Living in a historic, prestigious property without the burden of a mortgage or rent sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But for hundreds of years, this has been the reality for a chosen few: the inhabitants of Britain’s grace-and-favour homes. The properties range from flats to sprawling estates that rival the National Trust’s country houses.
Grace-and-favour residences are typically owned by the Queen. Their name points to the fact that they’re leased at her discretion to notable, favoured individuals. A grace-and-favour home might be an official residence for someone whose work is of national importance or a reward for services to the monarchy or state (for a retired member of the Queen’s household staff or military veteran, say). The widowed spouse of a distinguished individual can also be housed in this way. Continue reading “Looking through the Keyhole at Britain’s Grace-and-Favour Homes”
