King Charles has unveiled what the Sandringham Estate is calling a “new chapter” in its history, revealing the transformation of a Victorian water tower into an intimate overnight retreat for two.
The announcement came on Tuesday evening via a video shared on the estate’s Instagram account, introducing the restored 1877 landmark to the public.
“Rising majestically above the Norfolk countryside on the historic Sandringham Estate, a remarkable piece of Royal history is being unveiled for a new chapter,” the estate declared.
The post added it was a “landmark transformed.”
The tower, which has graced the Norfolk landscape for close to 150 years, now offers paying guests the chance to sleep within an authentic piece of royal heritage on the monarch’s beloved country estate.
Engineer James Mansergh designed the structure in a distinctive circular form, drawing on the neo-Byzantine architectural tradition.
The restoration has been carried out with considerable sensitivity to the building’s singular character.
King Charles has unveiled what the Sandringham Estate is calling a ‘new chapter’ in its storied history, revealing the transformation of a Victorian water tower into an intimate overnight retreat for two
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INSTAGRAM: @SANDRINGHAMESTATE
The renovated tower now offers paying guests the chance to sleep within an authentic piece of royal heritage on the monarch’s beloved country estate
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INSTAGRAM: @SANDRINGHAMESTATE
“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,” the estate explained.
The Sandringham website describes the finished result as “a romantic retreat for two” boasting sweeping views across the Norfolk countryside.
Having been acquired in 1862, the Sandringham Estate was originally purchased as a country retreat for the future Edward VII and Princess Alexandra.
Spanning some 20,000 acres roughly 100 miles north of London, the property sustains more than 200 staff across its farms, gardens, sawmill and apple juice pressing operation.
Engineer James Mansergh designed the structure in a distinctive circular form, drawing on the neo-Byzantine architectural tradition
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INSTAGRAM: @SANDRINGHAMESTATE
The balcony from the bedroom offers a spectacular view of the Sandringham Estate
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INSTAGRAM: @SANDRINGHAMESTATE
The Water Tower joins two existing guest accommodations, both bookable through the luxury villas firm Oliver’s Travels.
Dating from the 1800s, the Folly served variously as a hunting lodge and a ladies’ afternoon tea room before undergoing a year-long restoration; it now sleeps six.
The Gardens House, an Edwardian red-brick residence once occupied by the estate’s head gardener, accommodates up to eight guests. Both properties welcome dogs.
King Charles himself stays at the main Sandringham House when visiting the Norfolk estate.
His brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, moved onto the estate earlier this year, though he resides in rather different circumstances elsewhere on the grounds.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor relocated to Marsh Farm in April, following his removal from Royal Lodge – his home of more than two decades.
The property forms part of the sprawling 20,000-acre estate that Charles now opens ever more widely to the public.