Prince Alberto actively participated in the design process. He was also responsible for a series of small additions to the property, such as the main farm. After the death of the Prince in 1861, Queen Victoria ordered a series of cabins to be used. Garden Cottage built for his children, Dance-Na-Coille for his servant and Karim Cottage for his Indian secretary. In 2019, Prince William, Kate Middleton and his children allegedly stayed in a three bedroom home house on the farm called Tam-Na-Ghar during a visit.
One of the Balmoral country houses, Birkhall, belongs to King Carlos III and Queen Consort Camilla. The first inherited her when her grandmother, the queen mother, died in 2002, and the couple spent her honeymoon in 2005.
Today, the property of the nineteenth century is considered historical building of category Athe designation of greater value that is reserved for buildings «of national importance».
How are the interiors?
Although the Balmoral Castle It contains numerous rooms, some stand out especially. An outstanding example is the dance hall. With gigantic spider lamps, mounted deer heads and trilobulated designs, it is a master class inspired by Scottish highlands.
19th century illustrations give an idea of how Balmoral's rooms were during Queen Victoria's peak. They proliferated Picturesthe stamped wall coatings, the fireplace screens, the carved wooden cabinets and the framed landscapes. The candelabra also abounded, a practical need at that time. A study belonging to Prince Alberto had a similar aesthetic, to the carpet of Scottish paintings. That personal room also made a great use of beautiful white floral fabrics and a green tapestry paper mottled with white flowers. Apparently, Prince Alberto believed that Balmoral interiors should be full of details of the highlands, such as tarta and cretons, with trophies and weapons decorating the walls.
The photographs indicate that dark green appears frequently throughout the residence. There are also marble chimneys with mirrors, upholstered chairs with pleated skirts and many books bound in leather. Despite the presence of majestic watches and lamps, it does not lack modern comforts, such as flat screen televisions. Queen Elizabeth had her own study, which in the seventies was carpeted with the same Scottish fabric. That room also includes noble wood furniture and floral curtains to cover the windows.
Do you have luxurious gardens?
As usual in the residences of The royal familyBalmoral is surrounded by picturesque gardens. The farm is located at 20,234 hectares of land, both of rugged Scottish landscape and careful landscaped areas. According to the Royal Collection Trust, the works began in 1855, when Prince Alberto assumed an active role. The tradition of beautifying property has been transmitted through the dynastic line. Queen Mary, for example, created a flower garden. Near there, Prince Felipe contributed his own additions.
When Queen Elizabeth and Prince Felipe take over the farm, the late Duke of Edinburgh was very interested in the gardens. Its contributions include a garden, an aquatic garden, a floral walk and a area full of oak. There is a moving jewel hidden in nature: a statue of Queen Victoria's dog, noble.
What is used for today?
Royal Family Holidays. The queen used to visit Balmoral during the summer. It should be noted that King Carlos III and Princess Diana finished her honeymoon with a stop at the Royal Residence, after enjoying a cruise through the Mediterranean. Years later, in 1997, the queen was in Balmoral when she was informed of the death of Princess Diana. It is also where King Carlos III and Queen Consort Camilla were isolated towards the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition to being a vacation getaway of The royal familyBalmoral opens its doors to the public from April to July every day, where guests can explore the land through guided tours.
Article originally published in AD Us.