FROM A SCOT TISH CASTLE TO A RURAL COTTAGE

HOW YOU CAN ENJOY A RIGHT ROYAL HOLIDAY AT A PROPERT Y FIT FOR A KING

The King at the Castle of Mey, a residence he is very fond of, and (below from left) some of the beautiful interiors that await holidaymakers at the estate

If your dream is to live like royalty, then you’re in luck: the King owns a number of beautiful and historic properties all over the UK – and beyond – that are available to rent to holidaymakers.

As Their Majesties prepare to decamp to their Scottish hideaway, the Balmoral Estate, for the summer, members of the public can follow in their footsteps by booking into a huge variety of cottages and manor houses, many with direct connections to the monarch.

Holidaymakers wanting to stay in a beautiful rural residence decked out with fine furnishings and the most exquisite decorations are spoilt for choice, with offerings ranging from castle properties in Scotland to a small cottage in Norfolk. All are of the highest standard and suitable for people of all ages.

The King is not the only royal who rents out his properties to the public. Since taking over the Duchy of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales now oversees several beautiful coastal properties that can be occupied throughout the year – some of which the royals have stayed in themselves.

Indeed, last week it was reported the Prince has told his father he will soon have to pay as a guest if he wants to stay at his Welsh holiday home Llwynywermod, which is owned by the duchy. The King usually stays there each summer, but after September, it will be available only as a holiday home.

HISTORIC HIDEAWAYS

Claire Vickers, marketing and events manager at the duchy, says: “The Duchy of Cornwall is one of the largest and oldest landed estates in Britain and there are beautiful properties in unforgettable locations.

“With all these properties, you get a sense of place and location, history and tradition. “Many of the properties are dog-friendly and family-friendly,” she adds. “We are finding grandparents, parents and grandchildren are all coming on holiday together.”

Here hello! takes a tour of the residences where you can holiday like a King. But make your reservation quickly – these properties are very popular, with some having limited availability.

The Queen Mother relaxes at her beloved Castle of Mey, which she bought in 1952

Once owned by the Queen Mother, the 500-year-old Castle of Mey offers stunning views over the Pentland Firth

SCOTLAND

‘The history of the castle makes a huge difference. It was the only home the Queen Mother ever owned’

THE CASTLE OF MEY, CAITHNESS

Situated near John O’Groats, the Castle of Mey was purchased by the Queen Mother in 1952, after it had been abandoned. She restored it and then used it as her summer retreat, visiting every year until her death in 2002.

There are two properties available for rent on the estate: detached holiday cottage the Captain’s House, and the multiple-roomed Granary Lodge Bed & Breakfast.