Montecito has a shady reputation.
According to multiple reports, a foul odor has infested Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s $14.65 million, nine-bedroom, 19-bathroom residence.
Neighbors in the posh Santa Barbara neighborhood who were “disgusted” by the unpleasant odor apparently complained to no avail.
The odor is said to come from the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge, a 42-acre saltwater marsh that is one of the county’s major wildlife refuges. The water can get “stagnant,” according to sources, resulting in a pungent odor.
“It smells like rotting offal left out in the sun.” A Montecito resident told the outlet, “It makes my stomach turn.”
The stink, according to local officials, could continue until September, when pipeline modifications are due to be completed.
“The odor problems are sporadic, and they can get worse under certain circumstances.” When it wafts across, I’ve noticed a lot of houses close their windows,” Cameron Benson, the city of Santa Barbara’s clean water manager, said.
According to other stories, the stench may have originated in the royal couple’s residence.
Meghan and Harry’s representatives were unavailable for comment, but an insider informed The Washington Post that the rumors that the odor is coming from their residence are false.
The office of Mayor Randy Rowse has also been contacted for comment.
This isn’t the first time Harry and Meghan have experienced odor problems. It was reported last year that they were residing near a licensed cannabis factory.
The couple’s residence is close to 20 enormous greenhouses full of cannabis plants, which has left the posh area smelling like weed. After a series of complaints from neighbors, the corporation decided to install new “odor control systems.”
“The odour was becoming stronger and going their way,” Gregory Gandrud told the Sunday Mirror. I was traveling down the freeway when I was smacked by a strong odor. It won’t get you high, but it’s hardly something you want to be doing at 70 mph.”
“I had to come to a halt. It caused me to entirely lose track of my thoughts. Many folks here are in pain.”
Following their declaration that they would be leaving the royal family, Harry and Meghan bought the estate in June 2020.
A library, an office, a spa with a dry and wet sauna, a gym, a game room, an arcade, a theater, a wine cellar, and a five-car garage are among the amenities.
According to the previous listing, the home has sweeping lawns, tiered rose gardens, tall Italian cypress trees, blooming lavender, century-old olive trees, a tennis court, a tea house, a children’s cottage, and a pool. A two-bedroom, two-bathroom guest house is located on the ground’s south end.
According to Zillow, the home is now worth a stunning $26 million.
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