Harry & Meghan Leave Montecito Empty – $14.5M Mansion Kept, Not Sold Or Rented For Now

New chapter in the U.K. – but Montecito isn't gone

From SoCal life to the Cotswolds

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have traded their California routine for a fresh start in the U.K. – the couple and their children have been living in the Cotswolds for over a month. The move, sources say, was driven in large part by a desire to be closer to King Charles, and it includes Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.

Even so, their Montecito house remains a part of the picture. The pair haven't cut ties to the States completely – the estate is still being looked after while they figure out their next steps.

What's happening with the $14.5 million Montecito mansion

No new residents for now

The 18,000-square-foot Montecito property the couple bought in 2020 will remain unoccupied for the time being. An insider told Page Six that "no one is moving in," and confirmed there are caretakers keeping the grounds and buildings in order.

"For now the house will stay empty – there are folks maintaining the property while the couple settles into life back in Britain," said a source close to the situation.

The home is a notable piece of SoCal real estate – nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms and sprawling outdoor amenities like a tennis court, tea house, pool, rose gardens and a children’s cottage. There’s also a two-bedroom guest residence, and the whole compound is gated and private – a big selling point when they bought it.

Sale and rental chatter – the financial angle

Money talk behind the headlines

Since the move, speculation has swirled about whether the non-working royals would sell or rent the Montecito estate. Earlier reports flagged roughly $600,000 in mortgage payments and taxes as a motivating factor behind possible sale talks, fueling conversation among real estate watchers in and out of California.

Despite that chatter, the most recent update from an insider is firm – the property isn’t being sold or rented out at the moment. For now, it’s on hold while a small team keeps an eye on the place.

Settling back in Britain – school, security and public life

Early bumps with school logistics

Adjusting to British life hasn’t been seamless. The couple pulled their children from their first school two days into term because of commute complications tied to their security arrangements. On top of that, Meghan’s personal phone number appeared in a WhatsApp parents’ group, creating an awkward privacy moment.

Still, sources say the family is focusing on the kids and making the new base work. Harry has returned to public-facing events and is navigating life back on British soil, while Meghan has not yet been seen at any major public gatherings.

Harry's return to public events

Invictus Games appearance and family update

At a recent Invictus Games charity event, Harry stepped back into the public eye and shared an update about the children. He reassured those watching that the kids are settling in and described the move as positive for the family’s wellbeing.

As the couple balances family life across two continents – and the Montecito estate sits quietly under care – the story of whether the home becomes a long-term asset or a short-term holding is likely to stay part of the conversation for the foreseeable future.