Inside Ray Mill House – Queen Camilla’s quirky private residence

Nestled amidst twelve acres of meticulously tended gardens lies Ray Mill House, the discreet country residence of Queen Camilla. The Grade II listed property, located in the English countryside, has long been a private sanctuary for the Queen Consort, far from the public eye and royal duties.

Constructed circa 1860, Ray Mill House is a striking example of 19th-century Italianate architecture, adorned with elegant gables and complemented by later Neo-Georgian additions from the 20th century. English Heritage notes the building’s distinctive features, including tripartite windows, stone porch piers, and a carefully balanced asymmetry that imbues the home with period charm.

The house first entered the public consciousness in 1996 when Camilla Parker Bowles acquired it for £850,000 following her divorce from Andrew Parker Bowles. 

Even after moving to Clarence House in 2003 upon her union with then-Prince Charles, she retained ownership, ensuring the estate remained a personal refuge. The house played host to family celebrations, notably her daughter Laura’s wedding reception in 2006.

The extensive gardens surrounding Ray Mill House are more than ornamental. Beehives tended here, alongside those from Highgrove House, supply honey sold exclusively at Fortnum & Mason, with proceeds benefiting charitable causes. 

In July 2022, the gardens were spotlighted in Country Life magazine, commemorating the Queen Consort’s 75th birthday and underscoring her enduring connection to the property.

With six bedrooms and sprawling grounds, Ray Mill House remains a private haven, a blend of historic grandeur and intimate family memories. For Queen Camilla, it is more than a residence—it is a testament to resilience, tradition, and a quieter life away from the bustle of royal duties.