Barbie Benton’s house is much more than a place to live — it is a work of architecture and a cultural artifact. Set on a breathtaking Aspen, Colorado, landscape, this home makes a name for itself with its daring design decisions, whimsical interiors and larger-than-life personality that mirrors the former Playboy model and actress herself. The home, with contributions by the celebrated architect Bart Prince, combines organic modernism and playful eccentricity.
the architectural vision behind barbie benton’s house
The Organic Modernist Design of Bart Prince
Barbie Benton’s house is an example of Bart Prince’s signature architectural style. Famed for his organic and futuristic designs, Prince crafted a residence that fits harmoniously into its natural scene but also conveys a grand sense of scale.
Site Issues and Creative Solutions
The home was difficult to build, thanks to Aspen’s steep terrain. Yet the architectural genius Bart Prince proved his mettle in bending design to the contour of the hill here. The result? A 23,000-square-foot sprawling estate that manages to be both expansive and cozy, every room in the house boasting spectacular shots of the Colorado mountains.
Defining the Home: Key Features
The house has a few distinctive features, including:
- A crescent-shaped living room with views of the valley.
- An egg-shaped screening room for entertainment.
- You have luxury of two independent pools with temperature requirements, each designed to be used throughout the year.
- A 150-seat dining hall for grand events and a private disco that can handle more than 100 guests.
All three of those elements show Benton’s passion for entertainment, glamour and creative expression.
Collaborative Design Process
A Personal Touch From Barbie Benton
Bart Prince lent his architectural talent to the effort, but Barbie Benton was hands-on in her home’s interiors. Her hands-on approach also included creating custom furniture, including a 27-seat sofa, and others more whimsical design details like Perspex handrails with marbles set inside. These flourishes give the house a luxurious yet distinctive feel.
Architectural Evolution
Benton’s aesthetic preferences turned out to be fluid over the course of the design process. She initially wanted a Mock Tudor–style home, but she was inspired by Bart Prince’s modernist specimen as well as the work of John Lautner. After this shift to a modernist look, the house gained its now familiar profile and modern appearance.
Unique Features and Design Highlights
Barbie Benton’s house is full of surprises, mixing artistic whimsy with functional luxury. From its ornate interiors to its luxurious areas for recreation, the house has a story to tell in every corner.
Whimsical Interiors
Artistic Doorways
Perhaps one of the most unique features of the home is its 47 handcrafted doors, each a work of art in its own right. Among the more striking are the Salvador Dalí-inspired ladies’ room door and the Max Ernst-inspired men’s room door. These doors function as both utility and visual conversation pieces, reflecting Benton’s love of surrealist art.
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Lighting and Materials
The house has inventive lighting and materials that contribute to its charm:
- “In the office suites we’re installing fibre-optic desks, giving a futuristic feel.
- Ceiling floral displays, developed with inspiration from Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean, that add a touch of whimsy to the interiors.
- Orbicular granite, imported from Australia, in George Gradow’s bathroom — a sign of the couple’s attention to detail.
So where should you visit entertainment and leisure spaces
The Disco Room
A disco room was essential in Barbie Benton’s house. Equipped with smoke machines and retro light, this space encompasses the essence of disco. Guests frequently took dance breaks between courses at lavish dinner parties — a fitting tribute to the playful, entertaining side of the house.
Wellness and Recreation
The residence also features areas devoted to wellness and relaxation, including:
- A fully equipped gym.
- A serene yoga space.
- Outdoor jacuzzi with mountain view, great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Aspen.
Historical Background and Celebrity Appeal
Aspen Properties of Barbie Benton
Barbie Benton has brought her share of iconic houses. Before the Starwood estate, she had a house on the same street, Red Mountain Road, that she bought in 1974 for $300,000. This house had a private lake and stunning views, and it was designed by Harry Weese and A. Quincy Jones. Benton sold it in 1988 for $1.6 million.
But her most famous residence was her Starwood estate. It was renovated in 1978 for $600,000 and is now worth about $5 million. The estate has six bedrooms, a wine cellar and, naturally, the legendary disco room.
Cultural Legacy
Barbie Benton’s house has long received considerable media coverage. It has run in magazines such as Wallpaper and Aspen Sojourner, which has complimented its “outer space” look. It has also drawn comparisons to other celebrity cribs — like the guest house at Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion — only adding to its status as a cultural touchstone.
FAQs About Barbie Benton’s Home Barbie Benton House FAQs
Q1: In which city is Barbie Benton’s house?
Where is Barbie Benton’s house? — In Aspen, Colorado. For reference, notable addresses include 1150 Red Mountain Road and N Starwood Rd.
Q2: What was the construction cost of the house?
The specific construction cost has not been disclosed. But Starwood, at more than 23,000 square feet, took six years to build, a testament to its elaborate design and high-end finishes.
Q3: Is the house open to the public?
What: No, Barbie Benton’s house is private residence. But media tours and photographs can provide a glimpse inside its stunning interiors.
A Fast Comparison of Key Features
Feature | Barbie Benton’s House | Other Celebrity Homes (e.g., Playboy Mansion) |
---|---|---|
Size | 23,000 sq ft | Varies (e.g., Playboy Mansion: 21,000 sq ft) |
Unique Design Elements | Salvador Dalí-inspired doors, disco room | Grotto, secret tunnels |
Location | Aspen, Colorado | Los Angeles, California |
Architectural Style | Organic modernism | Gothic/Tudor |
Conclusion
Barbie Benton’s house is one of a kind, showcasing architectural innovation and also personal flair. But the home, which was designed by Bart Prince and drastically influenced by Benton’s creative vision, is a celebration of bold design and eclectic aesthetic. From its playful interiors to its roman-esque trappings, it’s no surprise that this house remains a muse for both lovers of architecture and pop culture.
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