The late Hugh Hefner’s infamous Playboy Mansion may be considered for special historic-cultural landmark status in the Los Angeles enclave of Holmby Hills, according to Curbed LA — but not because of its hedonistic past.
The very name of the estate conjures lurid images of the wild, lavish parties Hefner hosted over the decades in the 20,000-square-foot home — but LA councilman Paul Koretz is focused on a different aspect of the property’s history. Calling it an “excellent example of a Gothic-Tudor” architecture, Koretz has introduced a motion to give the mansion historic protection, which will protect the facade from being altered.
The luxurious home was built in 1927, and many of the period details have remained preserved. Hefner famously eschewed contemporary touches in the main house, in favor of maintaining a stately Gilded Age aesthetic.
Shortly before Hefner’s death earlier this year, the Mansion was purchased for $100 million by Darren Metropoulos, heir to the Hostess snack cake business empire. According to The Real Deal, Metropoulos has been vocal about plans to merge the mansion with his existing estate next door. If the mansion is declared a landmark, it will protect the property from that type of extensive alteration and if there were ever attempts to demolish the structure, the city of Los Angeles would need to review the case.
