The development has sparked backlash.

Tensions are rising among residents in Portugal over a new luxury resort development where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly purchased a vacation home. The couple is said to have acquired one of the upscale properties within the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, a massive 722-acre estate near Melides, a quaint town roughly 81 miles south of Lisbon.

Reports indicate that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have bought one of 300 planned residences at the exclusive coastal resort, with prices starting at $4.7 million.

The development has sparked backlash, as recent changes to Portuguese law now allow certain areas of the coastline to be deemed “private,” a shift that has upset locals who have long enjoyed unrestricted access to the beaches.

Residents unhappy with the project

According to the Daily Record, local resident Bradley McGuiness didn’t hold back in his criticism, telling the Daily Record that the development represents “the worst thing to happen to the Portuguese coast” and slammed it as an example of “greedy” commercial expansion.

“I am very upset by this massive piece of Portuguese land destroyed for the rich, removed from the average local that had been creating memories in this place for generations and generations,” another local added.

The CostaTerra project is being developed by Discovery Land Company, a firm founded by real estate mogul Mike Meldman, who is also known for co-founding the popular tequila brand Casamigos with actor George Clooney.

Development of the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club began in 2019, and it has been marketed as a luxury residential community designed for families looking for an authentic and relaxed lifestyle by the sea.

There is speculation that Meghan and Harry‘s purchase could help them qualify for a “Golden Visa,” a scheme that would grant them visa-free travel within the EU’s Schengen area.