The Extraordinary Real Estate Market: Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion And Florida's Gemini Estate

Back in January 2016, two absolutely incredible real estate properties came to market. Both had been occupied by a single family for several decades and were truly extraordinary. The first property was Hugh Hefner's Playboy mansion, which hit the market with a staggering listing price of $200 million, making it the most expensive home for sale in the United States at that time. Not long after, a 15-acre estate in Florida followed closely behind, listed at $195 million. Ultimately, the Playboy mansion was sold about six months later to Daren Metropoulos, the Twinkies and Pabst Blue Ribbon heir.

The Florida mansion, however, posed a greater challenge to sell. Its listing was removed a couple of times before it was re-added to the market in October 2020 at a reduced price of $115 million. According to the Multiple Listing Service, it ultimately sold for $95 million, marking another notable sale in the trend of Florida mega-mansions, as wealthy individuals sought refuge from high taxes in states like New York, Connecticut, and California.

This spectacular property, known as "Gemini," is located in Palm Beach County's Manalapan and spans the entire width of an island. On one side, it boasts 1,200 feet of pristine Atlantic Ocean sand, while the other side features 1,300 feet of waterfront along the Intracoastal Waterway. The original mansion, constructed in the 1940s by Mexican-born socialite Gloria Guinness, was built from the wealth she acquired through her marriage to Thomas Loel Guinness, an heir to the Guinness beer dynasty.

In the 1980s, the property was acquired by William B. Ziff, who amassed his fortune through Ziff Davis, known for publications like PC Magazine and RetailMeNot. After selling 95% of Ziff Davis for $1.4 billion in 1994, Ziff retired and lived a lavish life until his passing in 2006 at the age of 76, leaving behind his three sons: Dirk, Robert, and Daniel Ziff. These brothers significantly grew the family wealth through smart investments, each now valued at nearly $5 billion.

Upon acquiring Gemini, William B. Ziff renovated and expanded the mansion to a massive 62,000 square feet, featuring 33 bedrooms and 38 bathrooms, along with additional guest houses and cabanas, bringing the total bathroom count to 47. One of the guest houses has seven bedrooms, making the property an astonishing retreat. The estate is not just a home but a unique experience that truly must be seen to be believed!

Some of the estate's standout features include a world-class botanic garden showcasing 1,500 species of tropical plants, a golf-rated practice area, and a sports complex complete with a basketball court, tennis court, and mini-golf course. The identity of the new owner remains undisclosed, but it's undoubtedly another chapter in the fascinating saga of high-end real estate!