Controversial pornographer Hugh Hefner has passed away. The man responsible for bringing Playboy into the world was 91. The question now becomes what happens to his creation and the infamous Playboy mansion?
As reported at Page Six, the place Hefner called home since 1971 is actually no longer owned by the man. In fact, late last year he sold the estate to his neighbor Daren Metropoulos for a cool $100 million, under the condition he be allowed to live out the remainder of his life there.
Well, that part of the contract has been met, so folks are wondering what’s going to happen to the iconic and lascivious mansion. Now that Hefner’s gone, it appears Metropoulos’ is about to embark on a massive renovation project, one that he put off for Hefner’s sake.
“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 after he purchased the property last August.
“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.”
Metropoulos plans on connecting the Playboy mansion with a neighboring property, which will result in a gigantic 7.3 acre plot of land, all of which will become his personal residence.
“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,” Metropoulos told Page Six in a statement.
Like it or not, Playboy is a household name that popularized mail-order pornography. It was once a giant in the industry, but those days are long gone. The advent of the internet put a huge damper on the publication, and with the proliferation and accessibility of free pornography all across the web, the infamous Playboy has been hurting badly.
Even so, Hefner made a fortune off his businesses and influenced untold numbers of folks to start their own. His legacy is an interesting and controversial one to say the least, but it cannot be denied.
Source: Page Six