Princess Diana’s childhood home and final resting place, Althorp Estate, has just been listed on Elysian Estates – a holiday rental site that advertises luxurious accommodation located in the UK; think a classier (and pricier) version of Airbnb.
The late Princess grew up on the 500 acre estate along with her two sisters and brother, Earl Charles Spencer, who currently presides over the property along with its complement of staff. But now, it’s possible for you to experience the premium manor for yourself!
The main house at Althorp boasts an opulent 26 bedrooms and 25 bathrooms, and guests can expect to be given the royal treatment while staying there as a butler, housekeeping, catering, a private chef, and a turndown service are all included in the rental fee.
And if that doesn’t scream prestige, some of the rooms are even named after the esteemed guests hosted at the estate in the past. The Queen Mary Bedroom was named after (you guessed it) Queen Mary and George V’s visit in 1913. Some more recent guests to stay at the luxurious property are equally as impressive with the likes of Nelson Mandela, and President Gorbachev.
The house itself is located at the centre of the spacious estate but the grounds are also home to a private lake, fairytale-like woodlands and pristine gardens; which will provide guests with ample outdoor space.
The Elysian Estates listing suggests guests can also partake in activities such as croquet and cricket, and can organise extras such as hunting, horse riding, archery, and more.
Passing through 19 generations of Spencer’s, the estate dates as far back as 1508, and although famous for being the childhood home of Princess Diana, Althorp was ultimately decided as her final resting place in 1997. Earl Charles acknowledged that “with its beauty and tranquillity, this was the place for Diana to be”.
Although, while a memorial site is available for guests to pay their respects, her official burial site is located on an island in the middle of the Oval Lake, and is inaccessible to the public.
So, how much would it actually cost you to “walk in the footsteps of kings and queens, feast or celebrate in spectacular surroundings, marvel at the sense of history and artwork, and slumber in pure luxury,” as the listing suggests?
Unfortunately, pricing is only available upon request. However, Charles came under fire in 2013 after listing Althorp for £25,000 (roughly AU$47,590) a night through a travel firm. So, a decade on, we can assume the accommodation will well exceed the previous exorbitant price tag.
However, we have good news for those who long to visit the grounds but can’t afford the overnight fees. Althorp, which is an hour and a half away from London, opens its gates to the public during the UK summer months.
With tickets starting at a much more reasonable £17.50 (roughly AU$30), visitors can explore and take in the historical estate during the daily visiting hours.
