| Key Points |
|---|
| 1. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s $14 million mansion in Montecito is akin to managing a small boutique hotel, with extensive amenities and high operating costs. |
| 2. Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, faces challenges including mixed reception and difficulties in staffing. |
| 3. Despite the hurdles, Meghan is excited about her brand. |
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have settled in Montecito, California, but can they manage their lavish estate without royal staffers? According to real estate company owner Eric Bramlett, “Managing a $14 million mansion like Harry and Meghan’s in Montecito takes a lot of work. It’s like running a small boutique hotel with residential service.”
The property boasts high operating costs and spans seven acres, featuring a spa with wet and dry sauna, a gym, games room, arcade theater, tennis court, pool, hot tub, a children’s cottage, and even a two-bedroom guest house. Maintaining such an estate is no small feat.
| Meghan Markle Biography | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rachel Meghan Markle |
| Date of Birth | August 4, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Profession | Actress, Humanitarian, Member of the British Royal Family |
| Years Active | 2001–2017 (actress) |
| Famous Role | Rachel Zane on Suits |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Parents | Thomas Markle Sr., Doria Ragland |
| Siblings | Samantha Markle, Thomas Markle Jr. |
| Education | Northwestern University |
| Spouse | Trevor Engelson (m. 2011; div. 2013), Prince Harry (m. 2018) |
| Children | Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor |
| Notable Works | Suits, Remember Me, Fringe |
| Philanthropy | Advocate for women’s issues, social justice, co-founder of Archewell Inc. |
| Interesting Fact | Ran a lifestyle blog called The Tig (2014–2017) |
A Lifestyle Brand Adds to the Challenges
As if managing the mansion weren’t enough, Meghan has also embarked on building her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard. Launched in March, this brand aims to help customers achieve the Montecito lifestyle. However, not all has gone smoothly for Meghan. Royal biographer Angela Levin commented:
She is very upset about what is happening with this American Orchard Rivera [Orchard], [and] she is not happy about how it has been received. The jam was a bit of a laughing stock; she sent it off to about fifty friends and only a few replied.
She Faces Staffing Challenges For Her Brand
Managing American Riviera Orchard hasn’t been a walk in the park either. Angela Levin added that Meghan has faced issues finding committed staff:
She’s had a lot of trouble finding a CEO to run it for her and is having trouble finding a chef. Some have gone along to see how it is but say she is so meticulous about everything…she’s so demanding.
This meticulous nature seems to be hindering progress, adding further stress to Meghan’s plate.
Meghan Markle’s American Riviera Orchard
Despite the hurdles, those close to Meghan believe in her vision. A source revealed that Meghan finds the name American Riviera Orchard perfect. It feels authentic to her. She’s excited about launching the website and sharing products ranging from fabric gift wraps to pillows for household pets.
Bramlett reinforces that managing such an estate involves integrating creative visionaries like architects and engineers. He remarks:
One to creatively see the vision and the design…and one to focus on the implementation and evolution of that design…The Architect and Engineer are necessary to truly elevate the success of all those we serve 365 days a year!
Meghan Markle Faces Challenges in Lifestyle Brand Launch Despite High-Profile Support
Angela Levin also pointed out challenges beyond logistics: “I think she thought she would sail in and everybody would think it was wonderful…but actually it’s jolly hard work.” Though reputed personalities like Chrissy Teigen have received jars of her jam, the reception hasn’t met expectations.
From managing a sprawling estate to launching a lifestyle brand amid mixed reviews, Meghan Markle certainly faces significant challenges. But with determination and the right team, she might just turn things around.
Follow Us
