From Windsor Castle to Balmoral to Buckingham Palace, King Charles isn't short of an impressive home, but we've just learned about a detail at his Norfolk property, Sandringham, that might make the estate the most magical of the royal abodes.
Famed as the host of the traditional royal Christmases, Sandringham certainly has a fairytale quality about it, which makes it the perfect spot for King Charles' 'nest', a charming summerhouse located on a far-flung corner of the estate.
With breathtaking views of a lake and surrounding mini waterfalls, the secluded spot is perfect for contemplation, with the estate's Instagram writing about the summerhouse: "Queen Alexandra's Nest looks like something out of a fairytale in The Sandringham Gardens."
© Instagram'The Nest' was built on the rockery next to the lake in 1912 for Queen Alexandra, landscaped by James Pulham using his famous 'Pulhamite' stone. The picturesque building has open windows and doors, allowing anyone sitting inside it to soak up the nature Sandringham has to offer – though we suspect King Charles isn't spending much time there right now, given that his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is believed to residing on the estate since vacating his Windsor home while he is investigated on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The beauty of Sandringham
Anyone keen to soak up the majesty of The Nest is able to do so, as the grounds at Sandringham are open to the public on selected dates in February and March, from just £15 per person. After March, they're open full-time until October.
© InstagramAnyone visiting in the coming weeks will be treated to blankets of snowdrops, with the estate posting pictures of the delicate white flowers, writing: "There is nothing quite like the sight of thousands of snowdrops in full bloom across the grounds in The Estate."
Visiting royal homes
Royal fans who like to visit the abodes of the UK's most famous family might be interested to learn that this year, Queen Elizabeth II's private rooms at her official Scottish residence, Holyrood House in Edinburgh, are to be opened to the public for the first time to mark the centenary of her birth.
© Royal Collection TrustVisitors will be able to tour the "personal lived-in" apartments used by the Queen and Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, as they go behind the scenes at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
These rooms include the Queen's Dressing Room, where she would prepare and dress for official engagements, and the Sitting Room, where she would work from her red boxes and relax by watching the horse racing on TV.
© Royal Collection TrustThe Royal Collection Trust said: "These modestly decorated rooms offer a rare glimpse into the personal 'lived-in' spaces used during private moments between official duties."
The tours will take place for 100 days, to honour the year in which Her Majesty would have turned 100.
