed in the then popular Scottish baronial style by father and son architects John and William Smith – Prince Albert is said to have played a large role in its design. 

The gardens and grounds were improved as well, with the creation of five miles of walks. Unlike every other royal property except Sandringham, Balmoral is privately owned, so not the property of the crown.

When did the Queen visit Balmoral?

Until the Queen's death, Balmoral Castle was a great favorite of the Royal Family, with the Queen spending many of her summers on the glorious estate. It served as both a summer home as well as a rural treat and the Queen once said: 'It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot'. She spent much of her later years there and died at the house in September 2022. 

Local people are quite protective of the family’s privacy, and over the years the Queen has become a regular sight in the neighborhood, often driving by herself and it’s said that she, her husband Prince Philip and the former Prince of Wales, King Charles III all took a personal interest in the running of the estate. The King is known to particularly love Balmoral – in 1980 he published a children’s book for the Prince's Trust called The Old Man of Lochnagar, inspired by the highest mountain on the estate.

Is Balmoral Castle open to the public?

The grounds, gardens, exhibition in the stables and the Ballroom in the Castle are open to the public for part of the year (The late Queen’s private rooms are never available to view) until Sunday 31st July. Opening times are from 10.00am until 5.00pm (last admission 4.30pm.)

However, following the tragic death of Her Majesty The Queen, a statement on the Balmoral Castle website reads as follows: 'Balmoral Estates will be closed to visitors until further notice and during the Period of Mourning the main gates will be closed to all traffic. Please note that it is likely the main gates, the roads around Balmoral and the local villages will be extremely busy at this sad time.'

As anglophiles around the world mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, you may be left wondering where does His Majesty The King and the rest of the royal family actually live? 

Unsurprisingly, their homes are some of the world's best homes, and many members of the firm have more than one palatial residence that they call home. 

11 royal homes – where do the Royal family live?

From lesser-known private houses to the most famous of Crown-owned castles, H&G takes a look at the top Royal residences around the UK, from Buckingham Palace to Balmoral, to Frogmore and Kensington Palace.

1. Buckingham Palace, London

Formally the home of Queen Elizabeth II during her reign, King Charles III and his Queen Consort will reside in private quarters at the famous 775-room Buckingham Palace in London. 

In the heart of the capital, Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the British sovereign since 1837, and it the most notable of all the royal residences. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to settle in the 775-room palace. She introduced a large room which was, at the time of construction in 1853-5, the largest room in London.

The impressive 40-acre garden sets the scene for many summer garden parties and the palace itself is home to the private offices and apartments for other working royals.

2. Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire

Balmoral Castle was the Scottish home of the Queen Elizabeth II, and it is in this very home that she passed away on 8 September 2022. The private residence, originally purchased by Queen Victoria, reportedly sits on 50,000 acres with 150 total buildings.

The majestic architecture is typical of the Scottish Baronial period. Before her death, it was used as the private residence of the Queen and her family.

The home largely remains unchanged since the home was purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852. The castle sits on the 20,000-hectacre Balmoral estate in Royal Deeside.

3. Sandringham House, Norfolk 

The beautiful Sandringham House in Norfolk is the much-loved country retreat of the monarch. It has been the private home of British monarchs since 1862 and in that time it has seen the lives, and indeed deaths of many a royal family. 

At Christmastime, the Queen, and other members of the royal family famously headed to Sandringham estate in Norfolk, which Elizabeth inherited from her father, George VI. Locals can often see the family making their way to church on Christmas morning. It remains to be seen if this tradition will be carried out now she has passed.

4. Windsor Castle, Berkshire

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. This spectacular home has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years.

The castle was established by William the Conqueror who began building at Windsor around 1070. It took 16 years to complete. 

The Queen spent most of her private weekends at Windsor Castle and would take up official residence for a month in the spring for Easter Court, and for a week each June, when she attended Royal Ascot and the service of the Order of the Garter. We expect the King to do the same. 

5. Clarence House, London

Clarence House, which stands beside St James's Palace, was built between 1825 and 1827 to the designs of John Nash for Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence, and his wife Adelaide. Before HM The King's accession, Clarence House was the official London residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (titles now bestowed on the former Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), and was the location for many state visits.

The arrangement of the rooms remain recognizably as they were in Queen Elizabeth's time, with much of Her Majesty's collection of works of art and furniture in their former positions. The stucco-fronted abode was formerly the London home of the Queen Mother until her death in 2002. 

6. St James’s Palace, London

Built by Henry VIII in Westminster between 1531 and 1536, St. James's Palace has been the setting for some of the most important events in Royal history, having been a residence of Kings and Queens for over 300 years until the reign of Queen Victoria. 

The Chapel Royal saw the marriages of George III and Queen Charlotte; Victoria and Albert; and George V and Queen Mary. The last sovereign to live in the Palace was William IV until his death in 1837. 

Family occasions have also been held at t James's Palace over the years, most recently the christening of Prince George in 2013.

7. Kensington Palace, London

The glorious Kensington Palace was bought in its former incarnation as Nottingham House by William III in 1689. The Jacobean mansion was later extended and improved by Sir Christopher Wren. Royal residents have occupied the palace since King William III and his wife Queen Mary II.

Today, Kensington Palace Apartment 1A is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Cornwall (soon to be the Prince and Princess of Wales) and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The State Rooms are open to the public and managed by the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, a non-profit organization that does not receive public funds.

8. Frogmore Cottage, Windsor 

Not to be confused with Frogmore House, Frogmore Cottage is an exceptional Grade II listed royal retreat, located on the grounds of Windsor Castle. It was originally constructed between 1680 and 1684 and was a great favorite of the royals, especially Queen Victoria who admired the peace and tranquillity. For almost 20 years, Frogmore was the home of Queen Victoria's mother, The Duchess of Kent.

Today, the house is still owned by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who used £2.4m of taxpayer money to renovate the property, before paying it back in full in early 2020 when they moved to California.

9. Highgrove House, Gloucestershire

Highgrove House, the picturesque property in the idyllic Gloucestershire countryside, was the family residence of the King and Queen Consort before their imminent move to Buckingham Palace. 

The royal couple call Highgrove House their second home. The King has owned this house since 1980, and he previously spent weekends there with his first wife, the late Princess Diana, and their children, Princes William and Harry. 

The King indulges his love for gardening, and ensures his concern for the environment is apparent in the management of the property by using energy-saving solar garden lighting and energy-efficient bulbs, as as composting any kitchen waste.

As it is a private residence, Highgrove House itself is closed to the public. However, its extensive Royal Gardens are open for tours, including garden tours, champagne and afternoon tea.

10. Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse, was the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland.

The magnificent home has had an eventful history with members of royalty both living and staying intermittently. Interestingly, the palace was home to Mary Queen of Scots for most of her life.

Today, the Palace is a close focus for national celebrations and events in Scotland, most notably The Queen's ‘Holyrood Week’, which usually runs from the end of June to the beginning of July. Each year, The Queen has been known to entertain around 8,000 guests from all walks of Scottish life during Holyrood week.

11. Osborne House, Isle of Wight

While Osborne House is no longer occupied by the Royal family, this glorious seaside home, located in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, was once Queen Victoria's family home. The house was built between 1845 and 1851 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a summer home and rural retreat. 

It is noted that Prince Albert designed the house himself in 1847, alongside architect and builder Thomas Cubitt, in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo.  Here, the royal couple  lived with their nine children overlooking the Solent and their private beach.

Known as Swiss Cottage, the house is open to the public for viewings.

A home owned by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her Sandringham Estate is now available for rent on Airbnb. 

The Garden House, formerly the Queen's head gardener's home, is the closest estate property to Sandringham House, the beloved country retreat of the royal family – located in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sandringham House is one of the most historic properties in the United Kingdom – and one of the world's best homes. 

Sandringham House, which was built for Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, has played a part in royal history for over a century. King George VI died in Sandringham on 6 February 1952 before passing the estate to his daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen spent around two months each winter on the Sandringham Estate, and it served as the backdrop broadcast of her first televised Christmas message in 1957.

The property is now marketed by Norfolk Hideaways, who have the sole listing of the home but use the rental site to share its beauty with the world. 

The Garden House, which is now taking reservations on Airbnb, shares the estate with the historic, neighboring property. The listing is a trove of regal garden ideas – from its manicured lawn to the idyllic ivy surrounding the blue-painted front door.

The home is a celebration of the Great British countryside and the beautiful gardens that sit in the esteemed estate (as you might expect from the royal head gardener's home). And while the home's grounds are perhaps its most magnificent asset, its decorating ideas also pay homage to the property's rural surroundings. 

Furnished eclectically from the Royal Collection, all the furniture and artworks were once housed in a royal residence. This is perhaps most evident in the dining room (as seen above), which exhibits a masterclass in decorating with antiques. 

Beyond the dining space, the home has a functional kitchen and a sitting room that overlooks the garden. There is also a choice of super-king or twin beds in two bedrooms (you can share your preferences when booking). 

In the garden, you can enjoy a paved patio area with a dining table – perfect for al-fresco dining or a charcoal barbecue – if the weather permits. Beyond the home, you can enjoy a walk through a walled garden and the relaxed garden area.

'We are delighted that the Garden House on His Majesty The King's Sandringham Estate is now available to book on Airbnb,' says Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb. 

'This picturesque cottage set on the grounds of one of the King's most beautiful estates is a perfect hideaway for guests looking for a truly unique stay.'

The Garden House is available for booking now. 

After 73 years by the side of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip passed away last Friday, April 9th. Throughout his 99-year life, the Duke of Edinburgh created a lasting legacy in the Royal gardens of his beautiful estates across the UK – breaking national gardening records at Sandringham, becoming ‘master of the barbecue’ at Balmoral, and landscaping Windsor gardens. 

See: Backyard ideas – decor inspiration for outdoor spaces

The Duke was never shy of his green-fingered habits and had even vocalized his love for gardening in a letter to celebrity English gardener Alan Titchmarsh, The Express recently shared. 

From the famous evergreen lawns of Sandringham to the verdant grounds of his beloved Scottish summer home – these are some Royal gardens permanently shaped by Prince Phillip. 

Sandringham Estate gardens 

Admirers of the Royal family may already recognize Sandringham as the home where Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh usually spent Christmas. However, the 20,000 acre Norfolk estate was also the setting of a record-breaking horticultural achievement for Prince Philip. 

According to The Times, he first attempted to grow black truffles in the garden in 2006, when he planted ‘300 £15 saplings’ in the grounds. After persevering for 12 years, and seeking help from truffle experts in Italy, the Duke ‘became the first person in Britain’ to achieve a fruitful Funghi harvest. 

The Royal garden at Balmoral Castle

While Sandringham acted as the backdrop to many Christmas celebrations, Balmoral was the setting for many royal family summer vacations. The Gothic Revival castle on the fringe of Loch Muick in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was the setting of Prince Phillip’s kitchen garden and vegetable patch, and water garden, and a floral walkway that he planted many years ago. The Duke also designed a water garden among its sprawling 50,000 acres of surrounding land. 

Since this was Prince Philip’s summer home, it is unsurprising that the Duke would spend his evenings cooking on the BBQ in Balmoral’s gardens. In an interview with MarieClaire, Darren McGrady, who worked for the Royal family throughout the ‘80s and early ‘90s, shared that ‘Philip would cookout on the grill’ while the Queen picked strawberries with Princess Margaret. Following his death, Prince Harry also remembered his grandad’s barbecue skills, sharing:  

‘But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ‘til the end.’ 

See: Kitchen garden ideas - 10 easy ways to get started

Windsor Castle gardens 

Many of us sought solace in our gardens throughout the pandemic, and Prince Philip was certainly no exception. During the first four months of lockdown, the Duke returned to Windsor, to the gardens he designed in 1971. Prince Philip made his mark on the imperial estate over the ‘70s when he contributed to the landscaped garden redesign – planting over 3,500 rose bushes and adding a statement bronze water feature. 

How to plant roses – for a delightfully fragrant garden 

Prince Phillip’s funeral will take place at Windsor Castle tomorrow, April 17th, at 15:00 BST. His memory and legacy will continue to bloom in the Royal gardens he shaped throughout his life for many centuries to come.  

Windsor Castle has topped a list of the most expensive UK homes to decorate - costing over £64 million to furnish, according to a study by online luxury homeware brand Olivia's.

Accommodating over 150 people, including the Queen, the castle is estimated to cost £64 million to furnish and decorate, followed by Hampton Court Palace which cost in excess of £57 million.

See: Bill and Melinda Gates’ new $43 million San Diego home will take your breath away

According to the brand’s data, this is nearly 4,400 times more than what the standard Brit spends, which is, on average, £14,650 on an entire three-bedroom family home.

With over 1,000 rooms, Windsor Castle tops the list of the most expensive properties to furnish, costing an estimated £64 million. Buckingham Palace also features on the list, with 775 rooms and costing nearly £50 million.

The five most expensive UK homes to furnish:

The brand considered different aspects of each property to discover which UK homes are the most expensive to furnish, including the age of a property, size, overall worth and the value of its possessions.

1. WINDSOR CASTLE – £64 MILLION

Windsor Castle is one of the biggest royal residencies in the world, with over 1,000 rooms. Along with her Majesty the Queen, the castle is home to more than 150 members of staff. Interior items often seen include oak cabinets designed circa 1783, gold candelabras and a selection of fine antique furniture dating back to the 18th and early-19th century, from armchairs to sofas.

2. HAMPTON COURT PALACE – £57.6 MILLION

Over 500 years old with more than 1,000 rooms, Hampton Court Palace was home to King Henry VIII. The palace interior consists mainly of Tudor and Georgian furnishings, including Jean Pelletier tables, original state beds and crystal chandeliers.

3. BUCKINGHAM PALACE – £49.6 MILLION

Buckingham Palace houses over 775 rooms with 240 bedrooms and 19 reception rooms. An official royal residence since 1761, the Palace still houses furniture from the 18th century and many rooms follow an ornate red, gold and green colour scheme.

4. SANDRINGHAM HOUSE – £43.2 MILLION

Located in Norfolk, Sandringham House is a private residence of the Royals. Dating back to Elizabethan times with renovations added by Queen Victoria, the house still today follows popular Edwardian interior design, with antique 19th century cabinets and tables scattered throughout the property.

5. HIGHCLERE CASTLE – £19.2 MILLION

Commonly known as the filming location for Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle was built in the Jacobethan style in 1679 and has over 200 rooms. The interiors mainly consist of Victorian furniture and antiques, but the castle also has more unique furnishings, such as leather walls in its Saloon room and a beautiful four-poster bed adorned with 18th century silk in its Mercia bedroom.

The brand also surveyed more than 3,000 UK homeowners to discover common interior and decorating spending habits, and found that the average Brit spends £14,650 decorating and furnishing an entire three-bedroom house.

According to the survey of UK homeowners, the most expensive room in a house to furnish is the living room, which costs on average £3,600. In comparison, the cheapest room to furnish is a bathroom, costing on average £650. On average it costs £1,831 to decorate and furnish a room in a typical British home. Permanent fixtures such as kitchen and bathroom units were not included in the survey.

The platform’s interiors expert, Sharmeen Shahid, has also put together a guide on what materials, colours and layout Brits should employ to achieve a luxurious and modern aesthetic.

Advice includes the use of inexpensive wood to create panel walls, adding depth to rooms, accessorising using high-quality fabrics such as velvet, and using mirrors throughout a home to maximise light and space.

Nick Moutter, founder of Olivia’s, said: 'Working with our team of experts, it was incredible to discover how much it would cost to decorate some of the most magnificent homes in the UK.

'It’s no surprise that two of the Queen’s residences, Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, are at the top of the list.

'It’s also fascinating to survey our own customers to discover how much money they spend on the interiors in their homes. I’m excited to share our data and release our royal furnishing guide to help homeowners give their own properties a luxury feel, similar to those on our list.'

View the top 10 list of the most expensive UK homes to furnish, along with the guide to luxury interiors at Olivias.com.

See: Five-minute gardening tips from the National Trust