It’s fair to say that perhaps one of the biggest childhood influencers is none other than Barbie. The legendary doll from Mattel toys has donned a number of outfits over the years – from horseback riding all the way to the White House – and inspired millions of children to follow their dreams and live life in style, all from her sunny dream house in what was long assumed to be California. Now, Barbie’s wearing one more outfit: real estate mogul.
The former home of Mattel founders Ruth and Elliot Handler – who created Barbie in 1959 – hit the market this week for a bank-breaking $10 million. The penthouse, owned by interior designer Nicole Sassaman, is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom masterpiece, located in the Century Towers building in Los Angeles, California, and includes a wide variety of features.
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While it may be being sold under the title of the “Barbie Penthouse,” it holds much more than just history, offering scenic vistas of Los Angeles from the top floor and plenty of amenities inside. With 3200-square feet on the premises and 12-foot ceilings, the penthouse holds lots of room for residents and guests, and uses it’s space wisely, including in common spaces featuring wide views of the city below. Decorated sparsely with luxury goods and a few cheeky Barbie references here and there, this is sure to wow anyone entering for the first time.
Beyond the common room, there’s also the self-described “most photographed kitchen in print,” and it’s easy to see why. With a custom La Cornue range/oven – imported from the French company known well for its luxury kitchen supplies – as well as top-notch appliances and hidden cabinets to keep the space neat. The kitchen also opens up into a further dining room and living space, making it a perfect nook to entertain from.
The three bedrooms are also opulently decorated, with the primary suite holding the usual affairs for luxury properties: office space, sitting area, walk-in closet and private balcony. The suite also features a glorious private bathroom, with a full-service bath and plenty of space. Beyond the primary, there’s also two other ornate bedrooms, as well as an office that comes with a loft above it for extra sleeping space.
The building itself is fully-equipped, with several luxurious options along the grounds that make staying here wonderful. Notable, of course, is the Olympic-sized swimming pool resting just outside, as well as the tennis courts and well-stocked gymnasium. For those worried about security, the building employs several doormen around the clock, and the entire grounds are gated to keep out any lingering eyes. The whole experience is capped with valet parking, a spacious garage and plenty of extra storage space for those who need it.
According to TMZ, the property was first purchased for $2 million by Sassaman in 2012, when she took it off the hands of Barbara and Kenneth Handler: the children of Ruth and Elliot, and namesakes for the “Barbie” and “Ken” dolls. Over the past nine years, Sassaman – who’s known well for her luxury goods as well as her work in Los Angeles – has lived in the home, turning the penthouse into an upward-trending piece of history.
While it may be lacking the pink splash she’s known for, Barbie’s fingerprints are all over this piece of luxury; only time will tell which outfit she’ll wear on the day of sale.
Photography by: Nils Timm/Douglas Elliman
