From palaces to prisons, historic buildings around the globe are finding a new lease of life as boutique places to stay.
The latest to join their ranks? A former water tower at Sandringham Estate, King Charles III’s private country retreat in Norfolk, England.
Originally built in 1877, the structure is designed in neo-Byzantine style by renowned engineer James Mansergh, best known for his work on the Elan Valley Reservoirs in Wales.
The building is topped by a 32,000-gallon cast-iron tank which once supplied water to the main house and wider estate for more than a century, but today is a charming rooftop terrace.
Designed as a couples retreat, stays at The Water Tower at Sandringham start from £151 (€177) per night. You can also bring a furry friend.
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What to expect at The Water Tower at Sandringham
To ensure the focus stays on the unique character of the building, The Water Tower makes use of neutral interiors, and you’ll find historic pictures and photographs of the estate and the British Royal Family throughout.
The ground floor is home to the kitchen and dining room as well as the bathroom, while guests will sleep on the first floor.
The second floor is the living room, complete with working fireplace for those cosy winter nights.
From there, you’ll be able to access the rooftop terrace which has views across the estate and wider Norfolk countryside.
Other accommodation options at Sandringham include Gardens House, which sleeps eight, and The Folly, which sleeps six.
Balmoral Castle, another of the Royal Family’s estates in Scotland, also offers holiday cottages you can book out.
