Between Buckingham Palace and the Queen's preferred weekend home Windsor Castle, the royal family has enough stunning residences to leave you envious.
Osborne House, a favorite retreat of Queen Victoria back in the day, is no exception. Located on the Isle of Wight, the residence's sumptuous state rooms and gorgeous grounds continue to draw visitors to the property, and now you'll be able to experience a whole new side to the stunning home.
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Thanks to an English Heritage restoration project, in the works since 1986, the lower terrace and gardens of Osborne House are officially on view to the public, reports the BBC.
One of Queen Victoria's beloved spots for writing, painting, or simply taking in all the surrounding natural beauty, it's also where you'll find quite possibly the most romantic shrubs in all the world: the royal myrtle plant.
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Since Victoria's wedding in 1840, royal brides have been using myrtle sprigs from the shrubs in their bridal bouquets, including the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Diana, and the reining Queen Elizabeth II. It's a tradition going back 177 years!
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Now, you'll be able to see and smell Queen Victoria's famous flowering plant (just resist the urge to swipe some for yourself), originally a gift brought back from Germany.
Also restored to working order is the terrace's centerpiece, the "Andromeda" fountain, purchased by Queen Victoria during the Great Exhibition in 1851.
You'll also get the chance to sit and admire the opulent shell alcove (because who wouldn't want to lounge like a Queen?). Decorated with thousands of seashells from the residence's Osborne beach, the area has been re-painted to match its original blue, red, and turquoise hues.
Even the terrace walls have gotten a paint update to match the original Italian-inspired yellow, meant to resemble the Tuscan sun. No wonder Victoria's Husband Prince Albert would compare this beautiful residence to the Bay of Naples.
We can just see the Instagram photo-ops now.
h/t: People
