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Royal family earns £1.4 million a year from holiday lets

The British royal family are earning over £1.425 million a year by renting out their holiday let portfolio.

Four of the main properties currently open to the public are: Balmoral Castle, the Castle of Mey’s Captain House, Restormel Manor, and Dumfries House.

The average room in a royal residence available for rental commands an estimated £1,335 per week, generating over £5,340 in monthly income.

The data comes from holiday lettings firm Pikl Insurance.

Cliff Ward, its in-house expert, said: “These figures are truly impressive and demonstrate the significant earning potential of these royal residences.

“While the royal estate is undoubtedly a unique asset, it’s important to note that these properties face similar challenges to any other holiday let, including seasonal fluctuations and cancellations.

“Nevertheless, the overall income generated is impressive and highlights the potential of this market.”

Balmoral Castle by Stuart Yeates (Creative Commons License)

Balmoral Castle, the summer retreat synonymous with the Royal Family, is estimated to bring in a substantial £36,798.30 per month, after accounting for anticipated cancellations.

With 7 rooms available to book, the average 7-day stay costs £1,485 – more than the average monthly rent across the UK.

The Castle of Mey’s Captain House in the Scottish Highlands contributes a more modest £3,709.92 monthly, with the entire property available to book.

In Ayrshire, Scotland, Dumfries House adds £31,185.63 to the royal coffers with over 25 rooms available to book within the gorgeous estate.

Dumfries House by Julien Scavini (Creative Commons License)

Meanwhile, Cornwall’s Restormel Manor generates £47,082 per month – with 4 different areas within the manor house itself available for the public to book, alongside six different converted barns on the property.

Ward added: “It’s interesting to see how the different properties perform. Balmoral Castle, for example, commands a premium price due to its iconic status, while other properties might offer better occupancy rates.

“Then there’s the behind the scenes to consider. I can imagine that the crown has an important job to do when it comes to finding a delicate balance between maximising income to pay the teams that manage these buildings and preserving the heritage of these historic homes.”

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