If you’re planning on attending a party at the Playboy Mansion, you might want to hurry up. Hefner’s neighbor, Daren Metropoulos, just purchased the home for $100 million.
Earlier this month, TMZ reported that the deal was on hold. Apparently, Hugh Hefner, the current resident, felt Metropoulos’ need for access during Hefner’s final years was too much. Metropoulos, former co-owner of Pabst Brewing Company and a current co-owner of Hostess, wanted to connect the Mansion to his adjacent home and do a full restoration on both properties, which Playboy was unwilling to allow.
Last week, Playboy said no to the contract. However, Playboy signed off this week.
Metropoulos announced today that he is the official owner of the Playboy Mansion for a selling price of $100 million. Hefner will continue to reside in the famous hutch until his final breath.
As the new property owner, though, Metropoulos must sign off on every party Hefner plans on throwing at the Mansion.
Metropoulos said he paid $100 million for the property, roughly half of the original listing price. The house was listed by Gary Gold and Drew Fenton at Hilton & Hyland and broker Mauricio Umansky of The Agency.
[Inman Slideshow]
“The Playboy Mansion is one of the most iconic properties in the world and the crown jewel of Holmby Hills and the platinum triangle,” Metropoulos said in a statement. “For the last 45 years, Mr. Hefner has imbued the estate with a rich and storied legacy. The property’s heritage is not only that of a famous address; it is a true masterpiece in design, constructed by a noted architect for a family who played an important role in the development of Los Angeles in the early 20th Century.”
What do you get for $100 million? The same thing you could’ve bought for $200 million, just cheaper.
From our original coverage: “For starters, you could’ve gotten one of the only private zoo licenses in Los Angeles. Hefner, who was known to have herds of Bunnies running around from time to time, also housed peacocks, macaws, and something like 100 monkeys in a caged area.
A world-famous grotto and heated swimming pool were added during the disco era.
The 5.3 acre plot of land is home to the 21,000 square foot mansion. Inside the place is 29 rooms (12 of which are bedrooms) and a wine cellar. There is also basketball and tennis courts on the premises. If Metropoulos fancies holding onto the zoo license, there are aviary and zoo buildings on-site. There is also a pet cemetery.
Hefner reportedly maintained a year-long fireworks license just in case he ever wants to blast off a few mortars.”
Plus you get the memories, dreams and hopes of so many men and women who fondly recall their first Playboy.
