‘The childhood memory I’d want’: Meghan Markle reveals why she filmed Netflix show outside her home

Meghan Markle recently explained why she chose to film her Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan, at an $8 million farmhouse in Montecito, California, instead of her own much more luxurious home. The production of the eight-episode series involved a large crew of about 80 people. Markle worried that the disruption to her children’s daily routine, especially during nap times, would not create the calm home environment she wanted for them.

As reported by Page Six, Markle spoke at the TIME100 Summit in New York City. The Duchess of Sussex said her main reason was the well-being of her two young children, Archie and Lilibet. She stressed the importance of setting boundaries to balance her work life with her family’s needs, calling this a key part of self-care.

The farmhouse, owned by local philanthropists Tom and Sherrie Cipolla, was a convenient filming location close to her home. Markle described this as a lucky situation, allowing her to handle both her work and family life more smoothly. The series, which included celebrity guests and showed Markle’s hosting style, is part of the Sussexes’ $100 million deal with Netflix.

Megan Markle didn’t want to disturb her children for Netflix show

The show’s reception has been mixed per NY Post, with critics sharing different opinions and viewership numbers not reaching the level of their earlier Netflix project, Harry & Meghan. Despite the lukewarm response and lower viewership, Netflix has approved a second season, showing they still believe in the overall idea.

This isn’t the first time the Sussexes have filmed a project away from their expensive Montecito home. Their previous Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, was also shot at a different but equally upscale location: a $30 million estate in the same area. While their large home and garden, including a chicken coop with a sign reading “Archie’s Chick Inn,” were briefly shown in Harry & Meghan, the main interview settings avoided focusing on their private residence.

The With Love, Meghan production highlights the challenges of balancing public life, work, and personal responsibilities. The Duchess addressed criticism about her seeming lack of relatability, explaining that her current lifestyle doesn’t reflect her entire life story.