Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Montecito home is reportedly getting attention for what they did not change. The Duke of Sussex and the Duchess bought the seven-acre estate after moving to California in 2020.
A new source claimed some wealthy neighbor circles expected a full teardown or major redesign. Instead, the couple kept much of the property intact. That choice has reportedly turned the mansion into a local talking point.
Sources claim some Montecito residents have strong opinions about the Sussexes
As per an OK!Magazine report, the Sussexes bought the Montecito property for $14.65 million. The report said the mansion is now estimated at around $29 million. A source claimed some neighbor circles view the couple’s approach as “highly unusual.” The insider said local expectations often involve owners who “demolish, expand, redesign” after buying. However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly embraced the home mostly as they found it.
Meanwhile, another insider said the property has become “an anomaly” in Montecito real estate culture. The source claimed some residents expect homeowners to personalize and rebuild luxury estates. Yet the insider said Harry and Meghan “simply haven’t done that.” The source added they treated the mansion like “a family home.” The estate reportedly includes an outdoor pool, over-water spa room, wine cellar, games room, and chicken coop. It was built in 2003 with a rustic chateau-inspired style.
Still, the report also included a more sympathetic view of their choice. A California real estate source said not every buyer sees a home as “a vanity project.” The insider added that bigger and newer does not automatically mean better. For Harry and Meghan, the source said the estate offered privacy, grounds, and a relaxed setting. Meghan previously said buying the house initially felt impossible. She said, “We didn’t have jobs.” Then, she compared it to window shopping and said looking at unaffordable things “doesn’t feel good.”
Originally reported by Santanu Das on Reality Tea
