Neighbors Mock Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Montecito Mansion
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves the subject of ridicule among Montecito locals for their outdated mansion, despite shelling out $14 million for the property. The Mediterranean-style estate, affectionately known as the “Chateau of Riven Rock,” was constructed back in 2003 and still showcases the design aesthetic of the early 2000s. While the royal couple spared no expense when it came to renovating their previous residence, Frogmore Cottage, updating their Montecito home appears to have been placed on the back burner.
According to royal expert Tom Sykes, a local resident commented on the mismatch between the Sussexes’ taste and the untouched style of their Montecito residence. Sykes noted that rather than embracing the opportunity to remodel or even tear down the dated mansion, the duo seems content with living in a space reminiscent of a bygone era. The decision to maintain the heavy dark wood and stone features of the property has sparked laughter and raised eyebrows among their well-to-do neighbors who may have opted for a more modern and personalized look.
Despite the prime seven-acre location, no significant modifications have been made to the home’s structure since it was first erected nearly 25 years ago. This lack of updates has left some perplexed, considering the vast resources available to individuals of the Sussexes’ status. Sykes couldn’t help but compare their antiquated kitchen to a scene straight out of the Olive Garden, emphasizing the lack of rejuvenation in the interior design.
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spared no expense in revamping Frogmore Cottage, allocating $3 million from the Sovereign Grant to renovate the property, the same enthusiasm did not seem to extend to their Montecito abode. The pair, who received Frogmore Cottage as a wedding gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II, transformed the property from five bedrooms to ten, incorporating two orangeries, a nursery, a vegetable garden, and a yoga studio under the guidance of interior design expert Vicky Charles. The walls of the cottage were even repainted with eco-friendly, non-toxic paint to align with the couple’s environmental values.
Despite their lavish previous renovation, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s financial situation has become a cause for concern. The failure of their high-profile Netflix and Spotify deals to materialize as anticipated has garnered criticism. With a substantial private security bill of $3 million annually, significant pressures have been placed on their finances. Consequently, the couple has downsized their workforce from 16 to a mere five employees across their organization, Archewell, raising questions regarding the state of their financial affairs.