Reviewing the British Royal Family’s impressive real estate portfolio, ahead of King Charles’ coronation.
Nothing screams Britishness louder than the royal family and there’s a particularly special date coming up for the royal enthusiasts; King Charles’ coronation. As the nation gets itself ready for what is the most important event in the British monarchy in the last years, we’ve compiled a list of real estates the royal family owns, because nobody boasts of a better portfolio than the British Royals. From Buckingham Palace to Balmoral Castle, each of their “humble abodes” holds significant cultural and historical importance, so let’s dive in.
Buckingham Palace
Image courtesy of Jean Carlo Emer
Buckingham Palace is the most known of the Estates of the British Royal Family. Situated in the heart of London, is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Constructed in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, it later became the royal residence in 1837. The palace boasts an impressive 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. During the summer months, the palace is open to the public and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.
The palace’s state rooms are a testament to grandeur and have been the venue for numerous important events, including state banquets, investitures, and receptions. The rooms are adorned with priceless works of art and furniture, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck. The palace also houses the Royal Collection, which includes over 1 million objects of art and historical significance.
Windsor Castle
Image courtesy of Simon Hurry
Windsor Castle, located in the town of Windsor in Berkshire, is the oldest and largest occupied castle globally. The castle has been the residence of the British monarch for over 900 years and is a popular weekend retreat for the Queen. With over 1,000 rooms, the castle is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
The castle’s State Apartments are a masterpiece of baroque design and are adorned with priceless works of art and furniture, including paintings by Holbein, Van Dyck, and Rubens. Additionally, the castle has St. George’s Chapel, which is the final resting place of ten monarchs, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.
The castle’s stunning gardens are a sight to behold and include the famous Round Tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The gardens also boast a collection of rare and exotic plants, including 3,500 rose bushes and 200 species of camellia.
Balmoral
Image courtesy of Martin Bennie
Balmoral Castle, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has been a private residence of the British Royal Family since 1852. The castle was built for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a retreat from their busy lives in London. With over 50,000 acres of land, including forests, moors, and lochs, Balmoral is open to the public during the summer months.
Balmoral Castle is a prime example of Scottish baronial architecture and is known for its romantic style, which was popular during the Victorian era. The castle’s grounds are a sight to behold and include a formal garden, a vegetable garden, and a series of interconnecting paths that lead to stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Sandringham House
Sandringham House, located in Norfolk, is a private residence part of the estates of the British Royal Family. The house has been the private residence of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house is known for its stunning gardens, which are open to the public during the summer months.
Sandringham House is an excellent example of the country house style that was popular during the Edwardian era. The house’s interiors are adorned with fine art, furniture, and porcelain, and the gardens are a highlight and include a collection of rare and exotic plants.
Highgrove House
Highgrove House, located in Gloucestershire, is the private residence of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The house has been the private residence of Prince Charles since 1980 and is known for its beautiful gardens, which are open to the public during the summer months.
Highgrove House is a prime example of the country house style that was popular during the Georgian era, and its interiors are adorned with fine art, furniture, and antiques. The house is particularly known for its gardens, which were created by Prince Charles and are home to over 30 species of butterflies and 14 species of birds. The gardens are also home to a collection of rare plants and include a wildflower meadow and a kitchen garden.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace, located in London, is part of the British royal estates that has been home to many members of the British Royal Family, including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. The palace is currently the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Kensington Palace is a prime example of 17th-century architecture and is known for its stunning state apartments, which are adorned with fine art, furniture, and porcelain. The palace also has a beautiful garden, which is divided into several sections, including a sunken garden, a formal garden, and a water garden.
Clarence House
Clarence House, located in London, is the private residence of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The house was built in the 1820s and is known for its stunning interiors, which include fine art, furniture, and porcelain. The house is also home to a beautiful garden, which includes a number of rare and exotic plants.
Frogmore House
For over two centuries, Frogmore House has stood as a crown jewel of the British royal family and their estates, nestled in the regal town of Windsor, England. Since its acquisition by the crown in 1792, the illustrious property has played host to an array of private and office events, making it an integral piece of British history.
Although Frogmore House may not be a royal residence, it continues to draw attention and interest as a cherished monument of the monarchy. The property’s reputation is further heightened by its close proximity to Frogmore Cottage, the former residence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, which shares the same sprawling grounds.