Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have established a new life in Montecito, California. The couple bought a new mansion in the area, and their life was the focus of a new documentary, in which a neighbour shared some rare details.
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Over the years, there have been many rumours about the couple selling their US home. However, with neighbours like Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, and Katy Perry, they may be finding it hard to leave the place. As the most sought-after celebrity enclave in the US, it’s no surprise that the properties in the region have increased in value. According to Newsweek, the median home price in Montecito has been up about 47 per cent since June 2020, after a temporary slide in 2023.
Meghan and Harry’s home doubles in value
Following the same surge trend, it is understood that Harry and Meghan’s house has doubled in value since 2020. A Zillow estimate shows that the once $14.7 million 9-bedroom mansion is now worth $29,632,900. It has seen a 6.2 per cent increase in value over the past 30 days. This 110% increase is remarkable, even in Montecito, an area known for its celebrity residents and luxurious estates.
According to Hannah Jones, a senior economic research analyst for Realtor.com, a home doubling in value in such a short timeframe is rare, even in highly loved locations like Montecito. Several factors likely contributed to this outsized growth such as its prime location and its demand, thanks to a list of high-profile figures living in the area.
Moreover, Harry and Meghan’s prominence as former royals and media personalities adds a layer of desirability to their property and California’s housing market rebounded in 2024, with Montecito seeing a resurgence in luxury property interest.
Meghan Markle’s new show could further increase its value
Interestingly, Harry and Meghan—who are currently dealing with divorce rumours—may have another factor contributing to their home’s increasing net worth. Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix venture, ‘With Love, Meghan,’ is set to premiere on January 15, reports BBC.
The lifestyle show, which blends practical tips with candid conversations, has already generated significant media attention. While the series was filmed at a nearby $8 million property rather than the Sussexes’ home, its release could still indirectly influence the value of their Montecito estate.
The show’s focus on homemaking and Meghan’s public persona as a lifestyle icon aligns perfectly with the Montecito mansion’s image as a luxurious yet homely retreat. Charlie Lankston, executive editor at Realtor.com, believes that the show’s release will likely spark renewed interest in Meghan and Harry’s life in California.
What do we know about With Love, Meghan so far?
In April 2024, the couple’s media company Archewell said two new series were in production. One of them is With Love, Meghan which celebrates ‘the joys of cooking & gardening, entertaining, and friendship.’
The show promises an engaging blend of practical how-tos and heartfelt conversations. The series will feature eight 30-minute episodes and premiere on 15 January. It showcases Meghan’s take on cooking, gardening, and entertaining.
Celeb guest appearances include Mindy Kaling, Abigail Spencer, and renowned chefs like Roy Choi and Alice Waters. Prince Harry even makes a brief cameo with Meghan, reports The Express.
Meghan, who recently returned to Instagram under the account @meghan, also promoted the show on her account. She posted a trailer in which she is seen harvesting honey, arranging flowers, and preparing meals, all while embracing the mantra of pursuing joy over perfection. A voiceover states:
We’re not in the pursuit of perfection… we’re in the pursuit of joy.
In the caption, she wrote:
I have been so excited to share this with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it. Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thanks to our amazing crew and the team @netflix. Beyond grateful for the support - and fun! As ever, Meghan
The series aims to offer an intimate glimpse into Meghan's approach to lifestyle and homemaking, blending her personal experiences with practical advice for viewers.
Audience reacts to Meghan’s new Netflix show
The show has received diverse reactions from all over the internet, From celebs and critics to fans and royal experts, each has a different say in Meghan’s new venture. Meghan’s close friends and one of the guests on the show former Suits actress Abigail Spencer and podcast host Jamie Kern Lima have praised Meghan for her comeback, reports US Weekly.
Spencer shared on Instagram:
So elated for you @meghan! Happy New Year & 20twentythrive indeed! How lucky are we to get a glimpse into your heart-song, magical-thoughtfulness & deliciously-wonderful ways January 15th!
Meanwhile, Lima wrote:
I’m so excited for the world to experience even more of your joy, your heart, your kindness, your humor, your humility, your compassion, your many talents and your LOVE!
Meanwhile, many other fans and followers have expressed their dislike and disinterest in her new venture. One took to X and wrote:
Love that she is doing anything BUT helping less fortunate! do you believe in magic?
I’m sorry, but there are content creators on IG that are far more compelling and deserving of this show/ opportunity
Royal historian Dr Tessa Dunlop referred to the series as ‘laughable’ in an interview. She said:
It's so out-of-reach for the vast majority, that it is laughable.
I mean, come on, a reality series in which one of the richest women in the world is pretending she can teach us 'little tips and tricks'.
Demonstrating how 'we can incorporate these practises' into our domestic lives, as she meanders through her sun-dappled kitchen garden, retro basket in hand, before attending those designer bee hives, dripping with honey.
Read more:
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Sources used:
Newsweek: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry's California Home Doubles in Value
BBC: Meghan announces new Netflix lifestyle show
The Express: Meghan Markle's Netflix show branded 'laughable' as duchess 'so out of reach' from public
US Weekly: Celebs React to Meghan Markle’s Netflix Show: Abigail Spencer, Meghan McCain and More
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