Live Like Royalty: Royal Estates Offer Unique Holiday Stays
From historic castles to charming cottages, a selection of royal residences are available for public rental, offering a glimpse into the lives of the British monarchy.
Across the United Kingdom and even in Romania, several properties connected to the British royal family are available for public rental, offering unique holiday experiences. These residences range from historic estate houses to converted farmhouses and cottages, providing opportunities to stay on grounds once frequented by monarchs.
In Norfolk, the Sandringham Estate offers several rental options. The Water Tower, a restored Victorian landmark, provides views of the surrounding countryside and sleeps up to two guests. The Gardens House, a former home of the estate's head gardener, accommodates up to eight guests and welcomes dogs, with furnishings drawn from the Royal Collection. Also on the estate is The Folly, a three-bedroom Victorian house with historical connections to King Edward VII, which can sleep six.
On the Isle of Wight, visitors can stay at the Osborne Estate, once Queen Victoria's favorite residence. Holiday lets such as No 1 Sovereign's Gate and No 2 Sovereign Gate, former entrances to the estate, each sleep up to four guests and offer private gardens with beach access. Pavilion Cottage, a renovated two-bedroom property, also provides a secluded stay on the estate.
Balmoral Estate in Scotland, a favored residence of the late Queen Elizabeth II, offers Connachat Cottage, a traditional stone-built property accommodating up to eight guests. Nearby is Karim Cottage, a renovated bungalow for six, with a history tied to Queen Victoria's secretary, Abdul Karim.
Further north in Caithness, the Castle of Mey, owned by the Queen Mother, provides rental options. The Captain's House, a self-catering cottage, sleeps six. The Granary Lodge, a ten-room property, is available as a bed and breakfast.
King Charles III's former farmhouse on the Llwynywermod estate in Carmarthenshire, Wales, was previously available for rent. The estate's North Range and West Range cottages could accommodate visitors, situated on 90 acres of land near the Breacon Beacons National Park. The King relinquished the property in 2023.
Beyond the UK, King Charles also owns a property in Transylvania, Romania. The 400-year-old Casa Printului de Wales cottage, decorated with traditional antique Transylvanian furnishings, offers a secluded nature retreat. The King has supported local development and preservation efforts in the region through the Prince of Wales Foundation in Romania.
In 2020, Prince William and his family stayed at Dolphin House on Tresco Island in the Isles of Scilly. This six-bedroom property can sleep up to ten guests and features a large walled garden. The location offers privacy and access to the island's beaches and natural beauty.