Highgrove House, the home of Prince Charles – well, one of them. Photo: @highgrovegarden/Instagram
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5 most expensive items sold at Prince Charles’ Highgrove House shop, from luxury jewellery pieces to artworks painted by the British royal himself
- Those in the royal know understand that the sprawling 18th century estate is where the Prince of Wales’ heart truly lies – not Buckingham Palace
- The Gloucestershire house is also a tourist destination known for its stunning gardens – so would you buy a US$400 leather watch case or US$800 overnight bag if you visited?
Highgrove House isn’t just Prince Charles’ retreat – it’s also a tourist destination with a shop selling luxury items. Photos: @highgrovegardens/Instagram, @clarencehouse/Twitter
Those in the royal know understand that Highgrove House is where Prince Charles’ heart truly lies. The Prince of Wales bought the property in August 1980 for between £800,000 and £1 million (US$1.1-1.4 million) – and since then the estate has become his much-loved retreat away from the hustle and bustle of royal duties.
Built in the late 18th century, the house is located in rural Gloucestershire in England.
Highgrove House is also a working farm with its own visitor centre. Photo: @highgrovegardens/Instagram
However, despite being the country home of the prince, Highgrove is also a working farm with its own visitor centre. Tourists flock to the estate to see the stunning gardens, which the prince personally oversees the maintenance of. And no trip to Highgrove is complete without a visit to the famous shop on the estate, which offers a range of royal-affiliated products – from food and drink to bath products, jewellery, clothing and art.
Britain’s Prince Charles addresses the media outside Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, England, on April 10. Photo: AP
So, we’ve rounded up the top five most expensive items one can purchase from Highgrove, according to prices quoted on Highgrove’s website. Which one would you buy?
The Prince of Wales’ artworks: US$3,450
Prince Charles’ artworks are available to purchase. Photos: Highgrove Gardens
Even though Prince Charles is widely quoted as describing himself as an “enthusiastic amateur” when it comes to painting, he has earned critical acclaim for his skilled watercolours over the years. So it’s little surprise that lithographs of his paintings, often of countryside scenes, sell like hot cakes. The limited edition prints of vistas from Corfu to Balmoral, Scotland’s Alltnaguibhsaich Lodge to Highgrove itself remain highly sought after.
Ettinger ivory and havana brown overnight bag: US$810
The overnight bag is on sale for £585 (around US$810) in Highgrove’s on-site boutique. Photo: Highgrove Gardens
Luggage takes on a whole new level of elegance with this sporty bag in ivory and Havana brown, made by UK brand Ettinger, which holds a royal warrant. According to the shop’s site, it’s the “perfect sized for packing those few essentials for an overnight stay and makes a great gym bag”.
Fiona Rae frosted leaf bracelet: US$610
Jewellery is also available in the shop. Photo: Highgrove Gardens
Topping the list of most expensive jewellery pieces sold in the shop is a beautiful sterling silver bracelet with vitreous enamel detail. The piece features a frosted leaf effect which, according to the shop’s site, “is inspired by the beauty of the ever-changing colours of leaves”. The designer of the bracelet is Fiona Rae, whose career was kick-started with a grant from the Prince’s Trust.
Ettinger tan double watch case: US$400
The shop also offers an Ettinger watch case. Photo: Highgrove Gardens
Have you wondered how royals keep their expensive timepieces safe while on their many travels? Look no further – the Highgrove shop offers a watch case featuring “a removable pillow for optional storage and a divider ring”. It is also from Ettinger, the royal warrant holder.
Fiona Rae bumblebee necklace: US$274
The shop also features a handmade bumblebee necklace. Photo: Highgrove Gardens
The phrase “Queen bee” takes on a whole new meaning with this gorgeous necklace from the Highgrove store. The piece, which features a colourful little bumblebee, is also handmade by Fiona Rae.