Discovering Frogmore Cottage: Fascinating Facts and Interior Renovations
Explore the rich history and recent renovations of Frogmore Cottage, a royal residence with significant heritage. Discover its origins, royal connections, and modern updates made by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. From historical background to luxurious interior upgrades, learn about this iconic UK estate and its current status within the royal family. Designed for royal enthusiasts and history lovers alike, this article offers an insightful look into one of Britain’s most storied homes.
Discovering Frogmore Cottage: Fascinating Facts and Interior Renovations
Frogmore Cottage holds an important place in British royal heritage. In 2018, the late Queen gifted it to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, though they only lived there temporarily. Located within Windsor Estate and close to the River Thames, the historic cottage has a rich history dating back to the late 1600s. Originally named Double Garden Cottage, it earned its current name due to the abundance of frogs in the marshy area nearby. The cottage’s architecture and renovations reflect its royal significance and modern updates.
The estate features notable royal burial sites, including the resting places of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It was initially a retreat for Queen Charlotte in 1801. Interestingly, the home was called Double Garden Cottage because of the local marsh environment. Remarkably, its construction cost was just around $560, a small amount for such a royal residence of today.
In 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle transformed the cottage significantly. They combined five living spaces into one, giving their home a more spacious feel. The couple also hired interior designer Vicky Charles, renowned for her work with Soho House and the Cotswolds’ Soho Farmhouse. Their renovation budget was approximately $3 million, funded partly by the Sovereign Grant and later reimbursed by the couple after signing a lucrative Netflix deal.
Additional upgrades included replacing the staircase with an elegant double staircase, installing eco-friendly green energy systems, and creating private landscaped gardens. They added a nursery painted with eco-friendly, neutral tones, and a yoga studio with a floating floor. Soundproof triple-glazed windows were also installed to reduce noise from passing aircraft, costing about $62,000. Currently, although Harry and Meghan moved to California, they still hold the lease, occasionally visiting or hosting family members at the cottage, which may soon serve as a residence for Prince Andrew.
