The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to experience some change near their Norfolk home after it has emerged that a luxurious eco retreat is set to be constructed nearby. The retreat will be next to their Amner Hall home on the Sandringham estate.
Houghton Estate, the stately home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley, has received planning approval for the upmarket woodland spa.
David Cholmondeley and his wife Rose Hanbury are understood to be close friends of the royals, who reside just a few minutes’ drive from their Palladian mansion, which was originally constructed for Britain’s inaugural prime minister Sir Robert Walpole during the 18th century.
William and Kate were amongst the guests when the Cholmondeleys hosted a glittering charity gala at Houghton in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
The two couples are said to have grown close since the then Duke and Duchess of Cornwall relocated to Anmer Hall in 2015 – a mere four miles from Houghton Estate.
The Princess is also reported to have attended one of the 24-hour music festivals hosted by the Cholmondeleys within their grounds, accompanied by her protection detail.
Planning documentation suggests the eco retreat will offer a considerably more peaceful and restorative experience.
A statement from the estate and co-developer Wyld Cabins said: “Guests are encouraged to experience their natural environment, to slow down, relax, absorb and enjoy the surrounding tranquillity.” It states typical guests at the location off Bircham Road would be professionals balancing family commitments, employment, technology, social media and wellbeing, while the retreat would operate throughout the year.
It suggested the lodges would deliver “a sensitive, innovative, landscape-led development which will release sustainable income streams whilst protecting and enhancing the site’s biodiversity, heritage and landscape value”.
Houghton has also gained recognition for large-scale installations of sculptures and other artworks across its estate, including 100 life-sized iron statues cast by Sir Antony Gormley in 2024.
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