Renovation work is actively progressing at a property on the King's Sandringham Estate, which is reportedly being prepared as a new home for the Duke of York. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is expected to move into Marsh Farm in Wolferton, Norfolk, a residence that has stood vacant for several years.
Preparations Underway at Secluded Estate
On Thursday 15 January 2026, visible activity was noted at the secluded farmhouse. A 6ft wooden fence has been erected around a section of the grounds where the existing hedge is thin, enhancing privacy. A light was visible in an upstairs room of the main house, with people seen inside, while a digger operated in the grounds and a workman moved to and from an outbuilding.
The extensive work is understood to be making the long-empty property habitable. According to a report by The Sun, the renovations are in advance of Andrew's anticipated move. Marsh Farm is located approximately two miles from the King's principal Sandringham House.
Background: From Royal Lodge to a Norfolk Farm
The move follows the Duke being required to give up his 30-room Windsor home, Royal Lodge. This came after public outcry over the revelation that he had been paying a peppercorn rent for the substantial property.
Andrew's status was dramatically reduced last year when he was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages, and ceased to use the style 'His Royal Highness' in an official capacity. This action followed the posthumous publication of Virginia Giuffre's memoir, Nobody's Girl.
The Legal Settlement and Lasting Fallout
The memoir detailed her account of being trafficked by the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and repeated previous allegations against several individuals, including Andrew. The book includes claims that she was forced to have sex with the Duke on three occasions, once when she was aged 17. Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied all allegations.
Nevertheless, in 2022, Andrew paid millions of pounds to Ms Giuffre to settle a civil sexual assault case filed in the US, despite maintaining he had never met her. The settlement, which was not an admission of liability, has had a lasting impact on his public role and living arrangements, culminating in the pending move to the more modest Norfolk farmhouse.
