Rishi Sunak is on a 5-week holiday, a parliamentary break that has garnered attention as the country faces various political and economic challenges. The timing of the holiday has sparked discussions about the balance between leadership responsibilities and personal time after he was recently voted out of No 10.
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While the exact details of his holiday are not publicised it is understood that he will be spending time with his family, that is, his wife Akshata Murty and their two daughters.
Rishi Sunak and Akshata spotted in California
Amidst this, the Mirror reported this week that the couple was spotted in California. According to the report, Sunak and Murty were seen in Santa Monica, a location with personal significance as they own a property there from the list of his diverse property portfolio. The two were seen enjoying a meal at a Beverly Hills restaurant Funke - where a mushroom pizza costs almost £32.
The restaurant is situated in a 1930s Art Deco building and is frequently visited by celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox.
Considering the recent events in Sunak’s life, it’s no surprise that he chose to holiday in California - a place that holds a special place in the couple’s heart. Tatler reports that Sunak met his wife Murty while he was studying at Stanford University. The couple made tons of memories there and Sunak also proposed to her in California.
Ever since he became a PM in October 2022, Sunak only went back to California once for a family holiday after the pandemic. During that time, he also visited Disneyland in nearby Anaheim with his family.
Rishi Sunak’s $7.2 million beach home in California
California is also special to the couple as they own a $7.2 million beach home in the American state. Nestled in the idyllic surroundings of Santa Monica on Muscle Beach, the 44-year-old’s home is just a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Ocean. The area is famous for its palm-lined streets, luxurious dining and a laid-back beach culture that blends perfectly with the glamour of Los Angeles.
The beach home is a penthouse apartment in a luxurious building that has a Starbucks on the ground floor. Constructed in 2014, the building also has a brunch spot that serves a $34 eggs Benedict, reports Politico.
The location of the house allows Sunak's family easy access to Muscle Beach, and is minutes away from Santa Monica City Hall and has many elite schools in the area.
Will Rishi Sunak move to California?
Sunak’s California house has always posed a big question about his future. There have been speculations that he may soon leave the UK and move into his California house. President Joe Biden gave him an open invitation to come back to the state whenever he likes amidst suggestions that his former Stanford pals are looking up lucrative gigs for him in Silicon Valley. Considering he’s a leading voice on Artificial Intelligence in the UK, the tech scene in California may lure him back to the beachside.
However, Sunak cleared the air on the subject recently and denied that he is planning to move back to California. On being asked if he would leave London, Sunak said in an interview in May 2024:
It’s simply not true. I mean, it’s just simply not true. This is my home. I mean, my football team just got promoted back in the Premiership and I hope to be watching them for years to come in the Premier League.
He further added that he’s committed to being an MP for the next five years.
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Sources Used
Mirror: Rishi Sunak and wife tuck into Beverly Hills Michelin star meal as UK in riots turmoil
Tatler: Why Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty’s holiday destination of California holds a special place in their hearts
Politico: Rishi Sunak’s California escape hatch: His $7.2 million beach home
