Sir Guy Laking's Illustrated Guide to Osborne, 1953, states that 'The buildings immediately beyond the Royal entrance are Albert and Osborne Cottages. Albert Cottage has been in existence under that name since 1868. On the site originally stood two houses, Kent Lodge and York House. In 1868, the former building was demolished and the latter enlarged and henceforth under royal command called Albert Cottage.'
Osborne Cottage, which until recent years was the residence of H.R.H. the Princess Beatrice, was built in 1856-7. Victoria Cottage, the next building, was purchased in 1851.