5 Things to Know About Prince William and Kate Middleton’s New Home

Architect and garden designer Sir Jeffry Wyatville, who designed the cottage, came from a highly regarded architectural dynasty. The nephew of architects Samuel and Joseph Wyatt, Wyatville—who changed his name in 1824—worked on the remodel of Windsor Castle, beating out architect John Nash (known for Buckingham Palace and the Royal Pavilion in Brighton) for the commission. The architect added towers, turrets, and crenellations, giving the castle its Gothic appearance. He was also responsible for the spectacular Waterloo Chamber, which showcases portraits commissioned from Sir Thomas Lawrence. Wyatville was known for his additions and renovations, and he also completed alterations on Chatsworth House.

Adelaide Cottage has a scandalous past

In 1941, Adelaide Cottage became a “grace and favour home,” the term for properties which are owned by the monarch and leased—often rent-free—to members of the royal family or employees. One of its notable residents was Group Captain Peter Townsend, who was given the home to live in with his young family by King George IV in 1945. As fans of The Crown are well aware, Townsend, who worked as equerry to the king as well as Queen Elizabeth II, later had an ill-fated love affair with Princess Margaret. In his autobiography, Time and Chance, Townsend notes that the house only had two radiators and was an “ice-box” during the winter. According to Roberts, the Office of Works declined the family’s request for central heating, citing the office’s focus on repairing bomb damage in London at the time. Adelaide Cottage has been updated several times since Townsend’s tenure, most recently in 2015.

It’s on the National Heritage List

In October of 1975, Adelaide Cottage was listed as a Grade II* building on the National Heritage List for England, which designates buildings that are of architectural or historic interest. Its listing describes it as picturesque and cites its marble Graeco-Egyptian fireplace, stucco façade with elaborate pierced bargeboards, and south entrance flanked by a pair of diagonally set chimneys with stepped bases.