In an unexpected twist of royal accommodations, Prince Edward and his family found themselves in a less glamorous holiday setting this year. The family had planned to spend their Easter break at Wood Farm, a customary retreat for them, but had to make alternative arrangements due to Prince Andrew’s continued residence there.

Instead, Edward and his wife, Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, settled into Gardens House on the King’s Sandringham estate. While the four-bedroom abode offers a secluded haven, its decor is modest, featuring beige carpets, cream walls, floral curtains, and a traditional kitchen with tiled floors and wooden cabinets. Renting this property during peak season can cost up to £4,110, approximately $5,447.04.

The situation arose as Prince Andrew, embroiled in controversy over his association with the convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein, remains at Wood Farm. This property, once the retirement home of the late Prince Philip, has been Andrew’s refuge since early February amid ongoing public disapproval.

Prince Andrew was expected to vacate Wood Farm before Easter, moving to his new permanent residence at Marsh Farm in the nearby village of Wolferton. However, renovations on the five-bedroom property have delayed his relocation, leaving Edward and his family to seek alternative accommodations for their traditional holiday retreat.

Pictured: The Gardens House.

Andrew delays move amid Sandringham stay

Andrew has been staying at the property, the former retirement home of his late father Prince Philip, since he moved in early February to Sandringham following mounting public anger about his links to [child predator] financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The disgraced former prince had reportedly been due to move before Easter to a new permanent home at nearby Marsh Farm in the village of Wolferton, once renovations on the five bedroom property are complete.

Concerns were reportedly raised weeks ago that he might drag his feet over his move because he considers Wood Farm as far more suitable for him due to it being more private and hidden from view down a 300-yard drive.

Gardens House was originally touted as one of the possible homes for Andrew when it was revealed in October last year that he was being stripped of his prince title and was leaving his 30-room mansion Royal Lodge at Windsor.

But it is believed that the property which was once the home of the estate’s head gardener was ruled out by King Charles, due to it being just 300 yards away from Sandringham House.

Gardens House has instead continued to be rented out to members of the public as a holiday let, although it is almost fully booked until the end of December 2027.

It is possible that the house may well have been booked by someone else for the days before Easter, leading to their visit being cancelled for Edward and Sophie to have the house instead.

The Norfolk Hideaways website which rents out the house describes it as a ‘charming detached Norfolk hideaway’ owned by the King, and ‘nestled within the heart of his much-loved Sandringham Estate’.

Pictured: The dinner table at Gardens house.

Picturesque royal retreat boasts charming countryside setting

The website adds: ‘This country retreat is the closest estate property to Sandringham House itself, and exudes appreciation of the great outdoors and the beautiful gardens it sits within.

‘As the former residence of HM Queen Elizabeth’s head gardener, the gardens are a sheer delight and provide a superb setting for this idyllic house.

‘Garden House offers charming and relaxed accommodation for eight guests set over two floors. There is a choice of super-king or twin beds in two bedrooms (please specify on booking).

‘The functional kitchen boasts an Aga and there is a comfortable sitting room overlooking the gorgeous garden, which is ideal for relaxing.

‘As well as the formal Walled Garden with its wonderfully stocked beds and borders in which the property sits, there is a more informal garden where you can relax in and children and dogs are safe to run and play.’

The website says that the house is ‘within easy walking distance of the Sandringham Visitor Centre and coffee shop, (providing high quality, locally sourced menus)’, although it seems unlikely that Edward and Sophie joined other visitors there.

It adds: ‘Guests are able to enjoy a stroll around the Country Park, with over 200 hectares to enjoy in all. Children will love all the free space to roam as well as the large adventure play area.’

In practice, it is believed that the interior of Gardens House which has walls adorned with framed paintings and prints, is little different to Wood Farm where Prince Philip enjoyed living quietly and simply in his later years.

The official Sandringham website also describes Gardens House as being ‘perfect for a family holiday’ in a property with ‘elegant heritage’ set ‘in the peaceful stillness of the estate woodland’ with dogs ‘warmly welcomed’.

It adds: ‘This light and airy red brick Edwardian property accommodates up to eight guests, with each room thoughtfully furnished with a blend of rustic pieces, modern comforts, and botanical prints.

‘Canine companions are warmly welcomed, and the house features an expansive rear garden for dogs to roam. From the front doorstep, winding paths stretch into the Royal Parkland, offering numerous spots for the perfect picnic or a moment of quiet contemplation.

‘Whether for a family gathering or a peaceful rural escape, a stay at Gardens House offers guests a rare glimpse into the wider estate, as well as a sense of its living history.

The description says the property includes ‘everything you need for a comfortable, independent break’, including WiFi, private gated parking, and ‘a fully equipped kitchen featuring a dishwasher, microwave, and coffee machine, laundry facilities, and a hairdryer’.

Pictured: The kitchen at Garden House.

Andrew asked to vacate Wood Farm 

Guests are offered a service where provisions can be booked to be at the house before arrival, with breakfast delivered each morning, or with all meals provided by the estate’s ‘private catering service’.

It was revealed last week that Edward, 62, had become the first member of the Royal family to secretly visit Andrew at his Norfolk bolthole, and had asked him to move into Marsh Farm as soon as possible.

The Duke of Edinburgh pointed out to him that his continuing presence at Wood Farm meant that he and his family were unable to stay there.

It is believed that Edward left Gardens House in time to attend the traditional Easter Sunday church service at Windsor with his 18-year-old son James Earl of Wessex. The Duchess of Edinburgh did not attend due to feeling ‘under the weather’ while Edward’s daughter Lady Louise, 22, was also not there.

Pictured: The living room at Gardens House.

Andrew has made regular visits to Marsh Farm in recent days and has had works of art and numerous boxes of possession delivered there, but has not yet moved in, despite having curtains put up and security gates installed to hide it from public view.

The former Royal who was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office on his 66th birthday on February 19 before being released under investigation has also been photographed repeatedly walking his dogs and driving around in his Range Rover in recent days.

A source told The Sun: ‘Andrew was evicted from Royal Lodge at Windsor but now has two homes at his disposal. He is just going back and forth between Wood Farm and Marsh Farm. It’s got to be sorted as Edward and Sophie like to use Wood Farm.’

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