The Real-Life Barbie Dream Penthouse in Los Angeles With a $10 Million Price Tag

What little girl doesn’t remember her first Barbie doll? Mine had a long blonde ponytail and a killer asymmetrical-striped bateau swimsuit. It comes as no surprise that Barbie has been the No. 1 best-selling doll since her debut in 1959.

Last week, New York Post’s Page Six broke the story: The iconic “Barbie penthouse” once owned by Mattel founders Ruth and Elliot Handler is on the market for just under $10 million. Real-life Barbie and Ken — daughter and son of the infamous doll designer and her husband, Ruth and Elliot Handler — grew up in this three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom Los Angeles condominium.

According to the Post, it was never quite so “Barbie” until its current owner, interior designer Nicole Sassaman, purchased it from Barbara Segal, who inherited the home from her toy-making parents. The 3,169-square-foot home has been remodeled with “sophisticated but fun” décor inspired by the 62-year-old fashion doll icon.

“Every day I pinch myself. I feel really lucky. It was a lot of work, a lot of risk-taking — and I’m really grateful,” Sassaman, who lived in the penthouse with her husband and 15-year-old daughter for almost a decade, told the Post.

“I hope I can be inspirational to other girls or people that everything is possible.”

Highlights of the I.M. Pei architectural masterpiece include 12-foot ceilings, French fume-finished white oak wood floors, custom millwork, and Holly Hunt decorative light fixtures. An expansive balcony offers sweeping views of the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and the Pacific Ocean.

“It doesn’t feel like you’re looking over the view — it feels like you’re in the view,” says Douglas Elliman co-listing agent Carrie Berkman Lewis. “Mirrored surfaces reflect the natural light everywhere you look.”

In the living room, an eco-smart fireplace is surrounded by crystal quartz. A custom glass wine cellar holds 300 bottles.

The de Giulio kitchen sports a crystal quartz island, sliding Calcutta marble backsplash, and custom La Cornue range. “It’s one of the most-photographed kitchens in the world,” according to co-agent Scott Segal.

“The kitchen was terribly expensive,” Sassaman told the Post. “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.”

A luxe primary suite has a sitting area, walk-in closet, office, and private balcony. An expansive, en suite spa bath features an oversize shower, Boffi soaking tub, and custom wood cabinetry.

“I’m ready to let someone else have the dollhouse,” Sassaman told The Post.

“It’s healthy to teach my daughter about detachment because nothing lasts forever. That’s part of why I have to let go and move on to something new,” Sassaman said. “Change leads to growth.”

The designer pays homage to the home in the self-published “Barbie Penthouse” coffee table book. Reviews best tell the story: “I don’t think I’m alone in feeling jealous of anyone who literally lives in a Barbie dream house. The book is like a grown-up fairy tale,” says one five-star entry.

Real-life Barbie namesake Barbara Segal concurs. “I didn’t know how much you loved Barbies and it is very touching seeing how you centered the whole project around her. I wish my parents could see what you did!”

Douglas Elliman has listed 2222 Avenue of the Stars for $9,999,888.