Inside York Cottage – the country home that Andrew Windsor might move to

York Cottage, Sandringham (Picture: Wikimedia) — The cottage is located on the Sandringham grounds (Picture: Wikimedia)

The Duke of York will no longer have the option to reside at the expansive Royal Lodge in Windsor’s parkland – leading to the question of his next destination.

One potential location under consideration is York Cottage, a regal residence situated within the Sandringham Estate, where the cherished Norfolk residence of Queen Elizabeth II, Sandringham House, is also located.

Interestingly, York Cottage was previously known as the Bachelor’s Cottage, which might be quite suitable for Prince Andrew, whose separation from Sarah Ferguson concluded in divorce in 1996, following their initial separation in 1992, even though they have remained in the same residence for the last 23 years.

Royal Lodge was presented as a gift by the future King Edward VII, formerly the Prince of Wales, to his son Prince George, the Duke of York (later King George V) in 1893.

The Duke Of York made his home there with Princess Mary following their nuptials.

M77GH6 York Cottage, Sandringham (NBY 440112) — The historical cottage might soon provide accommodation for Prince Andrew (Picture: Alamy)

Lady Donaldson, who made history as the first female Lord Mayor of London, once penned these words about the cottage: ‘York Cottage, within its own context, stands as a testament to the peculiarity of the family who once resided there’.

The cottage – currently functioning as holiday lodgings and, to some extent, as quarters for estate personnel – is often described as resembling ‘three Merrie England taverns combined’, exuding both allure and distinctiveness.

Should Andrew not relocate to York Cottage for any reason, it is understood that an alternative royal dwelling is being evaluated.

Reportedly, Andrew has shown eagerness to occupy Frogmore Cottage, located within Windsor’s grounds, despite the uproar caused by the recent revelation of his failure to pay rent for his current residence – Royal Lodge – for a duration of 22 years.

Frogmore Cottage is nestled in the Windsor Castle grounds, in Berkshire, and was gifted to Harry and Meghan by the late Queen Elizabeth as a wedding present.

Constructed in 1801, the ten-bedroom, Grade II listed structure had remained unoccupied for a considerable period and underwent a substantial, multi-million pound renovation before the couple’s relocation in 2019.

The £2.4million expense for the construction efforts was initially met by taxpayer funds, which the couple subsequently reimbursed in response to significant public dissatisfaction that coincided with their separation from the Royal Family and their relocation to the US – known as Megxit.

It finds its place within the parkland of the 17th-century Frogmore House, the venue for the couple’s wedding celebration.

But it’s not only Frogmore Cottage under consideration – Fergie is said to have an interest in Adelaide Cottage, where Prince William and Kate are presently residing but are set to vacate next month.

Built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, the Grade II listed cottage comprises four bedrooms along with various reception rooms suitable for hosting.

Group Captain Peter Townsend, who served as equerry to King George VI, was granted the property as an official residence in 1944, and a cousin of the late Queen has also made it their home.

The cottage went through extensive restorations in 2015.

MORE: Where will Sarah Ferguson live after vacating Royal Lodge?

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