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The Barbie Penthouse Where the Real Barbie and Ken Grew Up

See inside the lavish apartment that was once home to Mattel founders and creators of the Barbie dolls and their two children, Barbara and Kenneth (after which the now infamous toys were named).

A one-of-a-kind penthouse with a playful backstory is now up for grabs.

The iconic Barbie Penthouse, once owned by Mattel founders Ruth and Elliot Handler and later heavily customized to match its moniker was listed for sale asking $9,999,888.

Current owner Nicole Sassaman, a well-known real-estate flipper, designer, and television host, bought the condo directly from Barbara (Barbie) Segal, who inherited it from her parents, Mattel owners Ruth and Elliot Handler.

The Handlers, who created one of the most popular toys of all time, named their now-infamous dolls after their two children, both of which grew up in this apartment: Barbara / Barbie and Kenneth / Ken.

Paying tribute to the condo’s famous owners, Sassaman turned it into her own dollhouse — and even published a book entitled Barbie Penthouse, detailing her extensive remodel of the luxurious residence.

The lavish apartment is located in the Century Towers, a luxury condo building on the Avenue of Stars in Los Angeles that bears the signature of legendary architect I.M. Pei.

Spanning 3,200 square feet, the Barbie Penthouse has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a home office with a loft bed which can serve as an extra sleeping quarters when needed.

Sassaman, a highly skilled interior designer, paid special attention to the master suite, which boasts the most curated finishes and has a large walk-in closet, ample space for a sitting area, office, private balcony a luxurious en suite spa bath.

bedroom of the barbie penthouse in los angeles.
Inside the Barbie Penthouse. Image credit: Nils Timm/Douglas Elliman
Inside the Barbie Penthouse. Image credit: Nils Timm/Douglas Elliman
Inside the Barbie Penthouse. Image credit: Nils Timm/Douglas Elliman

The kitchen, as the listing points out, is one of the most photographed kitchens in print, boasting a custom La Cornue range/oven, top of the line appliances, and hidden cabinets — all of which opens up to a dining and living area, perfectly appointed for entertaining.

The kitchen was terribly expensive. Anyone in their right mind wouldn’t have spent that, but it’s the hub of the house. We spend our time in the kitchens, so it deserved to get that,” Sassaman told the New York Post.

Inside the Barbie Penthouse. Image credit: Nils Timm/Douglas Elliman
Inside the Barbie Penthouse. Image credit: Nils Timm/Douglas Elliman
Inside the Barbie Penthouse. Image credit: Nils Timm/Douglas Elliman

With 12-foot ceilings and massive windows, the Barbie Penthouse makes the most of its location, offering picture-perfect views of Los Angeles.

There’s also an expansive balcony whose telescoping stainless doors open up to a nice outdoor living space, blurring the lines between indoor/outdoor living.

The buildings itself offers an impressive suite of amenities, from tennis courts to an Olympic-sized swimming pool, valet parking, doormen, and gated security.

Inside the Barbie Penthouse. Image credit: Nils Timm/Douglas Elliman
Inside the Barbie Penthouse. Image credit: Nils Timm/Douglas Elliman
Inside the Barbie Penthouse. Image credit: Nils Timm/Douglas Elliman

This is the first time the Barbie Penthouse is publicly listed for sale, as Sassaman purchased it in an off-market deal directly from the daughter of the Handlers.

Scott Segall and Carrie Berkman Lewis of Douglas Elliman hold the listing and have kickstarted marketing efforts with a beautiful website and a fun video that showcases the unique lifestyle that comes with owning such a distinct property.

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Written by Georgie Mihaila

With a decade-long career as a digital content creator, Georgie started out as a real estate journalist for Multi-Housing News & CPExecutive. She later transitioned into digital marketing, working with leading real estate websites like PropertyShark, RENTCafé and Point2Homes. After a brief but impactful stint in the start-up world, where she led the marketing divisions of fintech company NestReady and media publisher Goalcast, Georgie returned to her first passion, real estate, and founded FancyPantsHomes.com

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