People: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Feel at Peace with Their $14 Million Santa Barbara Mansion

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have secured a permanent residence in California, with a source close to the royals claiming the new home is a "place of peace." The mansion also comes with a lovely surprise for the couple's son, Archie.

From controversially stepping down as senior royals to transitioning in a new home across the Atlantic, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are having quite a year.

Hence, the disclosure that the couple is finally settling in a calm environment is heartwarming for many well-wishers.

According to People, Harry and Markle are enjoying their stay at their new 14 million dollar home in Montecito, Santa Barbara. A source close to the couple stated:

"They were craving a smaller community and a slower pace…"

The mellow Southern California town, about 90 miles off the Pacific coast, provides an ideal setting for the lifestyle the couple has grown to love from their previous stay on Vancouver Island.

The duo reportedly paid a third of the purchase cost upfront and took out a mortgage for the remainder. However, the investment seems to be paying off already as a source claimed:

"They feel the new house is a place of peace — and it offers inspiration to build Archwell [foundation]"

The Duke and Duchess began developing their new foundation, Archwell, early this year. They are very focused on quietly building the organization — as well as a film and TV company — and are talking with numerous creative leaders to make their dream a reality.

The power couple is also striving to give their one-year-old son, Archie, "as normal a life as possible" and believe that their new environment is the perfect setting for that.

Harry and Meghan remain grateful to American actor and producer Tyler Perry.

Fortunately, in addition to the lovely natural environment, the royal's new home also boasts a special treat for their toddler — a play area.

The mansion offers a lot of free running space and a play structure where the young family is sure to make many fun memories of Archie's childhood. An insider revealed:

"They're excited to be there and to become part of the community. It's a really happy time for them as a family."

The Montecito community is also quite accustomed to housing famous personalities, having been home to Ellen DeGeneres, Rob Lowe, and numerous other celebrities.

Thus, Harry and Markle are unlikely to attract special attention in the area — a welcome boost given the couple's treatment by the press in the past.

Nonetheless, Harry and Meghan remain grateful to American actor and producer Tyler Perry, whose Los Angeles estate they made a home, while they transitioned out of royal duties.

However, the Duke and Duchess are now looking to the next phase of their life together. Last week, they made their first joint appearance from their Santa Barbara home in a virtual call with leaders from the Queen's Commonwealth Trust.