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Kate Middleton's Forest Lodge: A Royal New Home

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 11:31 GMT by Harper's Bazaar

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Kate Middleton’s New Forest Lodge Home: A Complete Interior‑Design Rundown

When the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, purchased her new home in Windsor, the public’s curiosity quickly turned toward one of the most intimate aspects of any royal‑family property: the interior. Harper’s Bazaar’s in‑depth article on “Kate Middleton’s New Home at Forest Lodge: Interior Design Plans” gives readers a detailed look at how the 18th‑century cottage‑style house was transformed into a contemporary, yet distinctly British, retreat.

1. The Property – A Brief History

Forest Lodge sits on a hill in the heart of Windsor, just a stone’s throw from the royal palace. Originally built in the early 1800s as a modest timber‑frame cottage, the property has undergone several modifications over the centuries. The Duchess acquired it in 2022, and it is now her private residence, where she lives with Prince William and their children.

The house has three floors and a basement, with a total of seven bedrooms and four bathrooms. The article notes that the original layout included a large open‑plan living area and a “grand study” that the designers later re‑imagined into a multipurpose media room. By keeping the house’s historic character intact while adding modern conveniences, the team struck a balance between heritage and contemporary lifestyle.

2. The Design Vision – A “Cozy, Country‑Chic” Aesthetic

The interior design was spearheaded by London‑based studio The Lodge, known for blending classic English charm with modern minimalism. Their approach to Forest Lodge focused on three core pillars:

1. Local Materials – The design incorporated locally sourced timber, stone, and wool. Exposed wooden beams, reclaimed timber paneling, and a stone fireplace create a warm, earthy ambience.
2. Neutral Palette with Accents – The colour scheme centers on creams, greys, and soft blues, punctuated by bold accent pieces like a terracotta‑glazed vase or a vintage brass lamp. This palette allows the space to feel light and airy without feeling sterile.
3. Functional Elegance – With a family that moves quickly between the palace and the country house, the team prioritized storage and multipurpose areas. The kitchen’s hidden pantry, the “study” that doubles as a nursery, and the walk‑in wardrobe with built‑in mirrors exemplify this.

The article describes how the designers aimed to create a “second home” for the family, where they can relax in an atmosphere that feels both regal and inviting.

3. Highlights of Each Level

a. Ground Floor – The Heart of the Home

• Living Area – A vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and a large fireplace anchors the space. The sofa and armchairs are upholstered in a soft, cream‑silk fabric, complemented by a hand‑knit wool throw.
• Kitchen – A long, island‑style kitchen features quartz countertops, a double oven, and a built‑in wine cooler. The cabinetry is a custom dark walnut finish, giving a sleek, modern look that contrasts nicely with the natural stone floor.
• Dining – A rustic wooden table seats eight, surrounded by upholstered chairs. Above the table hangs a modern, brushed‑metal pendant that echoes the chandelier’s design language.
• Bathroom – A spa‑like bathroom boasts a freestanding tub, a walk‑in shower with frameless glass, and matte‑black fixtures. A floating vanity with a large mirror and a subtle skylight create a serene atmosphere.

b. First Floor – Private Quarters

• Master Suite – The master bedroom is the most expansive. Floor‑to‑ceiling windows flood the room with natural light, while a custom wardrobe in matching walnut cabinetry holds the Duchess’s wardrobe. The adjacent bathroom mirrors the style of the ground‑floor bath, featuring a rainfall shower and a deep soaking tub.
• Children’s Rooms – Each child’s room has a distinct theme. The eldest’s room incorporates a “studio” nook with a small desk and storage for her art supplies, while the youngest’s room has a playful “forest” theme with woodland animal décor.
• Bedroom 4 – Designed as a flexible space, this room can be used as a nursery or a home office. A built‑in wardrobe and a compact study area ensure the room remains functional.

c. Second Floor – The Hidden Garden

The topmost level houses a conservatory and a small greenhouse, a nod to the Duchess’s environmental interests. The space is filled with houseplants, providing an indoor oasis that blends indoor/outdoor living.

4. The Touches That Make It “Kate”

While the overall aesthetic leans toward understated luxury, the article highlights several personal touches that give the house a distinctly “Kate” feel:

• Royal-Approved Artwork – The house features a series of contemporary paintings from British artists, chosen to reflect the Duchess’s taste for modern art.
• Custom Furniture – Several pieces are hand‑crafted by local artisans, including a hand‑woven wool rug that complements the sofa’s fabric.
• Green Initiatives – A rooftop solar panel array, a rain‑water harvesting system, and energy‑efficient lighting fixtures underscore the family’s commitment to sustainability.

These elements are designed not just for aesthetics but for a lifestyle that balances the royal duties with a private, eco‑friendly sanctuary.

5. The Design Process – From Sketch to Reality

The article briefly outlines the collaboration between The Lodge and the Duchess’s interior contractor, KPMG Interiors (yes, the consulting firm turned design house). Key steps include:

1. Site Analysis – The team toured Forest Lodge multiple times to map out structural constraints and natural light opportunities.
2. Concept Development – Sketches and mood boards were circulated to the Duchess for feedback. The “country‑chic” concept was refined based on her preferences for natural textures and practical storage.
3. Material Selection – All furnishings and fixtures were chosen with a dual focus on durability and aesthetics, ensuring the home will withstand frequent use and weather changes.
4. Installation & Finishing – The final phase involved careful installation of the kitchen, bathroom fixtures, and custom cabinetry, with quality control checks at every stage.

The article stresses that the collaboration was a “true partnership,” with Kate’s input shaping every corner of the home.

6. What’s Next for Forest Lodge?

According to the article, the Duchess is planning a series of “family days” at the house, inviting close friends and charitable organisations for informal gatherings. The interior design aims to accommodate these events seamlessly, with a flexible dining area and a “guest” bedroom that can be turned into a temporary nursery if needed.

7. Conclusion – Why the Design Matters

Harper’s Bazaar’s piece does more than just describe a new royal residence; it offers insight into how heritage properties can be adapted for modern families without compromising their character. Kate Middleton’s Forest Lodge is a prime example of this, marrying historic charm with contemporary design and sustainability.

Whether you’re a fan of royal interiors or simply fascinated by how designers breathe new life into old structures, the article serves as an engaging and informative guide to one of the most private yet most polished homes in the UK. Its emphasis on local craftsmanship, thoughtful colour palettes, and functional luxury gives readers a clear picture of what makes Forest Lodge a standout project in contemporary interior design.