Royal Reshuffle: Sarah Ferguson's Unexpected New Home
The former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, is reportedly preparing to move into a modest 'granny annexe' at her daughter Princess Beatrice's Cotswolds home after being evicted from Royal Lodge alongside Prince Andrew. This surprising development comes as the disgraced Duke of York faces his own relocation to a cottage on the King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Friends have revealed that Fergie feels 'on edge' about the prospect of homelessness, with sources indicating the former couple will go their separate ways following their removal from the Windsor estate property where Andrew had ploughed up to £7 million of his own fortune into renovations.
The Cotswolds Retreat: A Humble Haven
One solution appears to be Beatrice's £3.5 million Oxfordshire mansion, purchased in 2021 with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The property features a small one-bedroom former cattle shed that has undergone extensive renovations in recent months, making it suitable for the royal outcast.
Located in the picturesque village of Combe, Oxfordshire, the annexe sits within the sought-after 'golden triangle' of the Cotswolds, an area popular with celebrities including the Beckhams, Jeremy Clarkson, and Ellen DeGeneres. The village lies on the edge of the Blenheim Palace estate, surrounded by the beautiful rolling hills of the Evenlode valley.
Planning documents reveal the couple have made several adjustments to the property over the years, including recent complete renovation and rewiring of the annexe. The stonework has been repointed, gutters replaced, and new windows and doors installed. The independent entrance provides privacy, while its position across the courtyard from the main six-bedroom house maintains proximity to family.
Family Dynamics and Practical Solutions
Despite the potential discomfort of mother-in-law arrangements, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 41, is said to have a 'good rapport' with Sarah Ferguson. The property developer has shown appreciation for heritage buildings, once stating on social media: "I love the heritage and history of old buildings and the fact that each and every one is different, there's a genuine authenticity in that."
A source told the Daily Mail: 'It would be perfect for the former Duchess as it's close to her daughter but also completely independent'. The arrangement would allow Sarah to easily babysit her granddaughter Sienna, whom she "simply adores." With Princess Eugenie now living in Portugal, the location makes practical sense for maintaining family connections.
The main house itself boasts expansive grounds with a swimming pool and tennis courts, edged with cypress trees for privacy. Recent deliveries of propane gas bottles to the annexe suggest preparations are underway for someone's imminent arrival, possibly in time for Christmas.
Alternative Options and Social Prospects
Other potential homes for Sarah had included fleeing to Australia, where her sister Jane Ferguson resides, or to Princess Eugenie's £3.6 million oceanside villa in Portugal. While the converted shed might seem modest compared to these options, the Cotswolds location offers a blend of privacy and accessibility to high society.
Though London's exclusive Annabel's nightclub has indicated the couple would be turned away if they tried to return, Fergie could potentially join Soho House, sometimes visited by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The area also provides opportunities for local socialising should she wish to embrace a more down-to-earth lifestyle.
The property sits just twenty-five minutes from Edoardo's mother, and cousins Zara and Mike Tindall are also neighbours, providing additional family connections. As Beatrice retains her royal title despite her father's fall from grace, this Cotswolds arrangement may offer Sarah Ferguson the fresh start she needs while keeping her close to family support.
