How much work goes into maintaining Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's $20m home?

Herald Sun

14-05-2025

New details have emerged on how much Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are spending on maintenance for their swanky $US14.65 million ($A20.9 million) California mansion.
UK Home Improvement expert Justin Nielsen, from Wolf River Electric, estimates that the nine-bedroom pad will need around 10 to 15 staff members to keep it in tip top condition, The Sun reports.
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 ($A308,000) and £250,000 ($A514,000).
'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 digs.
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Playground for Archie and Lilibet
The royal couple's children, 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 playroom.
The outdoor adventure area has slides, swings, a climbing frame, climbing wall, helter skelter (play equipment) 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
Meghan and Harry gave Oprah Winfrey 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 $23 million on their Montecito home in 2020, they were informed there was a one drawback with the property.
The luxe residence came with some 'stressed' koi carp in the pond that needed professional care.
Writing about their home in his memoir 'Spare', 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 revealed he was informed that he would have to 'hire a koi guy' for the stressed fish, and he had inquired as to where to find a specialist.
He continued: 'The agent wasn't sure. We laughed. First-world problems.'
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.
'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
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 photo shoot – loomed behind.
The couple took out a massive $14.9 million mortgage on their lavish nine bedroom, 16 bathroom estate – which they are calling their 'sanctuary'.
It also boasts a theatre, arcade and guesthouse.
Parts of this story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.
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