Highgrove Estate History

More than 25 years of garden tours

The house was originally styled ‘High Grove’ and was built between 1796 and 1798 on the site of an older property. In Georgian neo-classical style, its most likely architect was Anthony Keck, a local mason. Immediately before HM The King's arrival, Highgrove was the home of Maurice Macmillan, son of Harold Macmillan, who was the British Prime Minister in the 1950s and early 1960s.

His Majesty King Charles III came to Highgrove in 1980 and the house and gardens have since undergone many thoughtful innovations. When His Majesty first arrived, Highgrove possessed little more than a neglected kitchen garden, an overgrown copse, some pastureland and a few hollow oaks.

Today, after the hard work of many people, an interlinked series of gardens now unfolds in a succession of personal and inspiring tableaux, each reflecting HM The King's interests and enthusiasms. Highgrove now welcomes up to 40,000 visitors a year.

Above all, Highgrove is the family home of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The Terrace Garden beginning to take shape

HM The King assisting the build of the Thyme Walk

The Sundial Garden under construction

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The King's Foundation

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Environmental Practices