Meghan Markle reportedly has a specific wish list for the family's new UK home, including nine bedrooms, a film studio and extensive private land, after the Sussexes returned to Britain from the US.
The couple landed in the UK last week after six years in America, ahead of their children starting school during an extended stay. They arrived at Birmingham Airport on Wednesday and travelled in a convoy of blacked-out SUVs to the home of a family friend on the edge of the Cotswolds while they search for a more permanent residence.
Property requirements revealed
Sources close to the couple told the Daily Mail that Meghan wants nine bedrooms, matching the count at the $15 million Montecito property she already owns, as well as a film studio. Harry is said to want “a lot, and I mean a lot, of land, and no footpaths going across it to protect their privacy.”
Three separate sources have said that despite reports a £12 million house is locked in, no deal has been closed. Money is reportedly of no concern, with the couple working with a “gargantuan budget.”
Property portfolio plans
It is believed they will not sell their Montecito mansion, meaning they could soon have three properties: the California house, a £6.2 million holiday home in Portugal and a new UK home.
The move has sparked speculation in the US, with a person in the Santa Barbara luxury market telling The NY Post there “have been rumblings” that they might quietly offload the Montecito estate, noting “every broker wants that listing.” Douglas Elliman broker Jason Streatfeild told The Post he has “a strong feeling that it’s already being discussed and shown,” adding that deals like this often happen off-market with a nondisclosure agreement signed and terms sealed until the property records at the county.
Film studio and outdoorsy ethos
It is reported that Meghan wants a film studio at the new property to run her As Ever brand from the UK, despite it currently not shipping in Britain. One source claimed she “won’t be able to resist building a film studio at their new home” and will end up “home making content” once she has found her feet, adding “that is the heart of who she is.”
As for Harry, it is believed he wants his children to have an “outdoorsy and sporting ethos” in terms of schooling, and therefore wants his home to reflect this outdoorsy feel with plenty of land.
