Princess Anne’s country estate, Gatcombe Park, presents a fascinating contrast, blending grand royal features with surprisingly down-to-earth living spaces. This duality mirrors the Princess Royal’s own unconventional and independent spirit.
A Royal Gift with Regal Roots
Gifted to Princess Anne by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1976 as a wedding present, Gatcombe Park is a Grade II-listed Georgian manor. The exterior is undeniably impressive, hinting at the stately residence within. The property boasts four reception rooms, a billiard room, a library, and a conservatory on the ground floor. Upstairs, there are five principal bedrooms and four secondary bedrooms.
The expansive 730-acre estate further underscores its significant standing. The grounds feature picturesque lakes and woodlands, set against the rolling Gloucestershire hills. Reflecting Princess Anne’s lifelong passion for equestrianism, Gatcombe is equipped with stables and large paddocks for horse training. The estate has historically served as a venue for significant events, including the Gatcombe Horse Trials and the Festival of British Eventing.
The ‘Lived-In’ Living Room
Despite its many opulent features, the interior of Gatcombe Park reveals a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere. In 2020, images shared during the coronavirus lockdown showed Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, in their living room. The candid scene prompted widespread public comment, with viewers describing the space as “like home” and “cosy.”
While floral furnishings might be expected in a royal setting, the overall impression was one of comfortable familiarity. Wooden furniture, stacks of books, and numerous ornaments contributed to a slightly cluttered, yet inviting, ambiance. This personal touch offered a stark contrast to the more formal reception rooms typically associated with royal residences.
The ‘Party Barn’ Anomaly
Further demonstrating the estate’s unique character is a dedicated “party barn.” This versatile space, previously highlighted by Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall, and her husband, Mike Tindall, includes a bar, catering facilities, a large screen, and lounge areas. The decor represents a significant departure from traditional interiors, featuring vaulted ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and chic panelling.
This unconventional venue is believed to have hosted celebrations, including the reception for Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling’s wedding. The existence of a “party barn” on a royal estate suggests a penchant for more relaxed gatherings, aligning with Princess Anne’s reputation for forging her own path.
A Trailblazing Royal
Princess Anne’s choice of residence is perhaps unsurprising given her lifelong tendency to defy convention. She was the first British royal to compete in the Olympic Games and holds an HGV license. Her taste in food, which has included tinned pies and kippers, also deviates from typical royal fare.
Ultimately, Gatcombe Park, with its blend of regal grandeur and personal comfort, serves as a fitting reflection of Princess Anne herself – a royal who consistently embraces her individuality.
