Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s fans defend $29m home interiors after neighbour backlash

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s $29 million Montecito mansion has come under fire for its untouched interiors and now fans online have been defending the royal couple’s design decision. Speaking in his The Royalist podcast, journalist Tom Sykes revealed that the couple’s neighbours have criticised them for not demolishing their 2003-built residence to make way for a modern mansion like many high-profile celebrities do. But most recently, their rustic interiors are being celebrated…

In a video shared by content creator and interior design enthusiast, Sara Parker, the Sussexes’ property has been showcased and praised. Sara says she is “obsessed” with the decor and her review also specifically highlights the “stunning” outdoor kitchen made from stone and the impressive over-water tea room that “doesn’t look like it’s in California”. Sara remarks that she is “so happy” that Meghan hasn’t touched the “warm” and “inviting” decor in the kitchen, which is interestingly the same room that has had critique from others for looking old-fashioned. 

The comments section was a mixed bag, but included a lot of positivity for their property. “She’s fabulous and so is her home,” penned one user and: “Stunning. Everyone is jealous, absolutely sick with jealousy,” added another. A third wrote: “Beautiful property.”

What have Harry and Meghan’s neighbours said?

Speaking on his podcast, journalist Tom Sykes revealed: “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?

© Giggster

“And there they are, still sort of padding around in a kitchen that looks straight out of the Olive Garden, you know, circa 1994.”

Despite the apparent backlash, we certainly feel that the rustic aesthetic aligns seamlessly with Meghan’s wholesome lifestyle brand, As Ever. More about the mansion below…

Details on the Sussexes’ mansion

© @meghan

The estate is officially known as the Chateau of Riven Rock and they initially purchased it for $14.65 million after stepping back from royal duties. Now, it is believed to be worth a dazzling $29 million, meaning the pair have made a lucrative real estate investment.

Glimpses inside the residence have revealed many of the impressive features, including the home cinema room, the master suite’s balcony overlooking the breathtaking views and their beautiful home office that is shared by the couple.

The exterior of the building is postcard-worthy, looking like a holiday villa with climbing vines and exposed stone. The lush surrounding grounds famously boast two interconnected palm trees that hold a sentimental meaning for the couple, symbolising their union. Meghan revealed all when speaking to The Cut. “One of the first things my husband saw when we walked around the house was those two palm trees. See how they’re connected at the bottom? He goes, ‘My love, it’s us.’  And now every day when Archie goes by us, he says, ‘Hi, Momma. Hi, Papa.'”