What Kate And William's Norfolk Mansion Is Really Like
Prince William and Kate Middleton are known for living in their gorgeous apartment at Kensington Palace. The couple's London apartment has become their main family home. However, they've reportedly become very fond of their country home in Norfolk called Anmer Hall, per Hello! Magazine. The home was a gift from William's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who gave the home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as a wedding gift in 2011. The property lies on the queen's Sandringham Estate. Before moving into the mansion, the couple made some big changes, which included adding a conservatory, rerouting the driveway, and redecorating the inside, all of which cost around $1.5 million.
The Cambridges like the home so much that it became their main living space from 2015 until 2017, along with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte. However, the children attend school in London, so the family moved back to Kensington. The following year, William and Kate welcomed their third child, son Prince Louis. However, the family still visits Anmer Hall whenever they can, and it was their retreat during the COVID-19 pandemic as well.
People reports that Kate was keen to make Anmer Hall feel like the family's relaxed home with all of the adjustments made. She also had more trees planted and a brand new tennis court put in for the family's enjoyment. "It's like a fancy farmhouse," a source told the publication. "It isn't grandiose. But it's a great, friendly family environment."
The home is a balance of modern and classic styles
Express reports that Prince William and Kate Middleton's home Anmer Hall has 10 bedrooms and a swimming pool. However, it's unlike the couple's apartment at Kensington Palace. "There's no airs and graces," a source revealed. "It is very much a normal, busy family home." As for the inside, that's all Kate's simple and elegant style, says Steph Briggs, celebrity TV interior designer.
"This property has been sympathetically updated by William and Kate, beautifully refreshed but still retaining the period features, making these a focus point," Briggs said. "Centuries ago, these rooms would have been decorated in rich burgundies and sage green filled with dark wooden furniture and paneling. From the images, we can see that today this is now a comfortable modern family home, emphasizing creating a welcoming and relaxed environment through their choice of decor and furnishings."
The expert added that Kate seemed to design the inside of the home alongside architect and designer Ben Pentreath, and used a Modern Classic style as her inspiration. "From the muted pale green-gray tones of the walls through to the limestone-coloured doors and woodwork, the period features are embraced yet brought up to date with a nod to the on-trend Nordic style," Briggs explained. "Her house clearly has magnificent heritage, but it is also relaxed and comfortable with a curated modern look," she added.
It appears that Anmer Hall is very much a statement about who William and Kate are as a couple and a family.