Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been shockingly driven out of their Montecito mansion, facing a £400 fine for water wastage.
The couple, residing in the $14 million estate for just 18 months, has decided to sell the sprawling 9-bedroom property as it no longer meets their expectations.
Reports suggest that they are now exploring options to purchase their dream home, considering putting their £11 million L.A. mansion on the market.
However, a new ban in their Montecito neighborhood poses a challenge, potentially leading the Sussexes to rent out their home instead of selling it.
With California bracing for a drought, all properties in the area are prohibited from using hosepipes to water the landscape, risking the health of grass and plants.
This ban could significantly impact the couple’s gardening expenses, which are estimated to reach £15,000 per month.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, known for their immaculately maintained garden featuring rose gardens, topiary, fruit trees, cypresses, lavender bushes, and olive trees, have initiated inquiries into selling their estate.
Despite appreciating the Santa Barbara area, they seem dissatisfied with their current residence and its location within the community, surrounded by lush grounds and trees.
Maintaining such a vast property comes at a high cost, with property taxes, staff wages, security expenses, and a potentially hefty mortgage payment.
As Harry and Meghan seek a new family home for themselves and their children, including son Archie and daughter Lilybette Diana, the challenge of preserving their garden’s appeal to buyers looms large.
Their 9-bedroom, 16-bathroom mansion, lacking natural creeks in its historic topography, boasts a swimming pool, artificial pond, babbling brook, and small waterfall.
The installation of a well in 2016 aids in keeping the gardens green, though concerns have been raised about the property’s water consumption in a region prone to droughts.
The recent water usage restrictions, aimed at conserving resources amid fears of wildfires in the arid region, apply to all residents, including Prince Harry and Meghan.
Violators face fines of up to £300 ($500) for breaching the rules, which prohibit activities like watering grass after rainfall, filling fountains, or washing cars without a shut-off nozzle.
Notably, in 2014, Oprah Winfrey, a friend and neighbor of Harry and Meghan, had to transport thousands of gallons of water to her estate during a drought.
The community’s collective efforts to adhere to water conservation measures resulted in substantial penalties, highlighting the importance of responsible water usage in the face of environmental challenges.
