Jayne Mansfield's 'Pink Palace' was a testament to her bold and playful personality, a home that reflected her unique style and penchant for the color pink. This Mediterranean-style mansion, located at 10100 Sunset Boulevard in Holmby Hills, was a true spectacle, with its pink exterior and interior, heart-shaped pool, and spiral staircase. But what makes this home truly fascinating is the story behind its creation and the people who inhabited it.
A Home Like No Other
Jayne's 'Pink Palace' was a reflection of her larger-than-life personality. She purchased the home in 1957, a time when she was at the peak of her fame, and quickly set about transforming it into a pink paradise. With the help of her then-husband, Mickey Hargitay, a bodybuilder and carpenter, they painted the entire house pink, a bold move that made headlines. The home's unique furnishings, including pink shag rugs in the bathrooms and heart-shaped bathtubs, further emphasized her signature color scheme.
A Family Home
The 'Pink Palace' was not just a showpiece; it was also a family home. Jayne welcomed two children with Mickey, sons Miklós and Zoltán, and a daughter, actress Mariska Hargitay, with her second husband, Nelson Sardelli. After her divorce from Mickey, Jayne kept the home until her death in 1967. The house was a place of joy and creativity, where Jayne's playful spirit could flourish.
The Heart-Shaped Motif
One of the most distinctive features of the 'Pink Palace' was its heart-shaped pool, a romantic gesture from Mickey to his wife. The pool was inscribed with the words 'I love you Jaynie,' a sweet reminder of their love. This heart-shaped motif was not limited to the pool; it also extended to the bathtubs and, perhaps most surprisingly, the bathrooms. The bathrooms were lined with pink shag rugs, from floor to ceiling, creating a luxurious and whimsical atmosphere.
A Legacy
After Jayne's death, the 'Pink Palace' continued to captivate. Mariska Hargitay lived in the home for a few years before moving away, but she has since returned to visit. The house was eventually sold to British singer Engelbert Humperdinck, who listed it for sale in 1990 for $8 million. Despite its sale, the 'Pink Palace' remains a symbol of Jayne's unique spirit and her enduring legacy in the world of entertainment.
Jayne Mansfield's 'Pink Palace' is a testament to her bold and playful personality, a home that continues to captivate and inspire. It is a reminder that sometimes, a home can be a true reflection of its owner's spirit, a place where love, creativity, and whimsy intertwine.
