The Gardens House at Sandringham

Encircled by towering pines and edged by centuries-old estate walls, The Gardens House rests within the heart of Sandringham’s royal grounds, where manicured borders give way to woodland stillness. Once home to Sandringham Estate’s head gardener, this handsome brick residence now offers guests a rare invitation to experience the grace and quiet rhythm of life on one of Britain’s most storied country estates.

Its rich brickwork, arched windows and tile-hung gables speak to a past steeped in Edwardian purpose, once home to the head gardener of this historic royal residence. Today, it offers a rare opportunity to inhabit the timeless grace of a private estate, with modern comforts gently layered into its storied bones.

Inside, the house unfolds with warmth and character. Botanical wallpapers, timeless furniture and rich textiles echo the rhythms of the gardens beyond. Light spills through tall windows into a choice of inviting sitting rooms, while the kitchen offers a rustic heart to the home. French doors open onto the terrace for alfresco breakfasts or evening drinks beneath the Norfolk sky.

Four bedrooms sleep eight guests in comfort and style, with a choice of super-king and twin beds. Each space is individually dressed, from patterned fabrics and floral prints to reclaimed wood and soft furnishings that reflect the surrounding nature. Bathrooms are equally characterful, some boldly papered or painted in sunshine yellow, all elegantly finished with a mix of baths, walk-in showers and period details.

The outside is just as compelling. Children and dogs can roam freely in the expansive garden, while adults unwind with a glass of wine and views across the lawns. Beyond the gate lies the wider Sandringham Country Park, with acres of woodland paths, picnic spots and the charming estate visitor centre within walking distance.

Whether for a family gathering or a peaceful rural escape, The Gardens House offers a stay that is both grounded in history and quietly luxurious, where every window frames a view worth pausing for.

Located in the heart of Norfolk’s royal heartland, The Gardens House enjoys a privileged position on the historic Sandringham Estate – the cherished private retreat of the British Royal Family for over 160 years. The Gardens House, formerly the Estate's head gardener's home, is the closest holiday cottage to Sandringham House, offering guests an extraordinary connection to one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic royal residences. Set amidst manicured gardens and ancient parkland within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this charming retreat invites guests to step into a rich tapestry of royal heritage, seasonal splendour, and timeless countryside tranquillity.

Sandringham House, the centrepiece of the estate, lies within easy reach of The Garden's House, and offers visitors a rare glimpse behind the curtain of royal life. With its grand Jacobean-style façade and elegant Edwardian interiors, the House opens seasonally from late March to early October, allowing guests to explore eight preserved ground-floor rooms brimming with treasures. From Meissen porcelain and Minton china to intricate trompe-l’oeil ceilings and the famous ‘jigsaw table’, the house radiates both opulence and comfort. Each monarch has left their mark on this beloved residence, from the addition of a ballroom in the 1880s to more recent updates that blend sustainability with tradition. For families, the storytelling stewards and child-friendly displays bring the royal narrative to life in an engaging and personal way.

Spanning 60 acres, The Sandringham Gardens offer seasonal delights for all ages. Designed by famed landscape architect Geoffrey Jellicoe for King George VI, the North End Garden blooms in a relaxed cottage-garden style – a haven for butterflies and bees come midsummer. The newly created Topiary Garden, inspired by Westminster Abbey’s Cosmati Pavement, offers a peaceful, contemplative space, planted with species carefully chosen for biodiversity and climate resilience.

Children will love roaming the woodland play area in the Royal Parkland, while adults can enjoy scenic walks along well-marked trails that criss-cross the estate’s mixed woodlands and wildflower meadows. Don’t miss the shady woodland walk developed by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1960s, or the serene ornamental lakes, landscaped for King Edward VII and still fed by natural springs. For lovers of nature and photography, every pathway offers new discoveries – from ancient oaks and flowering rhododendrons to grazing deer and rare birdlife.

Sandringham isn’t just a retreat – it’s a thriving, progressive Estate with sustainability at its core. Over 6,000 hectares of farmland are cultivated organically, producing heritage grains, seasonal vegetables, and grass-fed meats. A blend of agroforestry and traditional farming supports local biodiversity, while the Sandringham Apple Juice Company transforms estate-grown cider apples into a delicious artisanal product available in the estate shop. Woodland management is equally thoughtful, with FSC-certified forestry practices and an ever-expanding patchwork of habitats supporting native species.

A stop at the Sandringham Courtyard is a must – here, guests can enjoy a relaxed café lunch or breakfast, pick up locally produced goods from the estate shop, or cool off with a classic British ice cream. The courtyard is the vibrant heart of the estate’s visitor experience and a lovely pause point before exploring more.

For memorable family meals, the surrounding villages are home to some of Norfolk’s most celebrated inns and gastropubs. Just a mile away in Dersingham, the Coach & Horses offers seasonal dishes in a family- and dog-friendly setting, while The Rose & Crown in Snettisham – named Norfolk Dining Pub of the Year – is known for its cosy atmosphere and locally sourced fare. Further afield, The Dabbling Duck in Great Massingham and The Crown Inn in East Rudham round out an excellent selection of options for all tastes.

Beyond the estate, a wealth of local attractions invites day-long explorations. Visit the Palladian majesty of Holkham Hall, wander the art-filled grounds of Houghton Hall, or uncover Jacobean intrigue at the Blickling Estate, believed to be Anne Boleyn’s birthplace. For wildlife enthusiasts, RSPB Snettisham is just minutes away and provides thrilling birdwatching throughout the seasons, while Pensthorpe Nature Reserve offers wetlands, woodlands, and adventure trails perfect for younger explorers.

Sandringham’s location within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty means you’re never far from the sea. Families can spend sun-soaked days at Wells-next-the-Sea, famed for its colourful beach huts and pinewood-backed sands. For dog walks and kite-flying, Brancaster Beach is wide, welcoming, and beautifully unspoilt. Further along the coast, Holkham Beach stretches for miles – a cinematic sweep of dunes, saltmarsh, and golden sand perfect for picnicking and shell hunting. Meanwhile, a short drive brings you to Blakeney Point, home to England’s largest grey seal colony. Children and adults alike will delight in boat trips departing from Morston Quay, offering an unforgettable close-up encounter with these curious creatures.

A stay at The Gardens House offers more than a holiday – it’s an immersive experience in one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes. From peaceful forest trails and royal storytelling to wildlife-rich wetlands and heritage coastline, The Sandringham Estate is a living celebration of history, ecology, and family connection. Whether you're enjoying cream teas in the gardens, spotting kingfishers by the lake, or stepping through the rooms where monarchs have made memories for generations, this is a destination that will capture your imagination and your heart.

Garden House – Property Layout
Sleeps 8 | 2 Super-King/Twin Bedrooms | 2 Twin Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms

Ground Floor
- Entrance Hall
- Formal Lounge
- Living Room with comfortable seating and TV
- Dining Room with seating for eight
- Kitchen: Modern kitchen with French doors opening onto the garden. Electric oven and hob, fridge freezer, and dishwasher.
- Breakfast Room: Table seating four.
- Cloakroom: Convenient WC and washbasin.
- Boot Room: For muddy boots and dogs returning from countryside adventures.

First Floor
- Bedroom 1: Double bed and ensuite shower room
- Bedroom 2: Zip & Link super-king or twin bed
- Bedroom 3: Twin 3' beds with garden views and a wardrobe.
- Bedroom 4: Zip & Link super-king or twin bed
- Family Bathroom 1: Bath, separate walk-in shower, washbasin, and WC.
- Family Bathroom 2: Bath, washbasin, and WC.

Garden & Grounds
- Informal Garden: Lawns, gravel paths, and a paved patio with outdoor dining and charcoal BBQ. ideal for relaxed summer evenings.
- Driveway: Private gravel drive with ample parking space.

Additional Features
- Wi-Fi, washing machine, tumble dryer
- Kindling and logs for the open fires included
- Up to 3 dogs welcome (small charge applies)
- Please note: no welcome hamper or starter pack is provided

Make your stay extra special with a selection of thoughtfully curated experiences and services available both at the house and nearby.

Additional Housekeeping
Mid-stay or daily cleaning can be arranged upon request. Kindly let us know in advance if you'd like to include this service in your stay.

Dining at The Sandringham Restaurant
Just 2.2km Away

For an exceptional local dining experience, The Sandringham Restaurant is a must. Open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm, this relaxed and family-friendly spot serves dishes that highlight produce from The Sandringham Estate.
- Breakfast: 9:30am–11:30am
- Lunch: 12pm–4pm
- Children’s Menu available
- Dog-friendly area available
- Sunday Lunch: Available until the end of June

Afternoon Tea
Served on elegant Chelsea Botanical porcelain, Afternoon Tea features traditional recipes using seasonal Estate-grown produce. Choose between a Classic Tea with Sandringham blend teas or a Sparkling Tea with a glass of Prosecco. A Children’s Tea is also available.

Special Sandringham Tours
Enhance your countryside escape with one of The Sandringham Estate’s exclusive guided experiences. These thoughtfully curated tours offer privileged access to the Estate’s most treasured spaces, paired with indulgent refreshments that celebrate the best of local produce. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or simply seeking a unique treat, there’s something here to delight every guest.

Exclusive Access Tour with Afternoon Tea
Available Wednesdays, May to September

- Step behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most iconic royal residences with this elegant and immersive experience.
- Begin your visit with a luxurious Sparkling Afternoon Tea, served at 3.30pm in The Sandringham Restaurant. This delightful spread features estate-grown seasonal ingredients, classic recipes, and a glass of Prosecco, presented on fine Chelsea Botanical porcelain.
- At 5.30pm, your guided Exclusive Access Tour commences, led by one of Sandringham’s expert historians.
- Explore the highlights of the magnificent 60-acre Gardens before moving into the House itself, where you’ll be shown the eight downstairs rooms still used by the Royal Family today.
- Admire a remarkable collection of royal artefacts including Victorian and Edwardian décor, porcelain, jade, rose quartz, Russian silver gilt, bronzes, and family portraits.

To round off the experience, sample a taste of Sandringham’s own estate-made gin, wine or apple juice in the grandeur of the ballroom.

Safari Tour with Afternoon Tea
Available Wednesdays at 9.30am or 1pm, May to September (Up to 5 guests per tour)

- Perfect for nature enthusiasts or those seeking a slower pace of discovery, this off-road Land Rover Defender experience offers a memorable perspective on the wider Sandringham Estate.
- Start your day with a Classic or Sparkling Afternoon Tea, featuring estate-grown and locally sourced delicacies.
- Climb aboard a Land Rover Defender for a guided journey through some of the Estate’s most scenic and peaceful areas: from organic farmland and ancient woodlands to the wildlife-rich wetlands of The Wash—the UK’s largest estuarine system.
- Along the way, your driver-guide will share insights into local flora, fauna and the Estate’s deep royal history.
-The tour also passes through the charming village of Wolferton and the historic Royal Station platform, once used by Queen Elizabeth II.
- This is an intimate and tranquil way to explore hidden parts of the Estate not open to the public.

Sparkling Garden Tour with Senior Gardener
Available May to September

- Join one of Sandringham’s senior gardeners for a behind-the-scenes walk through His Majesty The King’s gardens.
- Enjoy a Sparkling Afternoon Tea to begin, followed by a 1.5-hour guided tour of the ornamental grounds.
- Discover the design inspirations and planting principles behind different areas of the Garden, including:
- The North End Garden, with whimsical cottage-style beds and meandering borders.
- The Topiary Garden, defined by its symmetry, structure and formal layout.
- This tour is perfect for those with an eye for design, a love of horticulture, or simply an appreciation for natural beauty.

Private Guided House Tour
Available Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5pm (March to October) Minimum group size: 20 guests

- For larger groups seeking a highly tailored experience, the Private Guided Tour offers after-hours access to the historic Sandringham House.
- Led by a knowledgeable Estate guide, this in-depth tour focuses on the rare and significant objects within the royal collection – gifts, artworks and artefacts passed through generations.
- Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the House in the evening, with time to appreciate each room’s unique character.
- The experience concludes with a tasting of the Estate’s own gin or apple juice in the ballroom – a regal finale to an unforgettable visit.

Security deposit
£500 charged to client's credit card by Oliver’s Travels as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.

Arrival time
4.00 p.m.

Departure time
10.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes

Linen & towels included?
Yes

Pets welcome?
Strictly only 1 dog is allowed for an additional fee of £50 per stay

Other Ts and Cs
Early check-in? Available on request for £500

Changeover day
Until March 2026, any day during off-peak seasons, and during peak seasons Fridays only.
After March 2026, Mondays and Fridays during off-peak seasons, and during peak seasons Fridays only.

End of stay cleaning available?
Yes, standard changeover clean included. Guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Smoking Allowed?
No smoking allowed at the property

Minimum stay
In 2025, 3 nights.
In 2026, 3 nights in off-peak seasons, 5 nights during peak season.

Heating costs included?
Yes