Playboy Magazine founder Hugh Hefner has died at the age of 91. The entertainment icon died of natural causes at his home, while surrounded by friends and family.
Hefner was sometimes characterized as an oversexed Peter Pan as he kept a harem of young blondes that numbered as many as seven at his legendary Playboy Mansion.
Hefner’s next-door neighbor, Daren Metropoulos, bought the Playboy Mansion in August 2016 for $100 million. Hefner agreed to the sale on the condition that Metropoulos would allow him to live out the rest of his days there.
Greek American Daren Metropoulos, is a principal of the private-equity firm Metropoulos & Co., and a former co-CEO of Pabst Brewing Company.
On news of Hefner’s death, Metropoulos released the following statement: “Hugh Hefner was a visionary in business, a giant in media and an iconic figure of pop culture whose legacy will leave a lasting impact. I was fortunate to know him as a neighbor and friend and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family.”
The 20,000-square-foot Los Angeles home had originally listed for $200 million in January 2016, which made it the most expensive home for sale in America at the time.
As part of the terms of the sale, Hugh Hefner must be allowed to stay as long as he desires. The estate was sold by Playboy Enterprises, which leases it back to the 90-year-old Hefner. The company bought the mansion 45 years ago for just over $1 million, a historically high price for the area at the time.
The five-acre property includes the main 29-room mansion and a four-bedroom guesthouse.
Metropoulos purchased the next-door estate from Playboy in 2009, reportedly paying $18 million for it. Once Hefner’s tenancy ends, Metropoulos apparently intends to connect the two properties into a single 7.3-acre estate.
“I feel fortunate and privileged to now own a one-of-a-kind piece of history and art,” Metropoulos said in a press release announcing the closing of the sale last year.
“I look forward to eventually rejoining the two estates and enjoying this beautiful property as my private residence for years to come.”
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