Village ‘untouched’ for 200 years where King bought £3m house

The royals are no strangers to Wiltshire, with Queen Camilla buying her countryside retreat in the 90s, but they are expanding their ownership a little further into the most idyllic of villages, as King Charles makes a big purchase. According to Mail Online, the king has made a £3 million purchase right next door to his wife’s home in the picturesque village of Lacock.

What was once her sanctuary away from the public was drawing more attention as potential plans for the Old Mill to turn into a wedding venue were set to compromise the royals privacy. In an attempt to protect their quiet life in the countryside, the king purchased the palace before the venue plans could come to fruition. It’s thought that further security will be put in place around the properties, the Mail Online reports.

Lacock is nicely tucked away in the South West and has sat virtually untouched for over 200 years, still carrying its quintessential British charm.

However, it’s not just the royals putting the village on the map; this small spot is no stranger to a few famous faces.

British YouTubers Zoe Sugg and Joe Sugg are famously ex-residents of Lacock. Both have millions of online followers, while Joe appeared on Strictly Come Dancing which saw him and his dance partner, now girlfriend Diane Buswell, visit the village in behind-the-scenes clips on the show.

Not only this, but the secret spot acted as the backdrop to one of Britain’s biggest film franchises, Harry Potter.

Lacock Abbey, in particular, is featured prevalently as the halls of Hogwarts, while its many rooms were used for filming classroom scenes with the young actors.

It’s no wonder the quiet village has been favoured by the famous, with its traditional stone cottages and mediaeval architecture.

Large amounts of the area are protected under the National Trust to ensure the period details of the village are preserved and protected from modernity.

It’s thought that the Queen’s Lacock home is where Camilla retreated after the death of Queen Elizabeth back in 2022 and where she preferably spends her free time.

However, she does still share a home with Charles, Clarence House in London, as well as Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, where she is often required to be for her royal duties.

As King Charles makes this purchase, more eyes are on the area, making it a prime spot for tourists to pay a visit, with plenty of beauty to absorb.

People visiting can enjoy the Fox Talbot Museum, exploring the history of photography; take a walk around the Lacock Abbey; or even explore the Tithe Barn, dating back to the 14th century.