Highgrove House

Highgrove House stands in the rolling countryside of Gloucestershire, southwest of Tetbury. Built at the end of the 18th century, it is a Georgian home with later neo-classical additions. The estate was once owned by several families before the Duchy of Cornwall bought it in 1980. King Charles III remodelled the interior and grounds after moving in. The house is now managed by the duchy and nearby Duchy Home Farm. The gardens have been open to the public since 1996. Once overgrown and neglected, they now contain rare trees, flowers and heirloom seeds. Organic gardening methods support wildlife and sustainable habitats. The King designed the gardens with help from Rosemary Verey and Miriam Rothschild. More than 30,000 visitors come each year to see the results. The estate also hosts charitable events and has featured in books and television programmes. Visitors find a carefully managed landscape of lawns, paths and planted areas. The house itself is protected by high stone walls and an aerial exclusion zone. Two public footpaths were moved for security reasons in 1983. The estate covers hundreds of acres of parkland and farmland near Tetbury. Nearby Gatcombe Park belongs to Princess Anne, while Prince Michael of Kent once owned Nether Lypiatt Manor. The setting remains quiet and secure, a private country residence for the King.