The Playboy Mansion was a huge part of Hugh Hefner's iconic career, literally and figuratively.
Plenty of rumors and scandalous stories have surrounded the abode for decades since its heyday in the 1970s, but how much do you really know about what's gone on in and around the Los Angeles party spot?
About a year before he passed away on September 27, 2017, Hugh sold the mansion to his next-door neighbor under the stipulation that he could stay for the remainder of his life. Now that he's gone, it's up to Daren Metropoulos, the co-owner of snack food company Hostess, to decide whether he's going to keep all of Hugh's bells and whistles.
Take a look to learn more fascinating facts about the massive home and its surrounding grounds.
And don't forget to SHARE this up-close look at the Playboy Mansion with all your friends on Facebook!
Middle Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Toglenn
1. It Wasn't Hugh's First Mansion
Hugh started Playboy in his kitchen back in 1953. By 1959, the magazine had grown into such a success that he purchased his first luxurious mansion.
He rented rooms to his employees on the fourth and fifth floors for $50 a month, according to the Chicago Tribune.
2. There's A Zoo
The mansion has an official license for its zoo, which features spider monkeys, peacocks, and of course bunnies among other exotic animals.
3. The Snack Choices Are Limited
Back in 1988, Washington Post reporter Remar Sutton paid a visit to the mansion and revealed options like candy and Rice Krispies Treats as snacks.
The choices were so unhealthy, in fact, he wrote, "I found myself yearning for a carrot."
4. There's A Room Dedicated To Vintage Video Games
Remar also described the old-fashioned games found on the property. Johnny Carson held the record for highest score on Donkey Kong at the time.
5. There's More Than One Forest
Visitors can explore both a redwood forest and a fern tree forest on the grounds. You might also like to pluck some fresh oranges from the citrus orchard, too.
6. Fireworks Are Legal All Year Round
The building has a license to put on a bombastic display for visitors no matter what month it is.
7. One Pool Has A History Of Giving People Diseases
The famous pool area known as "the grotto" is well-known for being a place for folks who are feeling romantic.
It's also known for being filled with so many germs that, in 2011, about 200 party guests contracted Legionnaires' disease from the unsanitary water, as reported by ABC News.
8. John Lennon Ruined A Painting
While partying with Hugh at the mansion in the 1970s, the former Beatle (who had been drinking) decided an original Henri Matisse painting was the perfect place to put out his cigarette.
According to Playboy's official website, the painting was eventually restored, but you can still spot the damage if you look close enough.
9. There Were Never Any Secret Tunnels
Rumors about tunnels between the mansion and some of its more frequent visitors, like Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty, have been around since its heyday in the 1970s.
In 2015, Hugh revealed blueprints that seemed to finally confirm these rumors — but it was actually a hoax for April Fool's Day.
10. There's An Animal Cemetary
Hugh's beloved pets and even some animals from the zoo have all been laid to rest on the grounds with honor.
11. Hugh Had A Cardboard Replica Of Himself
Whenever Hugh felt more like staying in bed than heading down to a party or an event going on in other parts of the mansion, Esquire claims he sent a life-size cutout of himself to attend instead.
Were you surprised by any of these facts about the Playboy Mansion?
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