Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, are in
line to receive the heritage-listed Anmer Hall as a gift
from the Queen. REUTERS/Neil Hall
Prince William and wife Catherine will receive a majestic
country home as a gift from the Queen, British media reports.
The 30-year-old heir to the throne and his pregnant bride are
in line to receive the heritage-listed Anmer Hall on the
sovereign's Sandringham Estate, where the royal family
traditionally spends Christmas.
William spent time at the 10-bedroom late-Georgian mansion as
a boy, when it was being leased by family friends, the Daily
Express newspaper reported.
There is a swimming pool, tennis court, stable block,
conservatory and even a bell tower at the property, which is
set at the end of a gravel driveway, close to a church and
about 3km from Sandringham House.
While a source said the property has been "earmarked" for the
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it is unlikely the popular
royals will take up residence for some years, with the
current lease due to expire in 2017.
Late in 2012 William and Catherine will move into a
freshly-renovated apartment at London's Kensington Palace,
which will become their official city residence.
The Cambridges currently have a country house in Wales, close
by the base where William works as a search and rescue
helicopter pilot. They also have a cottage on the grounds of
Kensington Palace.
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