King Charles has marked a long-awaited "new chapter" at his cherished country estate where his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been living in exile.
The monarch has revealed a "remarkable piece of Royal history" on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk in a newly-shared video on Tuesday evening. The estate's historic 19th century Water Tower has been restored and transformed into an accommodation space that is available for overnight stays.
"The wait is over... Introducing The Water Tower," the estate's Instagram page announced. "Rising majestically above the Norfolk countryside on the historic Sandringham Estate, a remarkable piece of Royal history is being unveiled for a new chapter."
A transformed landmark
The Victorian landmark was originally built in 1877 to provide fresh water to the Royal residence and has been standing for nearly 150 years. It was designed by engineer James Mansergh in the neo-Byzantine style, including a distinctive circular form.
The Water Tower has been "thoughtfully restored into a romantic retreat for two, where Royal heritage, architectural significance and far-reaching views combine to create an unforgettable escape," as per the stays section on the Sandringham website.
© Bav Media"Originally crowned by a vast 32,000-gallon cast-iron tank supplying water to Sandringham House and the surrounding Estate, the Tower now offers guests the rare opportunity to stay within a genuine piece of Royal history.
"Inside, the accommodation has been carefully designed to celebrate the building’s unique character," the social media post explained.
"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."
© GC ImagesRestored stays
When Charles visits the 20,000-acre estate, he stays at the main Sandringham House. Meanwhile, the royal's disgraced brother Andrew has taken up accommodation at Marsh Farm, which is part of the expansive estate and located in the town of Wolferton.
Along with being able to access the house and gardens, the countryside estate hosts visitors at several restored stays surrounded by the vast woodland. The Folly, which was first built in the 1800s, has been restored from a hunting lodge to an afternoon tea space and later a private retreat.
"The restoration, guided by the Sandringham Estate team, honours the building’s romantic history while incorporating modern comforts," the Sandringham site states.
The Edwardian-style Gardens House, which was once home to the estate’s head gardener, has been transformed into a quiet, rural stay.
