King Charles Opens a Hidden Part of His Private Estate to the Public for Overnight Stays
King Charles Opens a Hidden Part of His Private Estate to the Public for Overnight Stays
Meredith KileThu, August 13, 2026 at 7:16 PM UTC
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King Charles; Sandringham Water TowerCredit: Ian Vogler - Pool / Getty; Sandringham Estate/Instagram -
King Charles announced a “new chapter” for his Sandringham estate this week
The historic Water Tower building on the property has been renovated into “an exceptional retreat for two”
Sandringham is one of two residences privately owned by the King, and is where the royal family celebrates the Christmas holidays together
King Charles announced a “new chapter” for his Sandringham Estate this week.
The historic Water Tower building on the Norfolk property has been renovated into “an exceptional retreat for two” — a cosy respite for guests looking to spend some time on the picturesque 20,000-acre estate,
“THE WAIT IS OVER…Introducing The Water Tower,” read the caption on the Sandringham Instagram post. “Rising majestically above the Norfolk countryside on the historic Sandringham Estate, a remarkable piece of Royal history is being unveiled for a new chapter.”“Built in 1877 to provide fresh water to the Royal residence, this extraordinary Victorian landmark has been thoughtfully restored into an exceptional retreat for two — bringing together Royal heritage, architectural grandeur and breathtaking views. Designed by renowned engineer James Mansergh, the Tower’s distinctive neo-Byzantine architecture, circular form and intricate brickwork have stood proudly above the Norfolk landscape for almost 150 years.”
The Water Tower on the Sandringham EstateCredit: Sandringham Estate/Instagram
“A landmark transformed,” the announcement concluded. “Head to the ‘Stays’ section on our website to book your unforgettable stay.”
The Sandringham Estate website, where guests are able to reserve and book their stays, boasts that the Water Tower is “one of the most unusual and memorable stays in Britain.”
“Inside, the accommodation has been carefully designed to celebrate the building’s unique character,” the listing describes. “Heritage-inspired tones and neutral interiors complement the Tower’s original features, while reclaimed elements sourced from the wider Estate sit alongside thoughtfully chosen furnishings.”
“Historic pictures and photographs depicting The Royal Family and Sandringham’s rich past create a strong sense of place, ensuring the story of the Tower remains woven throughout the experience,” it continues. “Private, atmospheric and entirely unique, The Water Tower is an exceptional retreat for couples seeking something truly out of the ordinary.”
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The Water Tower on the Sandringham EstateCredit: Sandringham Estate/Instagram
The Water Tower is the most intimate option for rental on the Sandringham Estate, joining The Folly, a woodland retreat that can be rented by up to six guests, and Gardens House, a restored red-brick Edwardian home that previously belonged to the estate’s head gardener and can house eight.
According to the website, booking for the two-person lodging begins at around $200; however, searching for a two-night stay from Aug. 15 to 17 currently generates a price of $2,179.
Sandringham is one of two estates that the Queen — and now King Charles — owned privately. The other is Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands, where the royals recently retreated for their annual late summer getaway
Sandringham is where the family spends the Christmas holiday, coming together to spend an extended break and enjoy meals, presents and shooting parties.
In her 2019 book, The Other Side of the Coin, Queen Elizabeth’slongtime aide and dresser, Angela Kelly, recalled the merry energy of the Sandringham holidays: “The house is buzzing, and I love to hear the children running around, laughing and playing. It looks magical, too, with the tree and all the Christmas decorations.”
The West Front of Sandringham HouseCredit: Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty
However, the estate is now also, controversially, the residence of the former Prince Andrew. King Charles stripped his younger brother of his royal titles in October 2025 amid renewed scrutiny of his ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Along with his titles, Andrew was also forced to give up the lease on his longtime home, Royal Lodge.
He later moved to Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate, and it’s understood that Andrew’s accommodations moving forward will be paid for by the King.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
