Hef making a deal? Playboy founder Hugh Hefner appears to have a buyer for his mansion in Los Angeles’ Holmby Hills area, which is on the market for $27.995M

Situated next door to the Playboy mansion, the house has either five bedrooms — according to listing information — or seven bedrooms, according to other reports. The personal (and family-friendly) residence is owned by Hefner and his estranged wife, Kimberley. Built in 1929, the Hefners’ English Manor-style mansion has seven baths, a two-story entry, a large living room with a fireplace, a large family room adjoining the dining room, a newly remodeled eat-in gourmet kitchen with a morning room and a butler’s pantry, two staff rooms (included in the seven-bedroom count), a library, original wood paneling, hand-painted walls, leaded-glass windows and a hand-carved staircase, according to public records, listing information and the Times. Outdoor features on the walled and gated 2.3-acre property include a large motor court, an outdoor terrace, rolling lawns, mature trees, a private pool area and room for a tennis court, according to public records and listing information.

The Hefners (while still together) purchased the property in 1996 for $6,700,000, according to public records. Reports are that “Hef” lives in the Playboy mansion itself next door (at 10236 Charing Cross Road) while Kimberley and the couple’s two sons (ages 17 and 18) live in this mansion that has just come up on the market.

No one really knows for sure why the Hefners are selling the mansion. Their listing agent told Brenoff that they want to unload the mansion because his and Kimberley’s two sons soon are off to college. There also have been reports that the Hefners are facing financial problems.

Stay tuned for confirmation of the property closing, as well as a sale price.