FROM A SCOTTISH CASTLE TO A RURAL COTTAGE WELCOME TO HEIR BNB HOW YOU CAN ENJOY A RIGHT ROYAL HOLIDAY AT A PROPERTY FIT FOR A KING

'The history of the castle makes a huge difference. It was the only home the Queen Mother ever owned'

-  LAURA BENJAMIN

If your dream is to live like royalty, then you're in luck: the King owns a number of beautiful and historic properties all over the UK - and beyond that are available to rent to holidaymakers.

As Their Majesties prepare to decamp to their Scottish hideaway, the Balmoral Estate, for the summer, members of the public can follow in their footsteps by booking into a huge variety of cottages and manor houses, many with direct connections to the monarch.

Holidaymakers wanting to stay in a beautiful rural residence decked out with fine furnishings and the most exquisite decorations are spoilt for choice, with offerings ranging from castle properties in Scotland to a small cottage in Norfolk. All are of the highest standard and suitable for people of all ages.

The King is not the only royal who rents out his properties to the public. Since taking over the Duchy of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales now oversees several beautiful coastal properties that can be occupied throughout the year - some of which the royals have stayed in themselves.

Indeed, last week it was reported the Prince has told his father he will soon have to pay as a guest if he wants to stay at his Welsh holiday home Llwynywermod, which is owned by the duchy. The King usually stays there each summer, but after September, it will be available only as a holiday home.

HISTORIC HIDEAWAYS

Claire Vickers, marketing and events manager at the duchy, says: "The Duchy of Cornwall is one of the largest and oldest landed estates in Britain and there are beautiful properties in unforgettable locations.

"With all these properties, you get a sense of place and location, history and tradition. "Many of the properties are dog-friendly and family-friendly," she adds. "We are finding grandparents, parents and grandchildren are all coming on holiday together."