Life
You Can Rent The House Next to Will & Kate's — If You Follow These 3 Rules
OK, if you're a royal fanatic then there is some big news coming your way. I know this sounds a little bit like a plot of a royal-based Lifetime movie, but stay with me. Because you can rent the house next to Will and Kate's. You could be a ROYAL NEIGHBOR.
You might be familiar with Will and Kate's house Anmer Hall in Norfolk— I call it a house, but it's really a 10-bed massive mansion that's part of the Queen's Sandringham estate. In fact, the Queen herself gave it to them as a wedding gift which is, as wedding gifts go, pretty freakin' incredible. Although they're in London most of the time, because that's where their children's school is based, Anmer Hall still serves as an amazingly ridiculous holiday home.
And now, you can be a part of the magic. Even though Sandringham is basically royal stomping ground, they occasionally rent to us mere mortals, too. "The Sandringham Estate frequently has properties available for rental across 13 villages, from Wolferton across to Bircham," the website reads. And one of those properties happens to be very close to the royal action.
Called simply 20 Cherry Tree, People reports that this two-bedroom cottage is next to Anmer Hall. It's currently available for rent — and it's surprisingly affordable. The newly-refurbished cottage is listed for £700 pounds a month, or about $850. Not as much as you might expect for a two-bedroom cottage brushing shoulders with the royals.
There are, however, a few strings attached. It turns out that there are some conditions for living it up like a royal — although nothing compared to the rumored rules that royals have to follow. Applications are open, but here's what you need to know.
1Not Cats Allowed
Sorry, kitty cats. There's a strict no cats policy across the Sandringham estate, according to their website. That seems a little harsh, to say the least — but them's the rules. But for those with cat allergies, it must feel like some kind of paradise.
2Only *Some* Dogs Allowed
According to the site, the whole dog situation is up in the air. Dogs "will be considered on a house by house basis," so it may be that you can bring your favorite dog along. In fact, it seems to have worked with Kate and Will — because their dog Lupo is evidently allowed on the property, as People pointed out. But then maybe they have a separate set of rules, being actual royalty and all.
3It Can't Be For A Vacation Home
Or should I say, a holiday home. If you were just looking for a place to get away from it all and to throw back a few bottles of Malibu with Will and Kate (I'm assuming that's how this will play out), it's not that simple. "Sandringham’s housing policy is to let properties as a primary residence, prioritising those who live and work locally," the site reads. "Those moving to the area are also considered." So you better be ready to make a full commitment to Norfolk life which is, having spent some time there, both stunningly beautiful and very sparsely populated. Just be warned.
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Beyond these three rules, there are a few other caveats to remain aware of — some a little vaguer than others. "Properties are not let on a first come, first served basis, but rather on which prospective tenant is best suited to the property," they explain. I don't know what "best suited" means exactly, but as I sit here covered in peanut butter smudges and leggings that' I've been wearing for longer than I can remember, I think it does not mean me.
It's also worth noting that the listing mentions that 20 Cherry Tree has some steep stairs, so that's definitely something to bear in mind if mobility is an issue for you, or if you have small children.
Are you ready to live that royal lifestyle? Well... live near that royal lifestyle? Then applications are open. Shoot your shot.
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