Marsh Farm Sandringham: Inside Andrew’s 2026 New Home
The long-running saga of the “Siege of Royal Lodge” has finally ended. In early February 2026, removal vans were spotted leaving the Windsor estate, marking the conclusion of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s residence at the 30-room mansion he occupied for over two decades. His destination? Marsh Farm Sandringham, a decidedly more modest property on the King’s private Norfolk estate.
This relocation represents more than just a change of address; it signals a definitive shift in status. Moving from a grand royal residence to a farmhouse previously used for tenants places the former Duke of York firmly outside the official royal fold. However, the transition has not been immediate. As of this writing, Marsh Farm Sandringham is currently a construction site, forcing a temporary stay at nearby Wood Farm.
This report provides the definitive, verified account of the move, the property specifications, and the strict lifestyle that awaits the new tenant of Wolferton.
The February 2026 Move: From Royal Lodge to Norfolk Exile
The departure from Royal Lodge was conducted with characteristic discretion. On February 3, 2026, sources including PA Media confirmed that the Duke had officially vacated the Windsor property. This move followed months of reported pressure regarding the financial sustainability of the lodge’s upkeep, which was estimated to require millions in repairs, costs that the King was reportedly unwilling to subsidize indefinitely.
The Interim Residence: Wood Farm Cottage
While Marsh Farm Sandringham is the designated permanent residence, it is not yet habitable. Consequently, Andrew has taken up temporary residence at Wood Farm, a five-bedroom cottage located in a secluded corner of the Sandringham Estate.
Wood Farm holds significant historical weight. It was the preferred retirement sanctuary of the late Prince Philip, who appreciated its simplicity and lack of formality. For Andrew, staying here serves a dual purpose:
- Proximity: It allows him to personally oversee the renovations at Marsh Farm, which is only a short drive away.
- Privacy: Wood Farm is renowned for its isolation, shielded from public rights of way and prying lenses.
According to reports from Hello! Magazine (2026), the stay at Wood Farm is expected to last until at least Easter, pending the completion of structural work at the new farmhouse.
Marsh Farm vs. Royal Lodge: The Reality of the “Royal Downsize”
To understand the scale of this “downsize,” one must look at the hard data. The move from Royal Lodge to Marsh Farm is not merely a reduction in square footage; it is a complete lifestyle recalibration.
Royal Lodge was a palace in all but name, a Grade II listed building with 30 rooms, 98 acres of grounds, and a history of hosting royal weddings. Marsh Farm, by contrast, is a functional, red-brick Victorian farmhouse designed for tenants, not princes.
Property Comparison Audit
| Feature | Royal Lodge (Windsor) | Marsh Farm (Sandringham) |
| Status | Crown Estate (Leasehold) | Private Estate (King’s Property) |
| Bedrooms | 7 (Main House) + Staff Quarters | 5 (Main House) |
| Total Rooms | 30+ | Approx. 10-12 |
| Grounds | 98 Acres (Manicured) | Private Garden + Paddock |
| Staffing | Full domestic team | Minimal / Daily staff |
| Security | Armed Police (Historically) | Private Estate Security |
The “Shoebox” Myth
Media outlets often exaggerate the smallness of the new property. While it is tiny compared to Windsor, Marsh Farm Sandringham is substantial by standard UK market definitions. It features two large reception rooms, a generous kitchen, and several outbuildings.
However, the psychological shift is undeniable. At Royal Lodge, the layout allowed for separate wings and extensive guest accommodation. At Marsh Farm, living quarters are intimate. The Independent (2026) notes that the property was previously let to private tenants, underscoring its status as a residential home rather than a royal seat.
Security Upgrades and The Sandringham No-Fly Zone
One of the primary concerns regarding the move to Marsh Farm Sandringham was the reduction in security. Unlike Windsor, which sits within a “ring of steel,” Marsh Farm is located in the accessible village of Wolferton.
To address this, the King’s private purse has funded significant security infrastructure upgrades. These measures are designed to replicate the safety of a royal residence without the taxpayer-funded police presence that Andrew lost in 2022.
2026 Perimeter Specifications
- Fencing: A new 6-foot (2-metre) timber fence has been erected around the perimeter. Unlike the decorative fencing found elsewhere in Wolferton, this barrier is reinforced and designed to prevent visual access from the road.
- Surveillance: ITV News (Anglia) reported seeing contractors installing advanced CCTV and motion-sensor alarm systems on the main house and outbuildings.
- Gate House: The entrance gates have been reinforced, with reports suggesting a small security hut or monitoring station has been established for private security personnel.
The No-Fly Zone Extension
Perhaps the most significant change is the reported alteration to airspace restrictions. The Sandringham Estate already benefits from strict drone regulations. Aviation notices suggest that the no-fly zone restrictions often applied to Sandringham House have been effectively widened to cover the Wolferton area, preventing press drones from capturing aerial footage of the renovations.
The “No Cats” Rule and Other Strict Sandringham Bylaws
Living on the Sandringham Estate comes with a unique set of non-negotiable rules. These are not requested by the King as a brother, but mandated by the King as the landlord.
The “No Cats” Policy
The most discussed rule is the strict ban on cats. This is not a matter of personal preference but of estate management. Sandringham is a working shooting estate.
Inside the Sandringham Rulebook:
The estate actively breeds pheasants and partridges for traditional shoots. Thousands of young birds (fledglings) are raised in the woodlands surrounding properties like Marsh Farm. Cats are natural predators of these ground-nesting birds. As confirmed by the Sandringham Estate Official Website (2026), tenant agreements strictly prohibit felines to protect this livestock.
The Corgi Exemption
While cats are banned, dogs are welcomed, a necessity given the late Queen’s bequest. Andrew and Sarah Ferguson inherited Queen Elizabeth II’s corgis, Muick and Sandy. There are no restrictions on dogs at Marsh Farm Sandringham, provided they are kept under control around livestock. The enclosed paddock at the farm offers ample space for the dogs, a detail likely pivotal in the selection of this specific property.
Renovations & Timeline: When will Marsh Farm be Habitable?
The property was not “move-in ready” when the eviction from Windsor became final. Marsh Farm Sandringham had been occupied by tenants until late 2025, and while well-maintained, it lacked the privacy and technical specifications required for its new occupant.
Current Status (February 2026)
Local reporting from Norfolk indicates that the site is currently buzzing with trade vehicles. The renovation is not an expansion, planning permission would be required and publicly visible for that, but rather an internal refurbishment.
- Connectivity: High-speed fibre broadband and Sky TV satellite systems were among the first installations observed, essential for a resident who is no longer a working royal and spends significant time at home.
- Structural Repairs: People.com (2026) sources mention “damp proofing” and roof repairs, typical maintenance for the estate’s older red-brick stock.
- Interior: The decor is being updated from standard rental beige to a style suited to the Duke’s furnishings, many of which are currently in storage.
The Easter Deadline
The working timeline aims for completion by April 2026 (Easter). This deadline is strategic; the Royal Family traditionally gathers at Windsor for Easter, and having the Sandringham move finalised beforehand allows the King to present the situation as “resolved” before the family reunion.
Location Analysis: Living in Wolferton, Norfolk
To understand Marsh Farm Sandringham, one must understand Wolferton. This is not a bustling town; it is a sleepy, historic hamlet known primarily for its defunct railway station, which once served as the royal arrival point.
Geography and Terrain
The name “Marsh Farm” is literal. The property sits on the lower-lying edge of the estate, near the Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve.
- Flood Risk: The area is marshy and sits close to The Wash. While the house itself is on solid ground, the surrounding terrain is wet and fen-like, quite different from the high ground of Windsor Great Park.
- Isolation: The farm is located approximately 2 miles west of the main Sandringham House. This physical distance is symbolic. It is close enough for family support but far enough to maintain separate households.
Community Reaction
For the residents of Wolferton, the arrival is a mixed blessing. While the security presence provides a deterrent against crime, the increased media interest has disrupted the village’s quiet anonymity. Eastern Daily Press (2026) noted concerns from locals regarding construction traffic on the narrow country lanes, though the estate has reportedly managed this with strict contractor scheduling.
Conclusion: A New Chapter at Wolferton
The relocation of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to Marsh Farm Sandringham is the final act in a years-long restructuring of the Royal Family’s property portfolio. It resolves the “Royal Lodge problem” and consolidates the King’s vision of a streamlined monarchy.
For the new resident, Marsh Farm offers a sanctuary that is private, secure, and, crucially, permanent. While it lacks the grandeur of his former life, it provides a stability that has been absent since 2019. The high fences and “no cats” clauses are small prices to pay for a home on the King’s private land, insulated from the pressures of the Crown Estate.
As renovations wrap up in spring 2026, the removal vans will make one final trip from storage to Wolferton, and Marsh Farm will officially cease to be a rental property, becoming instead the quiet retreat of the King’s brother.
FAQs
Where exactly is Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate?
Marsh Farm is located in the village of Wolferton, approximately 1.5 to 2 miles west of the main Sandringham House. It sits near the Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve.
Why did Andrew move out of Royal Lodge?
The move was driven by the high costs of maintaining the 30-room Windsor mansion. King Charles III reportedly withdrew the private funding used for the property’s upkeep, making the “downsize” to the smaller, more manageable Marsh Farm necessary.
Can residents have cats at Sandringham?
No. Most tenant properties on the Sandringham Estate, including Marsh Farm, have a strict “no cats” policy. This is to protect the pheasant and partridge fledglings bred in the surrounding woodlands for estate shoots.
Who is paying for the renovations at Marsh Farm?
Reports indicate the renovations are being funded privately. As Sandringham is the King’s private estate (not Crown Estate), the financial arrangements are a personal matter between the monarch and his brother.
How many bedrooms does Marsh Farm have?
Marsh Farm is a five-bedroom detached farmhouse. While spacious for a standard family, it is a significant reduction from the 7-bedroom main house (plus staff wings) at Royal Lodge.
Is Marsh Farm part of the Crown Estate?
No. Marsh Farm is part of the Sandringham Estate, which is the private property of the monarch (inherited from Queen Elizabeth II). It is not owned by the Crown Estate, meaning the King has full control over its occupancy.
Where is Andrew staying until Marsh Farm is ready?
He is currently staying at Wood Farm, a five-bedroom cottage on a secluded part of the Sandringham Estate. This was famously the retirement home of Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Are the Queen’s corgis allowed at Marsh Farm?
Yes. While cats are banned, dogs are permitted. The property includes a paddock and enclosed garden suitable for the two corgis, Muick and Sandy, which Andrew and Sarah Ferguson care for.
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