Playboy sex empire founder Hugh Hefner has placed his family home in California on the market for nearly US$28-million, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

A cool US$27.995-million could get you living right next door to the Playboy Mansion, known for the sex king's extravagant parties. The two-storey, 700m² English manor-style personal residence was built in 1929 and purchased by Hefner in 1998.

It has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a library and commons for staff. Some of the walls are hand-painted and there is a hand-carved staircase.

The home sits on a one hectare stand, borders the Los Angeles Country Club and has a pool.

Hefner, who turns 83 next month, owns the house with his second wife, Kimberley, who was Playboy's Playmate of the Year in 1989. The couple is separated but has two sons who are soon to head to college. Hefner has lived at the neighbouring Playboy Mansion with three young women for the past several years.

AFP