Meghan Markle’s Netflix show and her $20m home

Meghan Markle has revealed why she filmed her Netflix series in a rental house instead of her own $20 million mansion.

Why Meghan Markle didn’t film Netflix show in her $20m mansion. Picture: Netflix

Meghan Markle has revealed why she filmed her Netflix series in a rental house instead of her own home.

In an interview with People, the Duchess of Sussex said she always wanted her home life to be private and a place of peace.

The former “Suits” actress chose to film her new reality show “With Love, Meghan” at a nearby rental that gave off the same vibes as her $US14.65 million ($A20.9 million) mansion in Montecito, California.

“I wanted to protect that safe haven,” she explained to the outlet of the house she shares with husband Prince Harry and their kids, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.

“We’re a close-knit family, and I love those moments — putting Lili down for a nap, having lunch together, having sacred time together at the end of the day.

“Our kitchen is where Mama just cooks for the family, and with a crew of 80-plus people, that’s a lot of people to have in your house!”

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Meghan Markle’s Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan”. Picture: Netflix

Despite the series being described as Meghan “at home,” she actually didn’t shoot it inside her own abode. Picture: Netflix

Back in January, the Daily Mail revealed Meghan’s lifestyle series was not filmed at her home.

Instead of using her sprawling mansion, the media personality filmed the series at an $US8 million ($A12.8 million) farmhouse just three kilometres down the road, owned by local philanthropists Tom and Sherrie Cipolla.

The choice of location raised eyebrows, with critics calling it yet another tone-deaf move by the former working royal.

One insider told the New York Post Meghan had initially sought out the farmhouse aesthetic thinking it would help bring an “average rustic-look vibe” to viewers instead of filming at her extravagant Montecito mansion.

According to Realtor, the Cipollas purchased the farmhouse in 2017 for $US4.7 million.

Nestled on 5 acres of avocado and lemon groves, the property features four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, an open floor plan and ample windows that flood the home with plenty of light.

However, Meghan can also be seen venturing around the grounds of the Montecito property and even stepping outside of the home, heading to a local flower market and a beehive, where she learns to harvest honey.

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The exterior of the home used for filming features in the trailer. Picture: Netflix

Records indicate that philanthropists Tom and Sherrie Cipolla purchased the property in 2017 for $US4.7 million. Picture: Realtor

The home boasts four bedrooms, as well as a separate barn on the 5-acre plot. Picture: Realtor

It is not the first time that Meghan has borrowed another home in order to film an “at-home” style Netflix show.

When she and Harry filmed their controversial 2022 documentary, “Meghan & Harry,” the couple did so in a $US30 million estate not far from their own house.

The six-bedroom property — which is currently on the market — was used by the Sussexes only briefly while they were filming their interviews for the dramatic series.

“If this [Netflix series] was filmed at her own mansion, at least it would have come off more authentic,” the insider added.

The decision to film at the Cipolla estate has added fuel to criticism of the Sussexes’ “relatability problem.”

Meghan McCain also ripped Markle as “tone deaf” for releasing the “out of touch” project.

“Now that she wants to be American again instead of British aristocracy what she seems to forget is Americans want real, raw, uncensored,” The daughter of the late US senator John McCain wrote on X.

The couple’s own mansion, purchased in 2020, features manicured gardens, sweeping views, and enough space to accommodate multiple filming setups.

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Meghan borrowed another home in order to film an “at-home” style Netflix show. Picture: Realtor

The property was used by the couple only briefly while they were filming their interviews for the dramatic series. Picture: Netflix

Meghan posing for a photo in the nursery. Picture: Netflix

Meghan and Harry live in a $20.9 million mansion, which they purchased in 2020. Picture: Google Maps

Although Harry and Meghan have gone to great lengths to keep the interiors of their home private, they have shared a few small glimpses inside the property over the years — including images and clips that were aired as part of “Harry & Meghan.”

At one point, Meghan could be seen posing for a photo in the nursery, while another shot showed Harry in an office, taking calls on his laptop.

“With Love, Meghan” is part of the couple’s reported $US100 million deal with the streaming giant.

Meghan’s team has framed the project as a chance to connect with viewers on a more personal level, with Netflix promising moments of “playfulness.”

“We’re not in the pursuit of perfection; we’re in the pursuit of joy,” Meghan said in the trailer.

Parts of this story first appeared in the New York Post and Realtor and were republished with permission.

Originally published as Meghan Markle’s Netflix show and her $20m home