Inside Andrew Windsor’s ‘ramshackle’ new farm as he is left ‘appalled’ by options

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is reportedly moving out of Royal Lodge, with the former duke set to live in a modest farm house in Norfolk until renovations are complete

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is trading his opulent mansion for a “ramshackle” farmhouse after finally conceding to vacate Royal Lodge. The shamed former duke had allegedly been handed a January 25 deadline to quit the expansive estate, with removal lorries seen arriving and departing last week.

However, with substantial work still required at his new residence, dubbed Marsh Farm, Andrew is reportedly relocating to interim accommodation whilst his banishment retreat is made habitable.

Marsh Farm sits within the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.

Whilst the dwelling lies within the broader Sandringham grounds, it’s situated roughly two miles from the principal residence, close to the village of Wolferton, reports the Mirror.

Despite looking reasonably maintained externally, the interior is said to require extensive refurbishment before the ex-prince can take up residence.

It represents a considerable reduction in circumstances for disgraced Andrew, 65, who occupied Royal Lodge, an imposing Grade II-listed mansion containing approximately 30 rooms and vast grounds, for more than two decades. Following the removal of his titles, he consented to abandon the residence he’d clung onto through historic lease arrangements.

Last week it emerged that Andrew had made his initial visit to his prospective dwelling, which appears to have been plagued with difficulties from the beginning. The new abode is described as a former working farm, featuring a modest brick-built main house and several outbuildings.

It’s believed to have two reception rooms, a kitchen, and additional ancillary buildings, and it’s conveniently located near local businesses and a small village, rather than being completely isolated.

The dilapidated farm buildings are reportedly undergoing refurbishment, with workers seen entering the property earlier this month. The farm is also said to be getting a security upgrade, including CCTV and several new doors.

Palace insiders say that Andrew will initially reside in a smaller property at Sandringham until Easter, when the renovations on Marsh Farm are expected to be finished. A source told The Sun: “The snow or rain hasn’t delayed the work on Marsh Farm but it still needs a lot of attention to make it habitable. But one thing for sure is that it is a lot, lot smaller and less luxurious than Royal Lodge.”

Adding to Andrew’s troubles, his new home is reportedly situated on a flood plain, with locals advised to register for alerts should local defences fail to hold back a deluge from a nearby bog. The newspaper reports that a flood risk assessment conducted last year for Wolferton Barns – just a stone’s throw away from Marsh Farm – recommended that the owner sign up to the flood warning system in case the pumping station draining the marshland suffered a mechanical failure.

He might also encounter issues with some unwelcome neighbours. A pest control company’s van has been spotted entering Marsh Farm in the village of Wolferton, ahead of Andrew’s arrival.

It remains unclear what Command Pest Control were doing at the farm, but the firm specialises in removing unwanted rats, mice, squirrels and wasp nests.

The King’s son, who is reputed to have foul-mouthed outbursts according to palace insiders, is reportedly “appalled” that “cramped” Marsh Farm only boasts five bedrooms. In contrast, Royal Lodge features seven bedrooms within the main 30-room mansion.

“He really didn’t want Marsh Farm,” a source disclosed to the Daily Mail. “He won’t have lived anywhere that small since he vacated his flat at Buckingham Palace.”

And Royal author Robert Jobson claims that Andrew hasn’t taken the eviction process lying down. He informed HELLO!

: “Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor seems to be digging his heels in. The disgraced Royal has made it clear to the King and courtiers who sent him packing, that he isn’t planning on leaving anytime soon.”

Then there’s the matter of staff, which Andrew apparently won’t have the space – or presumably, the resources – for. It’s been suggested that his brother the King has offered him a Sandringham cleaner, groundsman and cook on an ad hoc basis – but this proposal “hasn’t gone down well”.

In December, it was revealed that drone flight restrictions had been expanded across sections of the Sandringham estate, encompassing the vicinity of Marsh Farm. Government rules brought in during September and taking effect that same month widened an existing year-round exclusion zone, with officials pointing to privacy and security considerations.

Such limitations are commonplace around Royal properties and grounds, especially where Royal Family members are thought to be residing or planning to live. The Sun reported that a digger was spotted on the front lawn in January, with electricians working tirelessly to make the farm buildings suitable for the former duke’s occupation.

Sandringham remains Charles’s private property rather than forming part of the Crown Estate. Therefore, any decisions regarding Andrew’s living arrangements there would constitute a personal family matter.

Sources have indicated that the monarch might foot the bill for Andrew’s accommodation and any required refurbishments.

Andrew previously held an extended lease on Royal Lodge, which was secured in 2003. He surrendered his tenancy contract for the Windsor Estate property in October following the removal of his princely and ducal titles.

This occurred against a backdrop of mounting pressure and disclosures concerning his association with the deceased American paedophile financier, Jeffrey Epstein. During his residency there, Andrew bore responsibility for upkeep and repairs according to his lease conditions.

However, the building is reportedly in desperate need of substantial maintenance work.

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