Jul 18, 2008 12:37 pm US/Pacific
Behind The Scenes At The Playboy Mansion
2008 ESPY Awards Party Held At Hef's House
LOS ANGELES (CBS) ―
-
-
The Playboy mansion is located at 10236 Charing Cross Road in the Holmby Hills.
Jenn McBride/CBS
-
-
Hugh Hefner and Bridget Marquardt pose at the ESPY Awards kick-off party on July 14, 2008.
Jenn McBride/CBS
-
-
Jenn McBride finally gets a rest after three hours of interviews!
Jenn McBride/CBS
Built in 1927, just one year after Playboy founder Hugh Hefner was born, the Playboy Mansion is a quintessential part of Los Angeles' historical and cultural landscape. The property, clearly not subject to economic woes, is currently valued at a whopping $50 million. And I can now attest to the fact that tennis courts, a private zoo, waterfall, pool, grotto, gardens and countless other amenities make it a true real estate gem.
On a hot and steamy summer night (it really was and I had the hair to prove it), my boss and I ventured to the famed complex, which served as the decadent backdrop for this year's ESPY Awards kick-off party. Sure, my husband and co-workers implored me to bring hand sanitizer and not to touch anything (like I needed the reminder), but the night was more like a trip to Fantasyland with a bunch of high-class athletes than a trip to a nudist colony. Sure, there were a few scantily clad, intoxicated bunny hopefuls frolicking around, but I was too impressed with the grounds to waste time being appalled. The gothic architecture and dramatic paned-glass windows truly whisk you away to another world. Being an animal lover, I was immediately drawn to the bunny (of course) and spider monkey sanctuaries. And as for the most frequently asked question, yes, the grotto was absolutely gorgeous and my entire house could fit inside the cave.
But as opulent as the Playboy Mansion may be, what is a visit without seeing Hugh Hefner and the girls? We were able to catch up with Hef, who was donning his PJs and slippers, as well as his three girlfriends, Holly, Bridget and Kendra. All four are taping the fifth season of their hit show "The Girls Next Door" and Bridget spilled the beans about a wedding in the near future. (I know, I've tried to go over all of the possible scenarios as well and it's simply baffling. I guess we'll all just have to wait see.)
If you're ever in the ultra-luxe Holmby Hills neighborhood, be sure to pass by 10236 Charing Cross Road. The guards won't let you in, but you can get a decent view of the property and grab a tacky map of stars' homes in the area for an afternoon drive you should be ashamed of. For now, we hope you enjoy our behind-the-scenes video of our adventure at the mansion.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
SLIDESHOW: Behind The Scenes At The Playboy Mansion
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
