The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have purchased a palatial home in the sweeping hillsides of Santa Barbara. Far from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Harry and Meghan will be an hour and a half outside the city and will now enjoy picturesque ocean and mountain views in their new California home.
On real estate listings, the Sussexes abode is described as a “single family home that contains 18,671 square feet and was built in 2003. It contains 9 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms. This home last sold for $14,650,000 (Harry and Meghan’s purchase) in June 2020.” The couple were given a deal on the home as the property previously sold for $25,279,500 in 2009.
The estate is on 7.38 acres (2 parcels) of verdant gardens with panoramic ocean and mountain views. The main residence is approximately 18,671 square feet including an office suite, elevator, gym, wine cellar, theater, billiard/game room, spa and sauna. In addition, the home offers a separate 2 bedroom and 2 bath guesthouse, teahouse, 5-car garage, pool and large tennis court.
Previous real estate listings have described the home as “the Chateau of Montecito.” The style of the property has also been described as “Tuscan Mediterranean” with an ideal location in the heart of the Southern California enclave of Montecito. The home was recently updated with the the latest Lutron lighting systems and Crestron, including iPad control. Immaculately clipped hedges border the estate’s stone-pillared entry gates. The entrance opens onto a wide lane paved with hand cut Santa Barbara Stone that leads through a grand archway of trees to the main residence.
It’s thought that Prince Harry has made some of his recent Travalyst Zoom calls inside his new home office if he were sitting at the room’s corner desk. The wood paneling appears to be in the same spot and the top of an upholstered office chair appears to be a match from listing photos. Plus, in evening calls–a reflection of decorative sconces is also a match for the setup of the room. Thus, it’s possible Harry and Meghan purchased the home furnished or partially furnished.
While the Sussexes have been on the move, this home is thought to be their permanent residence for the foreseeable future. As the estate includes a large playground, pool, tennis court and other family-friendly amenities, Archie will have plenty of space to grow and play as he gets older.
