A visit to Sandringham Estate, one of the private country retreats for the Royal Majesties of the UK.

Sandringham Estate: A Royal Retreat with Rich History.

Emphasis on Rich. Holy Moly. Is this what my Country Estate will look like (was my first impression) if so, then color me Country impressed, though a bit peeved at comparing where I grew up in the 'country' to this completely t'other Country.

I must honestly confess that history reared its awful head to point out many anomalies and contradictions to such luxury...and offer contretemps and inconsistencies to why I should not be proud to visit and admire what could very possibly be ill gotten gains. But who can say where such things begin and where it will ever end. So, I go along, living in the present and let the past rest in peace.

Father, Son and Holy Ghost...Amen! The Holy Trinity of it all.

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The Estate is an immense, verdant and sprawling landscape of regal elegance and English culture located in Norfolk, England. It was the beloved country retreat of Queen Elizabeth II. The house stands in a 20,000-acre (8,100 ha) estate in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

I was in England for approximately one year before Elizabeth journeyed on to her next Monarchy beyond the veil. I am sure that wherever she is, she is very much in charge. I kind of think that she waited patiently for me to come visit her, even if it was just from peeking at the palace from a respective distance. I would love to visit Balmoral, Scotland, where she spent her last fond moments. God speed Elizabeth.

Now, with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the reins of the Sandringham estate, nestled in the heart of the lovely Norfolk Coast Area, it is not just a royal residence but also a working estate with a deep commitment to conservation and stewardship.

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My visit to the Estate was quite accidental, our then seven-year-old had a school trip and since neither of his parents could take him, I was asked to fill in. I agreed to accompany him, having no idea what a Sandringham house was, or to whom it belonged. Everything happened at the last moment, so I had no time to speak to the teachers as I was instantly designated a whole bunch of students to oversee, their parents being unable to travel with them.

I was scratching my head with puzzlement, having no time to Google our destination as we were bustled out of the schoolroom and unto the waiting bus. After a lot of fidgeting, kids barely listening to the strict directions and protocol of what our visit would entail and teachers gently but firmly admonishing one or the other of the students, we finally arrived at the vast spread of land which was the Estate.

As the bus pulled into the parking lot, I thought we were visiting a small country, kind of like how the Vatican is its own little country. Off the bus we bundled, on to the next phase. The school had already paid for the royal parking and access otherwise is free of charge.

Here is where I totally embarrassed myself while finally finding out where I was.

The guide met us at the front of the access, informing us to use the bathrooms provided, and no, the Queen did not use these bathrooms, in case anyone was wondering...laughing at her own joke happily and quite jovially. The Royals had their own bathrooms, of course.

Puzzled, I piped up, "Why would the Queen have a bathroom here"? That was when everyone turned to inform me in many states of amusement, where I actually was. One of the Queen's country homes.

Finally, it all fit into place. (Then again, it would make perfect sense if the Queen had a bathroom for herself everywhere in the UK. Wouldn't want her standing in line with us mortals, hopping up and down cause she badly needed to wee). 😊😊😊

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Historical Significance

The estate's history dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded as "Sant Dersingham," meaning the sandy part of Dersingham. Evidence suggests that there has been a residence on the site since at least 1296, with prehistoric flint tools and remains of a Roman villa found nearby. Over the centuries, the estate has evolved significantly, with the current house and gardens forming the core of visitor enjoyment today.

Royal Connections

Sandringham has been a favored retreat for British monarchs for generations. King George V famously wrote, "Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world," and his grandson, King George VI, echoed this sentiment, expressing his happiness and love for the estate. The gardens were first opened to the public by King Edward VII in 1908, and Queen Elizabeth II opened the house to the public in her Silver Jubilee year in 1977.

Estate Features

The estate includes Sandringham House, a magnificent residence with eight rooms and 60 acres of seasonal gardens open to the public.

We explored the private dining areas and the royal theatre, after passing by pictures of the many horses, both dead and alive on the estate.

Visitors can also explore the St Mary Magdalene Church, which has been used for royal celebrations and memorials.

The estate's 600-acre Royal Parkland offers way-marked trails, a children's play area, and is dog-friendly.

Conservation and Community

Beyond its historical and royal significance, Sandringham Estate is a working estate with an organic farm, sawmill, residential and commercial properties, and local parishes. Conservation and stewardship lie at the heart of the estate's vision, aiming to maintain and protect the land and buildings for future generations.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to Sandringham Estate can enjoy a range of activities, from exploring the house and gardens to participating in exclusive access tours and community events. The estate also offers delicious seasonal food, a shop with estate produce, and a variety of events throughout the year.

The Rockery and The Nest: Built for Queen Alexandra in 1912, the rockery features Pulhamite stone and offers a lovely vantage point over the Upper Lake. The Nest, a charming summerhouse, provides a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the view

Ducks were happily swimming as we passed by the serene lake, unfortunately, we were not allowed to feed them, even though they were elegantly showing off their royalness.

Sandringham Estate is a place where history, royalty, and nature converge, offering a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

The Estate is home to a remarkable collection of historic trees, each with its own story and significance. Here are a few notable ones:

The Royal Oak: Planted by Queen Victoria, this oak tree stands as a symbol of strength and longevity. It's one of the oldest trees on the estate and has witnessed many royal events over the years.

The Magnolia Glade: This area features a variety of magnolia trees, which were brought from Windsor and planted by Queen Elizabeth II in the late 1960s. The magnolias add a burst of color and fragrance to the estate during the spring.

The Shrubbery and Woodland Walk: Added by Queen Elizabeth II, this area is densely planted with rhododendrons, camellias, and other shade-loving plants. It provides a tranquil and picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy.

The Topiary Garden: Recently transformed by King Charles III, this garden features sculpted hedges and pathways, creating a beautiful maze-like experience. It is mainly due to the King's love for horticulture and his commitment to creating climate-friendly spaces.

These historic trees and gardens contribute to the estate's rich history, adding to its beauty and biodiversity. They offer visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience the legacy of the British royal family.

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Soon it was time for lunch, and we enjoyed our own lunch, while purchasing royal pastry and delights from the various shops on the property.

Our final stop of the day was The Royal Museum and Coach House

I imagine that these beautiful monster buggies must be worth a generous fortune.

YouTube can explain it much better than I can.

Do they have their own royal roads to drive on. I wonder. That would be cool.

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Finally, the day ends, and it is time to board our bus and return to the land of reasonable life, where opulence and tons of land space do not exist.

Goodbye, day spent in feeling quite ROYAL! Sigh!

Ah, the life of the rich and famous.

Still, happiness is what life is all about. If we are happy and content, then we are rich indeed.