Prince Harry and Meghan's Montecito mansion doubles in value

News of the royal couple's real estate win comes after the Duchess of Sussex rejoined Instagram with a playful video of herself on the beach.

Meghan Markle has also announced the release date for her new Netflix show, as well as the official trailer.

According to Daily mailThe Sussexes' real estate decisions have paid off as their luxury nine-bedroom property in Montecito has doubled in value since they bought it in 2020.

Originally purchased for $14.65 million, the property has grown in value to more than $29 million. The Montecito mansion known as “The Chateau” is a breathtaking property built in 2003. Set in 5.4 hectares of lush gardens with stunning sea views, the property has been described as a 'hidden paradise'.

A grand stone-posted gate, bordered by immaculately manicured hedges, opens onto a lane paved with hand-cut Santa Barbara stone that leads through an archway to the main house.

The stunning estate is said to have taken nearly five years to complete and features luxurious amenities including a library, office, spa with dry and wet saunas, gym, game room, arcade, theater, wine cellar and five-car garage.

In addition, the property boasts expansive lawns, tiered rose gardens, centuries-old olive trees, tall Italian cypresses, lavender fields, a tennis court, a tea house, a children's cottage, a swimming pool and a two-bedroom guest house.

Despite the idyllic setting of Harry and Meghan's home, the Duchess chose not to film her upcoming Netflix series there.

Talking to NewsweekCharlie Lankston, Executive Editor at the site Realtor.comnoted that there would still be increased interest in Harry and Meghan's home thanks to the Netflix show, regardless of where it was filmed.

“The release of Meghan's new Netflix series 'With Love, Meghan' will undoubtedly only increase interest in the couple's home life, despite the fact that it was not actually filmed in the couple's marital mansion, but simply on a rented property minutes away,” Lankston said.

For her show, the Duchess rented eight acres of luxurious $8 million estate filled with avocado trees and lemon groves.

The property is reportedly owned by Tom and Sherry Cipolla, powerful figures in Montecito's elite circles.

The duo's 4,500-square-foot residence features four bedrooms and bathrooms with elegant French doors that open to a picturesque patio, lush lawn, and sweeping mountain views.

On her recently launched Instagram account, Meghan introduced her new lifestyle series, “Love, Meghan.

The series, which premieres on January 15, marks a career milestone for the 43-year-old duchess, who will serve as both host and executive producer.

In a statement, Meghan shared the trailer on her page, writing, “I was so excited to share it with you! I hope you love the show as much as I loved making it.”

She continued: “Wishing you all a fantastic new year! Thank you to our amazing team and the @netflix team. Thank you so much for all the support and fun! As always Megan.”

In the official trailer for the show, Meghan is shown engaging in everyday pleasures such as cooking in the kitchen, arranging flowers, tending to the beehive and hosting friends and family.

It also highlighted a special moment where Prince Harry is seen hugging his wife while drinking from a cup.

“I've always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it,” Megan said in the trailer for The Lovin' Spoonful's “Do You Believe in Magic.”

The Duchess continued: “Surprise people with moments that let them know I'm really thinking about them.”

“We're not after perfection; we're after joy,” Megan noted elsewhere in the trailer. “Love is in the details,” she added.

In a statement shared with People magazineNetflix described the series as “an inspirational series produced by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, that reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming by combining practical guidance and candid conversations with new and old friends.”

They highlighted the lighthearted and approachable tone of the show: “Megan shares personal tips and tricks with a more playfulness than perfection, and emphasizes how easy it is to create beauty even in the unexpected. She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, garden and beyond, and I invite you to do the same.”

The eight-episode series, each 33 minutes long, features Meghan's closest circle of friends.

Her longtime makeup artist Daniel Martin and photographer Delfina Blaquier, wife of polo star and Harry's close friend Nacho Figueras, made notable appearances.