King Charles' secret 17th-Century Cotswolds farmhouse he doesn't even live in

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US (1 / 1) 15.01.2026 12:15 / Simo

A hidden farmhouse on the Highgrove Estate! King Charles III is well known for his deep affection for the Highgrove Estate, famous for its gardens and countryside charm. Less widely known is that a converted 17th-century farmhouse on the estate is not used as a private residence at all.

Barley Court’s unexpected purpose

The historic building, known as Barley Court, has been transformed into studios and workshops rather than living quarters. It serves as a creative centre for The King's Foundation, where courses and classes are held. The focus lies on preserving traditional crafts such as woodworking and textiles, giving the building an active role despite being uninhabited.

Education beyond Highgrove

Although Barley Court plays an important role, the foundation’s headquarters are located elsewhere. Its main base is Dumfries House, an estate saved from sale in 2007 and later restored with the help of charitable donations. Today, it stands as a hub for education, heritage and skills training.