Clarence House, the primary home of Prince
Charles and Camilla, is an architectural treasure
within walking distance of Buckingham Palace
in London.
The impressive four-story building was designed
between 1825 and 1827, and before Charles
and Camilla came to live at the estate, it
was home of the late Queen Mother for nearly
50 years.
Although the royal family's official site
says the building "underwent extensive refurbishment
and redecoration" to become a home for Charles,
much remained the same as it had in the early-
to mid-1900s.
Even the queen's furniture and art remain
in the rooms they were originally placed.
If you can't make it to London and experience
an annual August tour, here's a quick look
at some of the highlights of the gorgeous
home of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall.
An aristocratic townhouse
Clarence House is one of only a few so-called
"aristocratic townhouses" left remaining in
London.
It also looks very much the same as it did
many, many years ago.
It's an official residence for royalty, but
Clarence House is meant for more than just
relaxing.
Every year, Charles and Camilla host meetings,
receptions, charity events, and support other
causes from within their residence.
Even the Dalai Lama has been a guest at the
Duke and Duchess' home.
The Morning Room
Charles and Camilla's home has become a popular
spot for official christening photos.
After Prince William and Kate Middleton's
first son, George, was christened in 2013,
the family took to the Morning Room of Clarence
House to document the event.
When the couple's third child and second son,
Prince Louis, was christened, the family gathered
once again for an official portrait in the
Morning Room.
What makes this room so special?
For one thing, it's nostalgic.
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall have christening
photographs of four generations displayed
in this cozy space.
A Chippendale sofa and chair set, circa 1773,
adds an understated royal flare to this room
as well.
Not to mention the spectacular robin's egg
blue textiles throughout against the backdrop
of muted white walls.
It's no wonder the Morning Room is a popular
spot to take and display photographs, as well
as host company.
The Royal Dining Room
In more than one hundred years, the Royal
Dining Room has remained relatively unchanged.
Although some of the artwork has been swapped
out and a larger dining table has been added,
the Royal Dining Room is still an ode to the
past.
A large centerpiece, along with a coordinating
table service, was gifted to King George VI
and Queen Elizabeth from the City of Paris
when the couple visited France in 1938.
This centerpiece is still in use today.
The Garden Room
Once upon a time, the Garden Room in the Clarence
House was actually two rooms.
According to the Royal Collection Trust, this
was the case when Princess Margaret resided
at the home prior to getting married.
These days, however, the Garden Room is one
expansive - and gorgeous - space.
The room is often used as a place in which
to receive visitors.
As such, the Garden Room contains ornate sofas,
a set of 12 armchairs, various gold embellishments,
a large Persian wool rug, and a variety of
framed oil paintings.
The Library
Books are not the central focus of the Clarence
House library.
The Royal Collection Trust notes that the
late Queen Mother would use the room for intimate
dinners when she lived at Clarence House.
Following a similar pattern, the Duke and
Duchess of Cornwall host events, including
meals, in the Library.
Camilla frequently invites children to decorate
the Clarence House Christmas tree located
in the library.
While a sizable collection of books are on
display, this space is more open - and therefore
a bit less cozy - than your typical in-home
library.
Of course, that means it makes another great
space for entertaining, which is really a
lot of what Clarence House is all about.
The Gardens
As amazing as the Clarence House is, the gardens
of the home are equally impressive.
Just as the late Queen Mother used to enjoy
hosting luncheons in these same gardens, Prince
Charles, too, delights in scheduling outdoor
meetings, events, and parties.
During the Dalai Lama's visit in 2008, he
added a magnolia tree besides some of the
older, resident trees.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall
now also have a vegetable garden, complete
with a composting system.
The royal couple's green space is certainly
a sight to behold.
