Inside the Property Investments of Harry and Meghan

Before Montecito glamour and multimillion-dollar estates, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle began life in England in significantly more modest homes: Nottingham Cottage, informally known as « Nott Cott. » Out of sight in Kensington Palace grounds, the 17th-century red-brick cottage offered royal charm in bite-sized portions—1,300 square feet, two bedrooms, and famously low ceilings. Meghan once described it as « so small, » and Harry joked in their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan that the entire house leaned to one side.
But whereas the cottage lacked in size, it compensated in closeness. With its tile checkerboarded kitchen, comfortable living room, and tiny dining alcove, Nott Cott hosted the start of their romance and Meghan’s transition from Toronto to royal duties. It witnessed their engagement party, the end of Meghan’s Suits era, and the beginning of their life together. But when their family expanded—and they required additional vertical space—the couple moved a short while before Archie was born, closing the door on their original shared home.
Frogmore Cottage

A wedding present from Queen Elizabeth II, Frogmore Cottage was the Sussexes’ new beginning—and a real design upgrade. Situated on Windsor Castle grounds, the building was transformed from a multi-flat configuration into a five-bedroom family home, costing allegedly $3 million. Upgrades included a sleek kitchen, Meghan’s yoga studio, guest quarters, and peaceful nursery designed for baby Archie.
The move offered greater privacy, room to grow, and the unobtrusive standing of Windsor. It was their early-day headquarters in Archie. Royal existence was, though, unstable, and once they stepped down from their positions, Harry and Meghan repaid the renovation costs and asserted that they would divide their time between the UK and North America. As of June 2023, following a request to depart, the saga at Frogmore ended.
Montecito Mansion
Whereas Nott Cott was quaint and Frogmore refined, Montecito signals unapologetic California dream. In July 2020, the couple purchased their first home: a $14.65 million, Mediterranean-inspired Santa Barbara County mansion. Sitting on 7.4 acres of land, the compound boasts nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a teahouse, guesthouse, tennis court, pool, rose gardens, and chicken coop that’s deserving of farm-fresh living.

Within, sunny, bright spaces, wooden timbers, and a warm, wine-country color palette make the room cozy-grand. Amenities are plentiful in the shape of a gym, sauna, library, arcade, wine cellar, shared office space, game room, and a five-car garage. While their kitchen has been thoroughly renovated, Meghan likes to shoot a comparable rental space for her lifestyle program, so that their actual kitchen can be kept private to preserve their « safe haven. »
For now, Montecito is home—a community where royal headlines give way to chickens, tranquility, and the comfort of anonymity.