Princess Anne’s beloved Gatcombe Park estate, located in Gloucestershire, has been her home since 1976. The estate, gifted to her as a wedding present, covers 700 acres and includes a working farm, extensive gardens, and several homes occupied by other royal family members, including her daughter Zara Tindall and her family.
Gatcombe Park features a main house with two wings, containing five main bedrooms, four secondary bedrooms, four reception rooms, a library, a billiard room, and a conservatory. The estate’s grounds are occasionally open to the public for horse trials, but the interior remains largely private. However, a candid photo from 2020 gave a rare glimpse into Anne’s living room, showing a cozy, lived-in space filled with family photographs, books, and personal items.
Princess Anne’s attachment to Gatcombe Park is evident in her dedication to its upkeep and self-sufficiency. She takes an active role in the farming operations, emphasizing the importance of making the estate financially sustainable. In an interview with Countryfile, she expressed her commitment to ensuring the estate pays its way, reflecting her practical and hands-on approach.
The estate also includes Aston Farm, where Zara and her husband Mike Tindall live with their three children. This proximity allows Princess Anne to spend quality time with her family, and the estate serves as a hub for family gatherings and events. The Tindalls’ home is a renovated seven-bedroom farmhouse, notable for being the place where Zara gave birth to her son Lucas in an unexpected home birth.
Gatcombe Park is not just a family residence but also a venue for social and sporting events. The estate hosts horse trials and other equestrian events, aligning with Princess Anne’s passion for horses. Her involvement in these activities highlights her deep connection to the estate and her lifelong dedication to equestrian sports.
The estate also features a “party barn,” a converted barn with a bar, giant screen, and catering facilities, used for family celebrations and gatherings. This space adds to the estate’s vibrant and communal atmosphere, fostering a sense of closeness among its residents.
Princess Anne’s commitment to her home and its operations is matched by her extensive charitable work and royal duties. Despite her busy schedule, she finds solace and satisfaction in managing Gatcombe Park, viewing it as a personal sanctuary where she can unwind and be herself.
The recent incident at Gatcombe Park, where Princess Anne sustained minor injuries from a horse-related accident, underscores the inherent risks of her equestrian pursuits. However, it also highlights her resilience and the strong support system provided by her family and the estate.