Sandringham garden house put on Airbnb amid queen's health concerns
Real Estate

Queen Elizabeth’s Sandringham garden house put on Airbnb before death

Just hours before Queen Elizabeth II “died peacefully” at age 96 on Thursday, according to a statement from the royal family, the garden house on her Sandringham Estate was once more listed on Airbnb.

Located in the Norfolk Coast Area of England, the country retreat has been traditionally used by the Queen and the rest of the royal family during Christmas and the New Year. It has been on and off the vacation rental market since 2019.

The castle is also where Queen Elizabeth gives her annual Christmas broadcast speech.

According to the estate’s official website, the royal family has owned the property since 1862, when it was purchased as a gift for Prince Albert for his 21st birthday.

It is also where the queen’s father, George VI, and grandfather, George V, both died.

The garden house on the estate, listed by United Kingdom boutique holiday cottage agency Norfolk Hideaways, is comprised of four bedrooms and two bathrooms and was the former home of the queen’s head gardener.

“This charming Norfolk hideaway, owned by HM The Queen, nestled within the heart of her much-loved Sandringham Estate country retreat and the closest estate property to Sandringham House itself, is all about an appreciation of the great outdoors and the beautiful gardens it sits within,” the Airbnb listing states.

The garden house at the Queen’s Sandringham estate. Neil Longdin
The grounds. Neil Longdin
The dining room. Neil Longdin
The kitchen. Neil Longdin
One of four bedrooms. Neil Longdin

Built with brick, the house offers accommodation for up to eight guests over two floors.

“Guests are able to enjoy a stroll around the Country Park, with over 200 hectares (494 acres) to enjoy in all,” the listing adds.

And, of course, as a nod to the Queen’s love of dogs, the listing notes: “furry friends welcome.”

But to book a stay here, you must act fast. Dates have already been filled up through February 2024. And staying there will come at a cost of about $400 per night, according to the listing.

Queen Elizabeth also gifted Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, a residence on the estate following their wedding back in 2011. Known as Anmer Hall, the property is made up of 10 bedrooms.

1 of 9
The breakfast room is filled with sunlight.
The breakfast room is filled with sunlight.
The breakfast room and sitting area.
The breakfast room and sitting area. Neil Longdin
Advertisement
The formal living area with a woodburning fireplace.
The formal living area with a woodburning fireplace. Neil Longdin
The entryway.
The entryway. Neil Longdin
One of two bathrooms.
One of two bathrooms. Neil Longdin
Advertisement
The backdoor entry.
The backdoor entry. Neil Longdin
Advertisement
A photo from the Queen’s last Christmas broadcast from Sandringham castle on December 25, 2021. Royal UK

On Thursday, the royal family officially announced the Queen’s death. Elizabeth was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, having served 70 years on the thrones. She was 96.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the announcement read. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, royals have rushed to Scotland, to Balmoral Castle, where the palace first announced earlier this morning that the queen was staying under “medical supervision.”

“Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision,” the statement had previously read. “The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”

It is unclear at this time why the garden house at Sandringham has been listed on Airbnb. The Post has reached out to the Queen’s communications secretary for comment.