Latest news with #GothicTudor
New York Post
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Playboy Mansion's stunning refresh revealed following a 5-year renovation by billionaire owner
Billionaire Daren Metropoulos's $10 million renovation of the iconic Playboy Mansion has paid off. Metropoulos, who purchased the Los Angeles property from Playboy founder Hugh Hefner in 2016, spent the last five years overhauling the sprawling Holmby Hills property. New photos published by the Daily Mail reveal the Gothic Tudor mansion on the verge of a renaissance. Metropoulos, the son of billionaire investor Dean Metropoulos, made his fortune following his father's footsteps as the head of companies like the Hostess Brand and the Pabst Brewing Company. Metropoulos previously lived alongside the Playboy Mansion on a neighboring estate. 8 An aerial photo shows the renovated main house, pool and grotto. CB / BACKGRID 8 The resurfaced pool boasts a brand new aqua and cream color scheme, as well as a newly constructed solarium nearby. CB / BACKGRID 8 Hefner, pictured at his mansion in 1999. Getty Images 8 The mansion's current owner, Daren Metropoulos. Daren Metropoulos/Instagram Metropoulos purchased the 29-room home for $100 million in 2016, but allowed the ailing Hefner to live at the mansion until his death from sepsis in 2017. The property underwent five years of renovations, led by architect to the stars and 'King of the Megamansion' Richard Landry. The fruits of Metropoulos's labors are evident in new photos of the nearly 100-year-old estate. 8 The Gothic facade received a new roof and sunny skylights. CB / BACKGRID 8 Metropoulos added a new tennis court and made upgrades to the property's outbuildings. CB / BACKGRID Scaffolding that once spanned the exterior of the 22,000-square-foot main house is long gone. New skylights complement the new roof, under which the rear terrace has been extended and a large solarium was constructed. The fresh green lawn and new landscaping give the aged mansion a fresh look. Metropoulos also added a brand new tennis court. The infamous grotto — the artificial cave in which about 200 guests contracted Legionnaire's disease from the bacteria-infested whirlpool — also received a much-needed overhaul, the Daily Mail reported. The nearby freeform pool, too, boasts new stonework. 8 The infamous grotto, pictured in 2004. Getty Images 8 The aged publisher pictured with women vying for the top spot as the 50th Anniversary Playmate. Getty Images Metropoulos tackled the mansion's outbuildings, too. Previous reports detailed the billionaire's intention to partially demolish the 650-square-foot staff house and create a 4,400-square-foot gym and garage in its place, as well as plans to construct a 1,200-square-foot guest house. The Daily Mail cited building permits with plans to remodel the kitchen and various bathrooms. Reports swirled of dilapidated conditions inside the mansion towards the end of Hefner's life. Metropoulos, who sold Hostess to the jam company Smuckers for approximately $5.6 billion in 2023, previously hinted at plans to one day combine the famous mansion with his own neighboring estate.
USA Today
14-04-2025
- USA Today
Live like royalty at these 5 amazing castle hotels in the US
Advertisement Oheka Castle and Estate was once a private residence – Photo courtesy of Historic Hotels of America and Oheka Castle and Estate There are approximately 1 million castles in the world, and 316 of them are here in the United States. While each has a storied past, some of these fairy-tale properties operate as luxurious castle hotels that transport their guests to another place and time. Ready for the royal treatment? Here are five castle hotels in the U.S. where you can be queen (or king!) for as many days as you please. Smithmore Castle, Spruce Pine, North Carolina Smithmore Castle hotel offers a fairy-tale experience – Photo courtesy of Smithmore Castle Prepare for a five-star experience at Smithmore Castle, a private estate situated amidst the rolling hills of Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Spanning over 150 acres, the 15,000-square-foot castle hotel boasts eight luxurious bedrooms, some with hot tubs and balconies. The castle features several towers and turrets, as well as a majestic three-story stone fireplace. You'll never want for much with a staff of nannies, guards, and butlers at your service. Overnight guests are treated to a gourmet breakfast each morning and an elegant three-course dinner in the evenings. Lunch is available for an additional fee. Between meals, you can be as leisurely or as adventurous as your mood strikes you. Embark on a cave tour, where you'll learn about a historic mine or book a massage to relax and unwind. Off-property, visitors can go horseback riding or partake in water adventures, such as kayaking and tubing. This castle you can stay in offers stunning vistas of Mount Mitchell and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Advertisement Thornewood Castle, Lakewood, Washington Thornewood Castle was built in the early 1900s – Photo courtesy of Thornewood Castle Located just south of Tacoma, in Lakewood, Washington, Thornewood Castle was built between 1908 and 1911 as a gift from affluent banker Chester Thorne to his wife, Anna. Thornewood comprises three buildings, laid with bricks from England and stained glass salvaged from medieval churches. Spanning over 27,000 square feet of living space across four acres, guests can rest their heads in this Gothic Tudor castle. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982, it has been the site of several movies and TV shows, including Stephen King's "Rose Red" and 'There Will Be Blood,' starring Daniel Day-Lewis. Children must be 12 and older to stay in the castle proper; all ages are welcome in Thornewood's apartment suites, also on the property. There are no dining options on-site, so you'll have to head into town where you'll find no shortage of restaurants. Moonrise Cafe serves breakfast and lunch; enjoy classic breakfast plates, along with a solid offering of salads and sandwiches. Ram Restaurant and Brewery serves pub fare and local microbrews. Advertisement Glen Eyrie, Colorado Springs, Colorado This English Tudor-style castle hotel in Colorado Springs offers timeless elegance – Photo courtesy of Visit Colorado Springs Erected by the city's founder, William Jackson Palmer, Glen Eyrie castle hotel serves as a conference and retreat center, operated by The Navigators, an international Christian organization. There are 95 rooms spread across seven buildings, but only 17 rooms in the castle proper, so booking early is a good idea. The classic English Tudor-style castle features luxurious bedding and unique designs of the 1920s, while offering modern comforts. Six deluxe rooms in this castle hotel offer air-conditioning. A daily delicious hot breakfast is included with your stay. Additionally, the on-site Carriage House Cafe offers coffee, grab-and-go food, along with gifts and souvenirs. For those looking to explore, there are more than 8 miles of easily accessible hiking trails adjacent to the property. Guided historical castle tours are available but need to be booked in advance. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Oheka Castle and Estate, Huntington, New York Oheka Castle and Estate is a popular wedding venue – Photo courtesy of Stefan Turner Photography Situated on the highest point of Long Island, Oheka Castle and Estate was built in 1919 by wealthy businessman Otto Hermann Kahn on 443 acres. Famous for its appearance in films like "Citizen Kane" and TV shows like "Succession," the luxurious castle hotel offers 34 elegant guest rooms and suites. Accommodations pay homage to the early 19th century, with rooms aptly named Carnegie, Gatsby, and Fairbanks. Oheka has a 24-hour fitness center, and you can book a massage with a certified therapist in the comfort of your room. OHK Bar & Restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner. End your day by attending Gatsby Hour, OHK's version of happy hour, with specials on appetizers and drinks. Guided castle tours begin at 11 a.m. daily and can be reserved in advance. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Manresa Castle Hotel, Port Townsend, Washington Manresa Castle Hotel is situated on the Olympic Peninsula – Photo courtesy of Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau Atop a hill in the coastal community of Port Townsend, Washington, Manresa Castle Hotel was built in 1892 as a residence for Charles and Kate Eisenbeis, two of the town's early settlers. Originally known as Eisenbeis Castle, an attorney purchased the property in 1925 with plans to convert the castle into a vacation home for nuns. A couple years later, the castle was transformed into a Jesuits training college. The Jesuits added several architecture features, to include a large hall named Manresa. When the Jesuits left in 1968, the historic castle became a hotel of its current name. The castle hotel features Victorian architecture with modern amenities, as well as an on-site restaurant and lounge. Book Now When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission.
