Ever fancied staying in a royal home? Unfortunately, Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle aren’t available to book – but a quaint cottage on a stunning private island is.
From a central London palace to a countryside retreat in Scotland, the royals are known to own several properties across the UK. However, there’s one beauty spot loved by King Charles and his family many know very little about, thanks to its isolated location.
Tucked away on Tresco Island in the Isles of Scilly, 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, is Tamarisk, a beautiful mid 1960’s cottage. The home stands in a plot of a quarter of an acre, largely hidden from view by tamarisk trees to protect the Royals' privacy.
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The property was owned by the King before recently being passed to Prince William. William inherited the property after receiving the title of the new Duke of Cornwall.
With his new role, the prince acquires an historic estate - valued at more than £1 billion - that generates an income of over £22m a year. The title belonged to King Charles III until his ascension and it automatically passes onto the monarch's eldest son.
The trappings include Tamarisk, a property the King was known to escape to, with William and Kate visiting with their children on several occasions.
So, what is known about idyllic Tresco, the island where the property sits, which has been dubbed the ‘Cornish Caribbean’? The entire island, which measures just two-and-a-half miles by one mile, is home to around 150 residents, and, thanks to its position in the Gulf Stream, enjoys a sub-tropical climate.
Despite the Duchy of Cornwall being ultimate owners of the island, the lease is held by King Charles' friends, Robert Dorrien-Smith and his wife Lucy, who are its guardians. With sparkling turquoise seas, lapping up against flawless white sands, it is a truly unique corner of the UK - looking more like the Bahamas than Britain.
Rich with beautiful plants unseen anywhere else in the British Isles, and an absolute haven for animals due to a lack of traditional predators such as the fox, it truly is an island experience like no other.
Five minutes walk from local amenities, Tamarisk has four bedrooms – two bedrooms on the ground floor with sea views - along with a family bathroom, sleeping up to eight. On the first floor, a twin bedroom can be found with an en suite shower room and a master bedroom. Stunning views of St Mary’s, the largest and most populous of the Isles of Scilly, can be enjoyed from the living room by a wood burner, or outside on the sun terrace.
The Duchy of Cornwall describes The Isles of Scilly as 'an ideal location for relaxed and active holidays, with miles of coastal walks and cycle trails to explore', with boats running regularly between the islands, scenic tours and wildlife spotting trips.
The cottage - which has wifi, hi-fi, smart TVs and a well-equipped kitchen - is available to book to the public, with prices ranging from £1,315 to £5,295 for a seven-night stay, depending on when you visit. For more information, visit the website by clicking here .
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