Live like a royal: 5 palaces available for rent
The idea of living like Queen Elizabeth, Kate Middleton or Prince William seems like something that can only happen in your dreams. Large castles, stunning vacation homes and perfectly curated gardens are things seemingly reserved for royalty…or are they? It was recently announced that two guest cottages located on the Queen's Sandringham country estate in Norfolk, England are now open as vacation rentals.
Starting at around $935 a week, guests can stay either in the Garden House, once used by the estate's gardener and has room for eight, or at the Granary, which is a modern barn with room for six. Both homes come fully furnished, have a washer, dryer, and all towels and bed linens. One of the best amenities though has to be the chance to live like William and Kate who've set up their family home on the property in the 10-bedroom Anmer Hall.
But, Sandringham isn't the only royal home you can rent. The family has amazingly opened up several other places for civilian guests to enjoy. Nicky Hilton made use of the famous Kensington Palace for her wedding to James Rothschild in August. The Orangery is located within Kensington Gardens and is licensed for civil weddings and allows for receptions on its terrace. It also happens to be located next door to William and Kate's apartment.
If you're hoping to experience a getaway like the Queen, then head to her palace in the country, Balmoral Estate. Each summer HRH heads to the Scottish highlands to relax with her corgis, and you can do the same in one of the property's five cottages that vary in distance to the main castle. You can enjoy a round of golf, some fishing or simply explore the 50,000 acres of stunning landscape.
Meanwhile the favorite getaway for Queen Victoria was most certainly the Osbourne House with its own private beach and acres of lush grounds and gardens. You can experience the same hideaway feel by staying at the Pavilion or one of the Sovereigns Gate cottages near the beach.
Perhaps not as famous, but still as grand as the others, Hampton Court Palace has been in use for centuries and features the world’s most famous maze with a half mile of twisting turns. Rent the Georgian House apartment on the grounds and you'll be treated to your own private walled garden and gorgeous views over the palace roofs.
And though it's not an official palace, you can even vacation like a royal by staying at Les Jolies Eaux in Mustique where Princess Margaret stayed. The extremely private villa contains five bedrooms, a full staff and pool overlooking incredible island views starting for $20,000 a week. A stay on the island also comes with a chance of seeing Will and Kate as they vacation there every year.
