The Prince and Princess of Wales’ first secret home, tucked away within a vast 400-acre country estate, helped them keep their relationship private in the early day.
Nowadays, the couple lives in the charming four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, but as teenagers they would retreat to an off-campus accommodation in their final two years of University at St Andrews, known as Balgove House.
William and Kate’s four-bedroom cottage was set within Strathtyrum – a 400-acre private country estate owned by Henry Cheape, a distant cousin of the Prince.It’s believed that William’s protection officers kept a close eye on the site, possibly residing nearby.
Unmarked police cars patrolled the area, which was hidden behind a large wall equipped with CCTV cameras and bomb-proof doors and windows, as reported by MailOnline.
While not much is known about the interior of the property, exterior photos depict a unique design for the delightful brick house, featuring a black door set at an angle on one side of the L-shaped building and an annexe extending from the right-hand side. The country charm is enhanced by white sash windows and ivy adorning the building.
Despite their renowned desire for privacy, it was speculated that Kate and William frequently entertained friends at this flat, so much so that the Duke even installed a champagne fridge, reports the Mirror.
Before moving into Balgove House, which they shared with friends, the couple resided in St. Salvatore’s Hall, fondly referred to as Sallies, during their first year.
They then moved to a rented Victorian terraced house near the University. The property at 13A Hope Street reportedly cost the couple and their two friends £100 per week each (a total rent of £1,600 per month), but today’s tenants would have to shell out a whopping £3,500 per month.
A listing reveals the property has five bedrooms – three double bedrooms and two single rooms – along with one bathroom and one shower room. The interiors showcase original features, including ornate plasterwork, picture rails and large sash windows.