Prince William and Kate Middleton‘s neighbours have received planning permission to build a stunning woodland spa next door to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ home in Norfolk.
The Houghton Estate, which borders Will and Kate’s Anmer Hall in Sandringham, is the stately home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley – David Cholmondeley and his wife Rose Hanbury.
The couple have been given the green light by King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council to build a ‘nature focused retreat’ on their land which will include saunas, outdoor plunge pools and copper baths.
Rose and David are known to be good friends with their royal neighbours, with Kate having been previously pictured at a garden party held on their 1,000 acre Houghton Hall Estate.
Rose Hanbury, 42, is a former model who also previously worked for the former Tory MP Michael Gove.
Her husband David Cholmondeley, 65, became Marquess of Cholmondeley in March 1990 on the death of his father. He is a direct descendant of England’s first prime minister, Robert Walpole.
They married in 2009 and have three children together – twin boys Alexander, Earl of Rocksavage, and Lord Oliver Cholmondeley and a younger daughter, Lady Iris, seven.
The Wyld Cabins, which will be just one-and-a-half miles from Kate and William’s country home, will feature 45 tranquil timber cabins nestled in the woods, where guests can escape the bustle of everyday life.
The Princess of Wales with Rose Hanbury the Marchioness of Cholmondeley attending an event at Houghton Hall
A mock-up image of what the cabins will look on the estate. The 45 tranquil timber cabins nestled in the woods will feature an outdoor copper bath designed to offer guests the chance to ‘unwind, digitally detox, and reconnect with nature’
They will also have panoramic woodland views, private outdoor bathing areas with copper bath tubs, woodburning stoves and blackout blinds, to allow guests to switch off and relax.
The 50 acres site will also include three special wellness pods offering contrast therapy, hot saunas inside as well as icy outdoor plunge pools and hot water pools on the decking.
This experience claims it will offer guests the chance to ‘unwind, digitally detox, and reconnect with nature.’
The planning statement says: ‘Guests are encouraged to experience their natural environment, to slow down, relax, absorb and enjoy the surrounding tranquility.’
The Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley are known to host lavish parties on the estate including a music festival known as Houghton Festival.
Billed as Britain’s only 24-hour music festival, it is the brainchild of DJ Craig Richards, who launched the event in 2017.
More than 200 artists performed across 13 stages from last Thursday to Sunday with music playing somewhere on the Houghton Estate site at all times. More than 12,000 revellers attended in 2023.
Houghton Hall in Norfolk where the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley. The stately home is situated just one-and-a-half miles from Kate and William’s home at Anmer Hall
Pictured: The 50 acre woodland site where the cabins will be situated. As well as over 40 cabins, there will be three special wellness pods offering contrast therapy, hot saunas inside as well as icy outdoor plunge pools and hot water pools on the decking
In a picture from the event the Princess appears deep in conversation with the Marchioness while carrying a drink.
A source told the Daily Mail at the time that the mother-of-three had been dining at Houghton Hall with the Marquess and Marchioness of Cholmondeley when a friend convinced Princess Kate to attend.
‘After dinner, one of the guests suggested that Catherine go to the festival,’ the source said.
‘Catherine was nervous about the idea, but, after much discussion with her protection officers, she went with lots of security. William wasn’t there.’
