Hawkesbury Upton to get royal resident

2:00pm Monday 24th November 2008

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ROYALTY could soon be moving into the area after it was revealed Zara Phillips is bidding for a converted barn near Hawkesbury Upton.

The Queen’s granddaughter, and her partner international rugby star Mike Tindall, are reported to have put in an offer for Nimrod’s Barn, in Upper Kilcott.

The couple, who have been together for five years, are believed to be looking for a new home having lived together in a cottage, in the grounds of Princess Anne’s Gatcombe Park estate, for two years.

The pair are reported to have bid £1.75million for the six-bedroom state-of-the-art barn which comes with 46 acres of land and stunning views.

A spokeswoman for Cirencester estate agents Knight Frank, which is selling the property, said she could not comment on the details of any vendors or purchasers.

Nimrod’s Barn dates back to the early 19th century and has been lovingly restored to boast an open-plan kitchen and glass-fronted dining area. It comes with a private bore hole, ‘future proof’ security systems and staff quarters.

It also has a lavish long driveway and planning permission for stables.

It is two miles away from Badminton, where equestrian star Zara, 27, takes part in the annual Horse Trials.

The royal met mike, 30, at the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2003.

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace is reported to have told The Sun newspaper: "They already live like a married couple. They are at the age where friends are starting to settle down.

"Zara hopes this is the place where she can live for years. It’s the kind of home you fall in love with."