Duke of Cambridge's latest £16 million Windsor residence in contrast with Duke of Sussex's $29 million Montecito estate
Royal Families' New Homes: A Comparison of Forest Lodge and Montecito
In a recent interview, Princess Kate spoke about the healing power of nature and her "sanctuary," referring to it as her "life-changing" cancer treatment. As the family prepares for a fresh start, they have moved from Adelaide Cottage to a new estate, Forest Lodge, in Windsor Great Park.
Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom, six-bathroom Georgian mansion, is steeped in history with features such as Flemish-bond brickwork, Venetian windows, a half-barrel vaulted ceiling in the entrance hall, marble fireplaces, glittering chandeliers, six chimneys, nine bay windows, and a cellar. The home has undergone light modern upgrades while retaining its historic charm, making it a perfect private family residence without live-in staff.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made their home in Montecito, a property worth $29 million, situated on a large estate in Santa Barbara, California. Known for its luxury and privacy, the residence boasts multiple buildings with numerous bedrooms and bathrooms, extensive outdoor spaces such as gardens, tennis courts, and pools, designed for comfortable family living and entertaining. The style reflects a blend of modern Californian design with a focus on indoor-outdoor living, expansive grounds, and amenities for privacy and security.
A comparison of the two homes reveals some key differences. Forest Lodge, located in the heart of the 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park, combines historic British architecture with a modest family lifestyle, while the Montecito estate showcases modern luxury tailored for privacy and Californian outdoor living.
The outdoor features of the Montecito home include a large pool, a tennis court, a chicken coop, rose gardens, a roomy terrace with a wood-fired stove and barbecue. In contrast, Forest Lodge offers a pond, a small lake, a paddock, and a tennis court.
Prince William and Princess Kate are reportedly funding the renovations for Forest Lodge themselves, while the Duke of Cornwall, Prince William, benefits from the Duchy of Cornwall, a land estate mainly located in south-west England, which is worth approximately £1bn. The couple is reportedly receiving around $30 million a year from the Duchy of Cornwall Estate.
Forest Lodge underwent £1.5m restoration works in 2001 and was rented out for £15,000 a month. The mansion houses a library, an office shared by Meghan and her husband, a sauna, gym, games room and arcade, a wine cellar, and a five-car garage. The Montecito home, purchased after leaving their British residence, Frogmore Cottage, in 2020, is now their family home, where they live with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
Both homes are spacious and luxurious but reflect somewhat different styles and cultures. While Forest Lodge offers a glimpse into the past with its historic British architecture, the Montecito estate showcases modern luxury tailored for privacy and Californian outdoor living. Despite their differences, both residences are suited to high-profile, family-centered lifestyles with extensive recreational and entertaining facilities.
- When asked about their new home, Prince William mentioned the healing power of nature, compare this to Meghan Markle, who also appreciates the beauty of nature in their new home in Montecito.
- The PTI (People's Television Network) might delve into the lifestyle comparisons between Prince William and Prince Harry, given their proximity before and their disparate choices of homes now - Forest Lodge versus Montecito.
- Home-and-Garden magazine editors, keep an eye on the entertainment industry, so they might be intrigued by the transformation of Forest Lodge, once home to Prince William and Kate, compared to the modern Californian design of Meghan and Harry's Montecito estate.
- The world seems to be abuzz with the transition of Prince William and Katie's move to Forest Lodge and Harry and Meghan's choice of Montecito, as the homes of celebrities remain a hot topic in the realm of entertainment news.
- Since both Prince William and Prince Harry have homes with extensive outdoor features, Us Weekly might attempt to host a friendly tennis match or barbecue competition, inviting both pairs to shed light on their unique recreational experiences in their respective homes - Forest Lodge and Montecito.
