Photo: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Cover Photo: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, a mansion just a stone’s throw from Harry and Meghan in the exclusive Montecito neighbourhood is on the market now

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made California home in 2020—and now, you can too, in the very same exclusive neighbourhood the couple are based in.

The former royals reportedly paid US$14.7 million for a house in Montecito in the coastal county of Santa Barbara, around 90 miles northwest of Los Angeles. A five-bedroom, 10-bathroom house in Montecito is currently on the market for US$29.5 million. 

And even though they reportedly want to sell their home, they are said to be fond of the Montecito neighbourhood and are looking to remain there.

In case you missed it: Inside Japan’s Former Princess Mako’s Luxurious New York City Apartment

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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
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Taking up 12,205 sq ft of interior space, the house sits on 2.20 acres of land within the gated community of Birnam Wood. It was built in 2002.

It’s not your average luxury mansion either: dubbed “California’s Palace of Versailles”, the chateau-inspired estate comes with extravagant details. 

Read more: Inside Shang-Chi Star Simu Liu’s Dazzling New Hollywood Hills Mansion

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Photo: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Above Photo: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

Think French marble tops in the kitchen, gold bathroom fixtures and what its listing agent describes as “historic chandeliers.”

There are three private elevators that take you to a host of living spaces underground, including a wine cellar, library, as well as an underground tunnel and a safety room.

 

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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
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Amenities also include a bar, gym, sauna and steam room, plus two master closets.

A state-of-the-art smart home system controls features such as the surround sound as well as coloured lights in the pool.

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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

The extensive private gardens boast some covetable features, too. A 1,000-year-old Carrara marble fountain sits on manicured lawns. Here you’ll also find roses that are patented to the estate, an eight-hole putting green, as well as an outdoor kitchen and a barbecue area.

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Photo 1 of 3 Photo: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Photo 2 of 3 Photo: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Photo 3 of 3 Photo: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties

If this home is to your liking, Harry and Meghan won’t be your only famous neighbours in Montecito. The area—which has a population of 8,245 according to the 2019 census—has emerged as something of a celebrity enclave in recent years. Other stars with properties there include Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry and Ellen Degeneres.

The home is available for sale from Berkshire Hathaway.

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