Initially, the atmosphere in the castle remained very informal, local children played there, and the royal family was often seen walking around the grounds. Over time, access to the castle for visitors became more limited.
George III began transforming the castle in the Gothic style. Conservation work was undertaken inside and several new rooms were built, including a new Gothic staircase.
New paintings were purchased for the castle, and the king transferred collections there from other royal palaces. The cost of the work amounted to over £15.000 (in 2008 it was £100 million).
The king also undertook extensive work in the castle park, establishing new Norfolk and Flemish farms, creating two dairies, and restoring Virginia Water Lake.
