Inside Meghan Markle's extravagant garden at £12million mansion – with private swimming pool & koi fish pond

The Sun

12-05-2025

MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry relocated from Britain to buy a swanky £12million mansion in California in 2020.
But while the nine-bedroom pad looks every inch an A-list retreat, their beautiful grounds are the true shopper of the property.
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From a private swimming pool to a koi fish pond and tennis courts, it is clear to see why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex love their new Montecito bolthole.
There is even a chicken coop, a slip and slide, and playground for Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, three.
Home Improvement expert Justin Nielsen, from Wolf River Electric, estimates that the property will need around 10 to 15 staff members to keep it in tip top condition.
He shared that this would include 'groundskeepers, horticulturists, pool technicians, and security personnel.
The garden expert added: "Given the array of features, including a swimming pool, tennis court, koi pond, children's playhouse, and chicken coop, the annual upkeep costs could easily reach between £150,000 and £250,000.
'This estimate accounts for landscaping, utilities, specialised care for the koi fish, and general maintenance.'
He added that staff would be required to work each month of the year, and said: 'The maintenance of this estate is not a seasonal endeavour but requires round-the-year attention.'
While Meghan and Harry often keep their home life private, they have given fans a sneak peek into their tranquil new digs…
Playground for Archie and Lilibet
Archie and Lilibet may not be growing up in a British palace, but their home sounds like a children's paradise.
The two youngsters have an incredible adventure playground outside, as well as a playhouse, and an indoor princess playhouse.
'Devastated' Meghan Markle shares tribute to beagle Guy with swet video of kids Archie & Lilibet singing 'we love you'
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The outdoor adventure area has slides, swings, a climbing frame, climbing wall, helter skelter and other fun obstacle courses.
And we've already seen a sneak peek at their garden playhouse, when the Sussexes shared a painting of them outside for their 2020 Christmas card.
The Sussex brood have five acres of land surrounding their Santa Barbara mansion, so it looks perfect for Lilibet and Archie to enjoy.
Chicken mansion
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Meghan and Prince Harry gave Oprah the grand tour of their mansion and revealed they have rescue chickens from a factory farm.
The couple walked the talk show host to their coop - a home to rescued chickens.
In the video clip, an adorable red hen house dubbed "Archie's Chick Inn" was also spotted.
Oprah said the chickens were saved from a nearby factory farm.
Koi fish pond
When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex splashed out their Montecito mansion in 2020 and they were informed there was a one drawback with the property.
The problem was the nine-bedroom home already had some very particular residents who called it home… the koi carp in the pond.
Writing in his bombshell memoir Spare, Prince Harry wrote: 'We found a place.
'Priced at a steep discount. Just up the coast, outside Santa Barbara.
'Lots of room, large gardens, a climbing frame—even a pond with koi carp.
'The koi were stressed, the estate agent warned.
'So are we. We'll all get along famously.
'No, the agent explained, the koi need very particular care.'
The Duke of Sussex revealed he was informed that he would have to 'hire a koi guy' for the stressed fish, and he had enquired as to where to find a specialist.
Vegetable patch
The couple are said to grow their own vegetables in their garden, and use the ingredients for their meals.
After Lilibet's birth, a friend told Closer: "The couple has been relaxing at home since becoming proud parents of Lilibet.
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"Harry is a devoted family man and has been helping out around the house.
"He picks vegetables from the garden to make fresh juices for Meghan and entertains Archie when she needs to rest up.
'He loves taking Archie to see the chickens or for a swim in the pool."
Cute seating areas
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When the couple weighed in on the US election when they filmed a special message to voters outside their home.
The pair were filmed sitting on a bench in the middle of a neatly trimmed patch of grass.
Either side of them, there were well maintained flower beds and a large tree - which would later feature in their pregnancy photoshoot - loomed behind.
The couple took out a massive £7.25m mortgage on their lavish nine bedroom, 16 bathroom estate - which they are calling their "sanctuary".
It also boasts a theatre, arcade and guest house.
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PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have lived in their luxury Montecito mansion since they splashed out £11.93m on it in June 2020.
The sprawling nine-bed, 16-bath home in Santa Barbara sits on 5.4 acres of land and features a library, office, spa, gym, game room, wine cellar and five-car garage, it's believed.
The estate also boasts sweeping lawns, tiered rose gardens, tall Italian cypress trees, blooming lavender, olive trees, a tennis court, tea house, children's cottage and a pool.
The couple have treated fans to glimpses of their multiple living spaces on several occasions - showing off a minimalist vibe.
It is said to have more than doubled in value since the former royals bought it.