The buyer of the Playboy Mansion has denied media reports that the $110 million sale has fallen through.
Earlier in the day, TMZ reported that Hugh Hefner pulled the plug on the sale after buyer Daren Metropoulos, son of billionaire investor C. Dean Metropoulos, demanded too much access to the house while the magazine mogul would still be living there.
The 32-year-old buyer had originally agreed that owner Mr. Hefner, 90, could live at the mansion for the rest of his life and that the property could not be restored during that time, but TMZ reported that Mr. Metropoulos demanded access that would disrupt Mr. Hefner’s life.
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However, a spokeswoman for Mr. Metropoulos, said: “Daren Metropoulos’ purchase of the Playboy Mansion is moving forward as planned. Gossip reports suggesting the deal has fallen apart are simply untrue.
“Concluding this complicated transaction is clearly in the interest of the sellers as well as Mr. Metropoulos, who has worked to respect Mr. Hefner’s wishes in this unusual situation, as both a neighbor and friend, and continues to look forward to serving as the next steward of this iconic property.”
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In addition to the famous grotto, the estate includes a four-bedroom guesthouse, a game house filled with pool tables and pinball machines, and a zoo featuring exotic birds and monkeys. And yes, the animals will be included in the sale.
Playboy Enterprises bought the estate for $1.05 million in 1971, a record at the time. When the mansion went on the market this year, it was originally listed for $200 million, but that price was later reduced to $149 million.
The listing agent declined to comment and Playboy Enterprises did not respond to requests for comment.