There’s always been a certain curiosity around what it’s like to be a royal. But life at Windsor Palace remains somewhat of an enigma. We’ve all seen the gold-encrusted décor, the rich, red sofas and the dazzling chandeliers, but what is it really like, to live like a king or queen?
Does anyone in the Royal Family watch ‘The Crown’ on TV, curled up on a squashy sofa? When the day comes to an end, do they sleep in a four-poster bed?
We take a look at places where you can get a little flavour of how the other half live. We’re talking illustrious décor, proximity to royal residences and acres of private land.
So, if you’re ready to ascend to the highest echelons of society, for a time at least, join us as we explore these properties fit for a king or queen.
Luxury cottages
Royal Romance
Westward Ho!, Devon
The name says it all! This luxury, romantic cottage for two is decked out with features worthy of any self-respecting king or queen.
The decadent whirlpool bath in the bedroom is trumped only by the tempting hot tub in the garden, while the swanky shower offers yet another option for a relaxing soak. As if that weren’t enough choice for water-based rejuvenation, there’s also a shared, heated plunge pool available between April and October.
Feel like a royal surveying your land as you sit on the fabulous glass-fronted balcony looking out over the rolling hills of Devon. The ornate, Parisian-style double bed, elegant Chesterfield sofas in the lounge and double sinks in the bathroom only add to the air of luxury. And if you fancy challenging each other to a royal duel, head for the shared play barn where you can take your pick from table football, table tennis, pool and basketball.
Price: Mid-week short breaks from £947
Highlights: The whirlpool bath, private hot tub, sleek shower and shared, heated indoor plunge pool ensure you’ll never be short of options for a restful soak.
In the area: Just down the road is the Royal North Devon Golf Club where you can perfect your swing like a king, or enjoy a more leisurely day on Westward Ho!’s swathe of golden sand.
Royal Romance
The Country Retreat
Leominster (4mls SE), Herefordshire
22 guests can retire to this magnificent 14th-century mansion in Herefordshire, to revel in the comfort of its richly furnished rooms. A library with a pool table, a dedicated games room with cinema area, and 5 acres of landscaped grounds (including a summer house) provide the entertainment, while slumber comes easy in the palatial bedrooms, suitable for any sovereign worth their salt.
When it comes to eating like kings, not only will you find a well-equipped kitchen where your own caterers (if required) can whip you up a mouthwatering feast, but there’s also an impressive, panelled dining room with an open fire and banquet table, around which to devour your repast.
Replete and content, the rest of your evening can be spent in the property’s private bar, the perfect spot for a right royal knees up!
Price: Mid-week short breaks from £3,578
Highlights: Library with pool table; games room with children’s toys, table tennis, PlayStation 3 and cinema area; private (un-stocked) bar; landscaped gardens with summer house; children’s treasure hunt and outdoor games.
In the area: Market town of Leominster, city of Hereford, River Wye, Hampton Court Castle Estate, Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke Path.
The Country Retreat
Kaleidoscope House
Snettisham, Norfolk
Perhaps more suited to A-list royalty, rather than our noble monarch, Kaleidoscope House is remarkably true to its name. Each room is flamboyant to the hilt, bringing Hollywood vibes to the sleepy Norfolk village of Snettisham.
From bold, jungle wallpaper in the lounge, to hypnotic geometric patterns in the dining room, each style choice is deliberate and audacious, with no surface, not even the ceilings, left untouched. Art Deco styling, mid-century furniture and bold, contemporary design create a feast for the senses.
While the interior décor certainly takes centre stage, this 20-guest property is endowed with features befitting of the royals themselves. A cinema room with 6-foot screen, an eight-seater hot tub, a karaoke machine, a dance floor and even a dressing-up room with outfits complete the offering. Outside, there’s a private walled garden, perfect for sipping cocktails. ‘Butler!’
As if all that wasn’t enough to earn it a place in this list of residences fit for a king or queen, it’s just 5 miles from the royal Sandringham Estate.
Price: Mid-week short breaks from £4,628
Highlights: The décor! Cinema room with 6-foot screen, hot tub, karaoke machine and dance floor, dressing up room. Separate adjoining cottage. Private walled terrace garden.
In the area: Sandringham Estate, Peddars Way, Titchwell and Holme Marsh nature reserves, Brancaster, Hunstanton, Norfolk Lavender Farm and Holkham Hall Country Park.
Kaleidoscope House
Ravenslaw House
Alnwick, Northumberland
An arresting sight, with its crenellated roof and pointed, fairy-tale turrets, Ravenslaw House in Alnwick, Northumberland is a majestic property, well-suited to any would-be monarch. Rich, dark décor and heavy carved furniture lend a sophisticated air to the former home of Victorian fishing magnate, William Hardy.
There are regal touches aplenty, including luxurious four-poster beds, a fleet of roll-top baths, a hot tub, a sauna and even a grand piano. Enjoy high tea in the conservatory, and don’t forget your four-legged friends as they’re more than welcome to join you on your grandiose getaway.
Price: Mid-week short breaks from £2,930
Highlights: Decadent Victorian décor, large kitchen with range-style hob and separate butler’s kitchen, large conservatory, multiple reception rooms, stunning four-poster beds and roll-top baths, sheltered patio with hot tub and sauna, and enclosed garden.
In the area: Alnwick Castle (featured in Harry Potter films), Alnwick Gardens, shops, restaurants and bars all within walking distance. Alnmouth Beach, Amble and Warkworth Castle are all nearby.
Ravenslaw House
Sheafhayne Manor
Honiton (9mls NE), Devon
A remarkable Grade II-listed Elizabethan manor house, Sheafhayne Manor in Devon is packed with historic character. Oak panelling, flagstone floors and mullioned windows add to its regal aura, and rooms including a billiard room, banquet hall, drawing room, scullery and games room wouldn’t look out of place on the Windsor family’s floorplan. Each bedroom exudes stately home-style elegance, with plenty of space for repose.
Outside, the sprawling gardens encompass lawns, a wild orchard, a stream, croquet lawn and shallow rill, as well as the games room featuring all manner of entertainment. The pretty terrace is primed for al fresco dining, following which you can take an evening stroll through the grounds, channelling your inner king or queen!
Price: Mid-week short breaks from £3,230
Highlights: Expansive gardens, wood-panelled rooms, billiard room with full-size snooker table, separate children’s lounge, larder/wine store and butler’s pantry, and huge games room with pool, table tennis, air hockey and table football.
In the area: Villages of Yarcombe and Howley, towns of Chard and Honiton, Jurassic Coast and the beaches of Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Sidmouth, Seaton and Beer.
Sheafhayne Manor
Station House
Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales
Oozing with opulence, this stunning family hideaway in the Yorkshire Dales sleeps six guests in absolute luxury.
As you would expect from a home fit for aristocrats, in Station House, every single detail has been considered to the nth degree. The spectacular property boasts sumptuous seating, stunning wallpaper, stylish lighting and decadent touches wherever you look. Lounge in front of the crackling wood burner, throw open the vast bi-fold doors on balmy evenings or relax away your worries in the gorgeous slipper bath.
Outside, the luxury continues, with a bubbling hot tub, an exquisite outdoor lounge/dining area with BBQ, patio heaters and an outdoor music system. As if that weren’t enough, there’s also a charming summerhouse. The property sits alongside the Wensleydale Railway which operates steam trains for day trips, perfect for a royal day out!
Price: Mid-week short breaks from £1,104
Highlights: The impressive interior design, hot tub, freestanding slipper bath, summer house and heated outdoor terrace, luxurious complimentary gifts and Sky Q TV package.
In the area: Wensleydale Railway, Bolton Castle, Aysgarth Falls, The Forbidden Corner and walks in the Yorkshire Dales countryside. The town of Leyburn is 2.5 miles away.
Station House
A right royal getaway
If you’d like a taste of what it’s like to live like a royal, take a look at our luxury properties, fit for kings and queens!
Luxury cottages