Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Montecito mansion has sparked controversy online after some critics questioned the couple’s choice to keep the home’s original design. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex bought their California home after leaving the British monarchy, and the property is now reportedly worth around $29 million. Despite its value, some neighbors and commentators have mocked the house for not being modernized, according to journalist Tom Sykes. Yet Sussexes’ fans recently defended the couple’s decision to preserve the home’s warm and rustic style.
“I was in New York last week, and I was meeting with somebody who lives fairly near them, and they said to me that that house that they occupy in Montecito is like a source of laughing stock. It’s kind of shameful because, of course, in America, if you’re a billionaire and you buy a house for $14 million, I mean, what’s the first thing you do? Knock it down, you know, or at the very least remodel it, you know?” the journalist said.
The discussion gained attention after interior design content creator Sara Parker shared a video praising the property’s appearance. She highlighted features such as the outdoor stone kitchen and the overwater tea room, saying the home felt inviting and unique. Parker also said she was happy Meghan Markle had not changed the kitchen decor, which some critics had previously described as old-fashioned. In addition, many social media users agreed with her opinion, commenting that the mansion is beautiful and arguing that people criticizing the home were simply jealous of the couple’s lifestyle.
@.sara_parker Let’s step inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s $29 million Montecito estate #princeharryandmeghan #meghanmarkle #homereview #interiordesign #housetour
Despite the criticism over the former royal couple and their current home, many fans believe that their house e matches Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, which focuses on comfort and natural living. The estate, known as the Chateau of Riven Rock, also includes features such as a home office, a cinema room, and large outdoor spaces with symbolic palm trees that Harry once described as representing his relationship with Meghan Markle.
