Once the notorious epicenter of Hollywood’s wildest parties, the Playboy Mansion has undergone a dramatic transformation.
After five years of quiet renovations, the iconic estate is finally ready to show itself off—and the results are nothing short of stunning.
A Softer, Dreamier Look for a Legendary Property
Fresh aerial shots reveal that the infamous mansion now sports a serene cream and aqua blue color scheme, a far cry from its once shadowy and mysterious aura.
From some angles, you might even mistake it for something straight out of a Disney fairytale.
It’s a visual pivot that few would have expected from what was once the crown jewel of Hollywood hedonism.
The grounds are equally impressive: the tennis court now gleams in cobalt blue, the guest house looks polished and ready for company, and the expansive gardens are impeccably trimmed.
Even the rear terrace has been extended—clearly designed for lavish outdoor gatherings.
Spa Day, Anyone? Welcome to the New Wellness Vibe
In a major upgrade, the property now includes a sleek 42-by-23-foot solarium.
And underneath it? A state-of-the-art spa and jacuzzi area, perfect for unwinding in true luxury.
The revamped spa also features a cold plunge pool—a celebrity favorite, reportedly beloved by stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Lady Gaga, and Madonna.
The Mansion’s New Master: From Twinkies to Playboy Icons
The mansion changed hands back in January 2016, when it was sold for $100 million to Daren Metropoulos, a Greek-American business mogul with a serious real estate portfolio.
Daren, now 42, is the son of billionaire Dean Metropoulos, who has helmed brands like Hostess (the makers of Twinkies and HoHos) and Pabst Brewing Company.
Dean isn’t just a numbers guy—he’s got a flair for fantasy properties too.
He was even spotted partying at the mansion in 2012 with Snoop Dogg and a parade of Playboy bunnies.
When it came time to renovate, he called on star architect Richard Landry, who’s designed homes for the likes of Tom Brady, Kylie Jenner, and Mark Wahlberg.
A Billionaire’s Playground: Dean’s Real Estate Empire
Dean has spent nearly two decades collecting some of the most exclusive homes in the country.
According to Realtor.com, he’s shelled out approximately $326 million on high-end real estate.
That includes a jaw-dropping $148 million for a Mediterranean Revival estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
But the Playboy Mansion remains one of his most prized gems.
In fact, Dean also owns the smaller mansion right next door—worth around $60 million—and has hinted he might eventually combine the two properties into one mega-compound.
Behind the Facelift: What the Permits Revealed
When renovations first began five years ago, building permits filed with the City of Los Angeles gave a glimpse into the plans.
They included remodeling the kitchen, bathrooms, and powder room, along with fixing structural issues like termite and dry-rot damage in the original wooden framework.
A Nod to the Past: Letting Hefner Stay Until the End
Though Dean officially took ownership in 2016, he allowed Hugh Hefner to live out his final days at the mansion.
The Playboy founder passed away in 2017 at the age of 91, reportedly due to sepsis caused by E. coli.
A Mansion Steeped in Hollywood Myth and Misconduct
The Playboy Mansion is more than a home—it’s a piece of pop culture history.
Celebrities, musicians, and moguls flocked to Hefner’s exclusive parties, where lingerie-only dress codes were strictly enforced for female guests.
Elvis Presley supposedly had a night with eight Playmates at once, and John Lennon allegedly burned a Matisse painting with a cigarette.
Even Donald Trump filmed an episode of The Apprentice at the mansion, rubbing shoulders with Hefner and his girlfriends.
The Mansion’s Darker Chapters Come to Light
Despite the glamor, the estate also has a darker legacy.
Multiple women have made disturbing claims about assaults at the mansion. Judy Huth said Bill Cosby assaulted her there when she was just 15.
Chloe Goins also accused Cosby, though criminal charges were never filed in her case.
Beyond the scandals, former Playmates described the house as filthy—dog waste reportedly littered the floors, and parts of the property were falling into disrepair.
Health Scare in the Grotto: The Legionnaires’ Outbreak
Back in 2011, the mansion made headlines for a different reason.
After a party, over 100 attendees fell ill, and health officials later discovered the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease in a whirlpool spa on the property.
The same bacteria also leads to Pontiac fever, which was likely the culprit behind the widespread symptoms reported by guests.
From 1927 Estate to Tabloid Icon
Located on five acres in L.A.’s exclusive Holmby Hills, right next to the Los Angeles Country Club, the mansion was originally built in 1927 by architect Arthur Kelly for Arthur Letts Jr.—heir to the Broadway department store fortune.
Hugh Hefner bought the estate in 1971 for just $1 million and transformed it into what would become the most recognizable bachelor pad in the world.