Archeologists have moved onto the
Sandringham Estate to examine land ahead of improvement works in the
surest sign yet that it will soon be the country home of the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge.
Anmer
Hall, a Georgian mansion on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk is
undergoing a range of improvements which could make it fit for the Royal
couple and their baby Prince George.
Diggers
have already scooped out topsoil from a field in front of the
10-bedroom house to carve out a new driveway which will provide the
couple with greater privacy and security.
The
start of the work has raised speculation that Prince William, 31, and
wife Kate are set to move in within a matter of months.
Getting started: Work has begun on a new
driveway leading to Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk
leading to speculation the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will move in to
the property within months
Plans: A church situated near Anmer Hall on the
Sandringham Estate is having to change its entrance to allow the couple
their own private entrance
Final check: An archaeological dig on the
grounds of the Sandringham Estate is checking that there is nothing of
historical interest along the route of the new driveway before it is
paved over with tarmac
Archaeologists have started a dig to see if there is anything of historic significance under the driveway route before it is covered in tarmac, raising the possibility that work could be held up if anything important is found.
It is not yet known what has been unearthed, although archaeologists have uncovered what appears to be part of an old stone wall.
The Sandringham Estate commissioned a report by Norfolk County Council archaeologists to look into the land around Anmer Hall as part of a planning application for improvements.
The report advised that a dig be carried out with at least three test pits dug prior to the driveway being completed.
Work has also started on creating a new car park and path for St Mary's church next door to the hall as the existing church gate will become a private entrance for the Duke and Duchess.
Part of the archaeological dig is looking at the area which will be covered by a new access route for vehicles going into the church car park.
Anmer Hall is set to become William and Kate' second luxury home as the couple are about to move into their new London home - the 21-room Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace - which has been renovated at a cost to taxpayers of £1.1million.
New home: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, pictured with their son Prince
George, are expected to move into Anmer Hall in the next few months
Delays: The work on Anmer Hall could be held up if archaeologists find anything of significance on the land
Privacy: The re-routing of the driveway means
the front gate to Anmer Hall will also be moved to keep members of the
public away
Fit for a future king: Anmer Hall is surrounded by farmland on the Queen's 20,000 acre Sandringham Estate
But all the work to Anmer Hall will be paid for by the Royal family as it is privately owned by the Queen.
The hall which includes a tennis court and swimming pool is around two miles from Sandringham House.
It is surrounded by farmland on the Queen's 20,000 acre estate, meaning that Kate and William will have a high level of privacy to bring up baby George.
The Queen is believed to have asked the current tenant of Anmer Hall to vacate the property as soon as possible even though he has four years left on his lease.
Businessman James Everett has rented the hall from the Queen for the last 13 years and has been running his bespoke timber company, Norfolk Oak, from its stables.
His company's blog confirmed in July that the hall would soon be 'faced with Royalty once more'.
Norfolk Oak is in the process of moving its workshops and offices to new premises at the former RAF West Raynham base in Norfolk.
All changing: Work has also begun on a new car
park and path for St Mary's Church, situated next to Anmer Hall, as its
current church gate will become a private entrance for the royal couple
Expansion: As well as a new driveway, planning
permission has been given for a string of improvements, including a 16ft
by 16ft garden room
Mr Everett and his family are apparently still living at the hall and are understood to be moving soon, but he has not responding to requests for comment.
King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council gave planning permission in March for improvements to Anmer Hall including a new 16ft by 16ft garden room built on to the kitchen.
A pergola made from stone columns with oak beams for plants to trail through will provide shade on a patio area and a front lawn will be converted into a car park.
A garage block and wood store will also be converted into storage areas and accommodation which could be used by police guards.
The plans have been drawn up by architect Charles Morris, who was behind a controversial extension for Prince Charles at his own country home Highgrove House.
The re-routing of the driveway will mean that the front gate to the house will be moved so members of the public will be kept away.
It is understood that dozens of extra armed officers are being recruited to help provide security at Anmer Hall.
Norfolk Police confirmed in July that the force was looking for extra firearms officer to 'address a current shortfall in numbers'.
A spokesman said at the time that the officers were needed 'for normal policing duties and to support our on-going commitment to the Royal Estate at Sandringham in the west of the county.'
Home sweet home: Kensington Palace, where the
royal couple have given their apartment a £1million makeover, pictured
shrouded in scaffolding and coverings
Facade: The fake frontage of Kensington Palace
was erected while work was being carried out. The enormous canvas -
measuring about 25,000 sq ft - covers the south side of the building.
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