In a major rethink of domestic arrangements, William and Kate are moving to the county in time for start of the next school year. They are said to be moving into the four-bedroom, Grade-II-listed Adelaide Cottage on the 655-acre Windsor estate, where they will be close to Her Majesty and to a variety of York relations.
A source told The Sun: ‘Kate and William were very keen for a modest home to start their new lives in Windsor. Adelaide Cottage fits the bill because it is a four-bedroom home and they do not need any more as they have no live-in staff.
‘They had no other demands than a pleasant family home close to schools and the Queen.’
Kate’s parents will be nearby, too, as well as her brother James and sister Pippa, all of whom have properties in Berkshire.
The Times says: ‘Adelaide Cottage was built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, the wife of William IV. When William died in 1837 the throne went to his niece, Victoria.
‘Victoria would often visit the cottage, which is only a short walk from Windsor Castle, for breakfast or tea. Dash, her beloved King Charles spaniel is buried on the grounds.’
While you may not have your pick of royal cottages, you can still set up a jolly fine home in Berkshire.
Here are some of the loveliest houses for sale there now.
Charming Family House
Garth Cottage and its landscaped gardens sits in the heart of Holyport, with its village green, duck pond and two beloved pubs. The property has five bedrooms, as well as an extra annexe with a sitting room, bedroom kitchen and bathroom. Village living at its best. Price tag: £1,375,000. Find more details here.
Pretty End-Of-Terrace
With its stunning views over farmland, this light-filled period house strikes us a bargain. While its generous half-acre garden backs onto woodland, Hungerford station is just a mile away. Rural life without total isolation. Price tag: £750,000. Find more details here.
Magnificent Manor House
This one is just for looking at – for most of us, at least. The Grade-II-listed Georgian manor is in an elevated position about quarter of a mile from the village of Winterbourne. Though it sits in 30 acres of rolling countryside, the smart country house is conveniently close to Newbury. In the grounds you’ll find a walled swimming pool, tennis court, vegetable garden, greenhouse, party barn, stables and several outbuildings. The dream of dreams. Price tag: £6,750,000. Find more details here.
Rural Family Home
With a little updating, this edge-of-village house would be the perfect place to bring up your brood. The same family have lived in it for 58 years – thanks probably to its unspoiled views and spacious accommodation. You wouldn’t be too quick to let it go either. Price tag: £1,500,000. Find more details here.
Green And Pleasant Riverside Land
Here are 17 acres of land, accessed via a private road, sitting next to the Thames in the village of Wargrave. Just think what you could do with them! All that’s there at the moment is an attractive barn built for agricultural purposes. A mooring is available, too. This one is crying out for buyers up for a project. Price tag: £1,500,000. Find more details here.
Beautiful Converted Stables
Take ownership of The Stable Clock House, on the outskirts of the village of Tidmarsh, and show the Cambridges who is boss. The fantastic and very flexible accommodation centres around a charming courtyard. In one of the bedrooms are the mechanical workings of the fully functional turret clock, which was built in 1841. The very special gardens (of around two and a quarter acres) include a sunken woodland, former icehouse and grotto. Tongues will wag. Price tag: £2,100,000. Find more details here.
Former Lodge
The Edwardian Stanford Wood Lodge has all the charm of a period property without being listed. This happy three-bedroom home boasts good ceiling heights, underfloor heating, a sauna, a natural swimming pond and a paddock with stables, power and water. Situated between Bucklebury and Stanford Dingley, it isn’t far from where Kate Middleton grew up. Small but perfectly formed. Price tag: £1,5000,000. Find more details here.
By Becky Ladenburg
June 2022
