The Playboy Mansion is on sale for $200 million
The Playboy Mansion; the creative centre of Playboy magazine and home to the magazine’s founder, 89-year-old Hugh Hefner, was recently listed for sale for $200 million (which is upwards of AED 700 million).
The five-acre property, famous for it’s lavish parties and sometimes lewd history, is located in Los Angeles, California. It was originally bought for just over $1 million in 1971 and boasts 29 rooms, it features a home theatre, a grape-cellar, a four-bedroom guest house, a zoo licence, a pet cemetery (all the essentials it seems) and the infamous cave-like ‘grotto’, where celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Charlie Sheen are known to have visited.
While some may say the sale of the Playboy Mansion is the end of an era, it seems Hefner, the original playboy, is unable to let go just yet. The sale comes with one (89-year-old) condition. The buyer must agree to allow Hugh Hefner to stay in the mansion, and it must continue to be his residence until his death…Yep, sounds strange to us too.
What could you get in Dubai?
If you have AED 700 million spare, but don’t feel like lugging your stuff half-way across the world to roomie with an old-timer, we’ve found you some similar(ish) properties closer to home, and some are a fair bit cheaper.
This is property heaven…enjoy!
5 Bedroom Emirates Hills Home
This home screams luxury; it features high-grade marble from Italy, solid wood panels, Becker and Giorgetti furniture (nope, we don’t know who they are either), a crystal chandelier, top notch surveillance system, home theatre, passenger lift, a service lift, (one needs two lifts it seems) fitness rooms with steam and sauna baths, an entertainment room with cinema, bar and snooker; and a overflow-type swimming pool. Views of the green fairways, the golf course and the city skyline are another bonus but turns out this place doesn’t come with parking…where would we keep the Bentley?
More info: Visit Sotheby’s International Realty
How much? AED 185,000,000 (doesn’t come close to the Mansion’s hefty price tag)
Luxury penthouse, The Burj Khalifa
This is not only the largest penthouse available in downtown Dubai but it’s also the largest penthouse in the Burj Khalifa which happens to be the tallest tower in the world. Spread over two floors, it comes unfurnished so you might need an Ikea visit or two to fit this spot out. It’s located on the 100th floor of the 163 floor building; unique 360 degree views and massive bragging rights are the selling point of this exclusive apartment.
How much? 102,000,000
6 Bedroom contemporary beach house, Palm Jumeirah
This stunning property, which featured on the cover of the March/April edition of Prestige magazine, is the crème de la crème of Palm Jumeirah properties.This six bedroom villa is built with all the latest technologies and is the epitome of luxury and comfort. Beautifully landscaped, palm-lined gardens, solid oak features with Schuco glass windows that offer incredible views all add to the value of this ridiculous house.
More info: Visit Edwards and Towers
How much? 75,000,000
Take a virtual tour of the property here…
8 bedroom Emirates Hills Home
If you’re looking for ‘comfortable elegance,’ this exceptional stately home is made for you. It comes fully furnished, with a modern design and a classic finish. The home features high ceilings and boasts contemporary lighting fixtures, music system and security control system, a study, library, cinema room, three maid’s rooms, driver’s room, dry pantry, grape-cellar, five storage rooms, a basement, three terraces and three balconies and enviable views of Dubai’s skyline and the full golf course.
How much? 129,950,000
Brand new 5 star hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road
Finally! A price that (nearly) matches the price of the Playboy mansion. What will $200 million get you in Dubai? A five star hotel of course. Featuring a restaurant, lobby, business centre, laundry facilities, health club, gym, terrace and swimming pool, but MOST importantly; it’s doesn’t house an 89 year old man. Forget Los Angeles and a rundown mansion….if you’ve got the paper, spend it here.
More info: Visit Bayut.com
Pictures on request from website.
How much? 600,000,000
Read next: How to buy a property – The expat’s guide
