Ray Mill House, the long-time country sanctuary of Queen Camilla and weekend escape for King Charles III, has opened its doors to exclusive holiday rentals. Located in Reybridge, close to Lacock in Wiltshire, this Grade II Italianate-era villa is now available through select luxury travel operators—offering a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in genuine royal leisure.
A Sanctuary with History & Heart
- Built around 1860, Ray Mill House was saved from dilapidation and granted Grade II listing in 1987.
- Purchased by Camilla shortly after her divorce in 1994 for ~£850,000, the house served as her primary residence until 2003. Since then, it has been her personal weekend hideaway.
- The estate includes a private pool, expansive 12-acre gardens, stables, and beehives producing honey sold at Fortnum & Mason—a reflection of Camilla’s passion for calm, authentic country living.
Privacy Perfected: King Charles’s Strategic Acquisition
In early 2025, King Charles intervened personally—purchasing The Old Mill, a neighbouring property priced around £3 million, to stop its conversion into a wedding venue or holiday let. The move ensures Camilla’s retreat remains undisturbed, with tenancy restricted to a security‑vetted occupant. This purchase, funded privately, aims to maintain her peace without utilizing public money.
What Guests Can Expect
Booking through select luxury retailers, visitors can anticipate:
- 4–6 exquisitely styled bedrooms in classic English country fashion
- Spacious reception rooms with open fireplaces, large windows, and historic character
- Secluded garden terraces, a private pool, and stables along River Avon
- A roof terrace overlooking lawns and woodlands
- A deep sense of living as royals do—yet entirely your own experience
Insider sources confirm that this rental is aimed at upscale families or small VIP groups, mixing discretion with warm hospitality.
A Royal Lifestyle: Balancing Public Duty & Private Retreat
Ray Mill House represents Camilla’s retreat—a “messy,” unstructured space where she can relax, cook, watch Coronation Street, and walk her dogs. Unlike the fancier Highgrove estate, this home reflects her “country girl” spirit: authentic, relaxed, and deeply personal. Charles visits occasionally, but Camilla spends most weekends regenerating there—away from media attention.
Booking & Experience Details
- Offered by premium travel concierge services with stringent screening and privacy measures
- Nightly rates expected in the high four to five figures, depending on season and tenancy
- Option for custom packages: including personal chef services, local wine tasting, equestrian assistance, and access to historic Lacock village
- Measures in place to ensure no interference from the adjacent royal property—the Old Mill acts as a buffer zone
Final Word
Staying at Ray Mill House offers a unique blend of royal charm, English countryside elegance, and absolute seclusion. With King Charles’s personal investment nearby, it’s designed for guests who demand privacy, authenticity, and sophistication—a rare luxury experience in every sense.
References
- Home history and design details—Wikipedia & Hello!
- Charles’s Old Mill purchase for Camilla’s privacy—Page Six news & Standard
- Insights into Camilla’s personal weekend retreat—Daily Telegraph & Hello!
- Interior and ambiance descriptions—Mirror & Express
