Birch Hall, a sprawling estate originally constructed in 1740 within a charming Surrey village, holds a unique connection to the British Royal Family. Following Sarah Ferguson's divorce settlement from Prince Andrew in 1996, Queen Elizabeth II, known for her close relationship with Fergie, generously gifted this 1.5-million-pound home to the Duchess of York and her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. The property was an opulent residence, featuring seven bedrooms, five acres of land, an outdoor heated swimming pool, and its own tennis court, offering a lifestyle many could only aspire to.

Despite this significant gesture from the late monarch, Sarah Ferguson reportedly declined the gift. Her refusal stemmed from the inability to manage the substantial maintenance costs associated with such a large estate. Consequently, Birch Hall remained vacant for two years before being sold for £1.5 million in 1999, as reported by the Express. Instead, the family continued to live together at Sunninghill Park, eventually moving with Prince Andrew into the Royal Lodge in Windsor, where they still reside.

The sale of Birch Hall in 1999 was attributed to a "change of circumstance," according to The Sun. It is widely believed that the proceeds from this sale were placed into a trust, intended for Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice to access later in their lives, ensuring their financial future despite the rejection of the property itself.

Years later, in 2016, Birch Hall re-entered the market with a listing price of £4.2 million, following extensive renovations by its latest owners. These enhancements introduced even more impressive features, transforming the property into a modern luxury abode. New additions included a dedicated media and games room, an elegant orangery, and a state-of-the-art home gym, significantly boosting its appeal and value.

Andrew Russell from estate agency Strutt and Parker provided insight into the property's history, stating to the Daily Mail that the current owners purchased it from the trustees acting for the Queen in 1999. He explained, "The trustees bought it in 1997 for the princesses and I imagine it was chosen because it's a pretty house in a popular village and the gardens are a real draw, it's more like parkland. But they never moved in." Russell further highlighted its prestige when it went up for sale in 2016, describing it as "the best of north Surrey's village houses."

He elaborated on the property's unique qualities, noting, "There's not that many that come on the market. It's a proper country house with five acres of grounds." Russell praised its aesthetics, adding, "The house itself is a very attractive and imposing-looking property." He concluded by detailing some of its dramatic interior features, such as high ceilings and full floor-to-ceiling sash windows, alongside the outdoor amenities like the swimming pool, tennis court, and the beautiful Victorian specimen trees adorning its extensive garden.