The former Duke of York, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is embarking on a significant new chapter, trading his sprawling Royal Lodge mansion for a farmhouse on the King's private Sandringham estate in Norfolk. This move follows his eviction and the stripping of his royal titles by his brother, King Charles, in October 2025, actions linked to the ongoing fallout from his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A Farmhouse, Not a Shoebox
Contrary to some reports labelling his new home as "shoebox-sized," the property known as Marsh Farm is described by former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond as a "perfectly pleasant old farmhouse, set in its own grounds." While the five-bedroom former working farm is said to require considerable renovation, these works are expected to be funded by King Charles himself. Located approximately seven miles from the main Sandringham House, the farm now falls within the estate's extended no-fly zone, a measure implemented ahead of Andrew's arrival.
Familiar Grounds and Unexpected Comforts
Jennie Bond suggests the narrative of Andrew being cast "out in the cold" is misleading. She highlights his deep, lifelong familiarity with the Sandringham estate, a place where he spent childhood days playing and has visited frequently as an adult. "He is totally familiar with the area," Bond stated, noting he likely has friends nearby. This connection, coupled with the estate's history—purchased by Queen Victoria for her son—means Andrew is not entering unfamiliar territory but rather returning to a well-known landscape.
Furthermore, his living expenses are being covered by the King, and he maintains relationships with his daughters and grandchildren. Bond emphasised, "It’s a lot more than many people. So he really doesn’t have much to complain about."
A Temporary Haven or a Permanent Home?
Despite the renovations underway at Marsh Farm, its status as Andrew's long-term residence remains uncertain. Bond indicated the decision rests with Andrew himself, who reportedly has alternative offers, including one for a palatial house in the Middle East from wealthy friends. His move from Royal Lodge was triggered by a formal notice to surrender the lease, part of the wider censures announced by Buckingham Palace on October 30.
The Palace's statement at the time clarified these actions were "necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations," and expressed support for victims of abuse. As Andrew, now 65, adjusts to life without his HRH style and military titles, his relocation to Norfolk represents a dramatic downsizing, yet one infused with personal history and a degree of royal support that complicates the story of a simple exile.
