The drama in Montecito continues to escalate, especially with Oprah Winfrey's latest real estate move.
Oprah's acquisition of a $100 million property has been making waves in the neighborhood, particularly affecting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. According to Hello Magazine, Oprah is constructing a massive boulder wall to shield her lavish mansion from potential flooding. However, this wall could potentially redirect floodwaters straight to the Sussexes' doorstep, creating a royal inconvenience.
Concerns extend beyond just the floodwaters. There are fears that this sophisticated wall might crumble under extreme wet conditions, adding to the tension. Montecito, despite its upscale reputation, has had its share of rainstorm-related issues. Remember the devastating mudslides in 2018? The area is still recovering, and it seems history might repeat itself, giving the royals another headache to manage.
Additionally, the Sussexes are contending with a persistent odor issue in their Montecito mansion due to nearby cannabis farms. These farms, legal and extensive, are affecting the whole neighborhood with a skunk-like smell. The Tuscan-style property, complete with a cinema, gym, and pool, has not been spared. Neighbors have complained about the strong odor, which has been linked to legally grown cannabis replacing traditional crops like grapes and avocados in the area.
One of the farms, which was reportedly the backdrop for Meghan’s new Netflix cookery series, has been a significant source of the odor. A resident even contacted pest control, mistakenly believing the smell was caused by rodents. After traps failed to catch any mice, it became clear that the cannabis farms were the culprits. This resident has since helped bring a lawsuit against two farms, although not the one involved with Meghan's show, which is said to produce a particularly strong odor.
To combat the smell, the neighborhood might need scrubbers—filtering machines that can eliminate up to 84% of cannabis odor. However, these machines are costly, priced at £17,000 each, and multiple machines per acre are necessary for effectiveness.
In a related note, following the publication of his memoir "Spare," Harry discussed his drug use in a live Q&A session in March 2023. He revealed that while cocaine did nothing for him, marijuana had a significant positive impact on his mental health. The Duke of Sussex explained that marijuana made him feel different and helped him cope, unlike cocaine, which he used more as a social activity.
Harry and Meghan moved to America four years ago after stepping down as senior working royals. Local residents claim that the Sussexes mostly keep to themselves. According to Express, the couple is considered "ghosts" in their own neighborhood. A boutique worker in Montecito mentioned that people rarely see them, and their presence has little impact on the community. Another resident, a co-owner of a local business, noted that Montecito is a place where everyone tends to mind their own business, which suits the Sussexes' preference for privacy.
