The sprawling Sunninghill Park estate, once a wedding gift from the Queen to Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, is undergoing a transformation so extensive that construction workers have privately dubbed it "HMS Fergie." The Duchess of York's ambitious renovation plans have raised eyebrows among locals and builders alike, with the scale of works becoming the talk of Windsor's royal circles.
The Bathroom That Sparked the Nickname
At the heart of the nickname lies an extraordinary bathroom installation that builders claim is larger than most London flats. The sheer scale of this single room, complete with luxury fittings and expansive dimensions, prompted construction teams to compare the entire renovation project to building a naval vessel - hence the affectionate moniker "HMS Fergie."
From Royal Gift to Fergie's Fortress
Sunninghill Park holds significant royal history, having been presented to the couple as a wedding present in 1986. The property stood empty for years after the Duke and Duchess of York's separation and subsequent divorce, gaining local notoriety as "South York" before being sold to a Kazakh billionaire in 2007.
Now, Sarah Ferguson has returned to the estate she once called home, embarking on a renovation programme that insiders describe as both ambitious and extravagant. The works have transformed the previously neglected property into what locals now refer to as "Fergie's fortress."
A Property Steeped in Controversy
The estate's history is as colourful as its current transformation. Originally built at considerable expense, the property faced criticism for its modern design, which some described as resembling a "supermarket." After changing hands multiple times and falling into disrepair, the main house was eventually demolished in 2016.
Ferguson's return to the estate and her substantial investment in renovations marks a new chapter for the controversial property. The extensive works include not only the now-famous bathroom but complete refurbishments throughout the remaining structures on the estate.
The Duchess's Lavish Vision
Sources close to the project suggest the Duchess is personally overseeing every detail of the renovation, with particular attention paid to creating luxurious living spaces that reflect her distinctive style. The scale of the project has become something of a local legend, with construction materials and workers becoming a constant presence at the Windsor-area estate.
While representatives for the Duchess have remained tight-lipped about the specific details of the renovations, the nickname "HMS Fergie" has stuck among those working on the property, testament to the naval-scale operation required to bring Sarah Ferguson's vision to life.
