Crystal Hefner, 37, exclusively reveals in the latest issue of We that she fell in love with Hawaii after the passing of her husband, Hugh Hefner, in 2017. She chose the stunning state as the ideal place for a fresh start, captivated by its enchanting waterfalls, picturesque scenery, and overall beauty.
Crystal embarked on her house search on the Big Island in 2021, a few years following the passing of Hugh, the legendary creator of Playboy magazine, whom she married in 2012 at the age of 91. The former model expressed her need for a fresh start after residing in the notorious Playboy Mansion for a decade. In her upcoming memoir titled Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself, set to release in 2024, she plans to delve into her experiences living in the infamous residence. Reflecting on her time in the mansion, she reveals, "For ten years, I was immersed in that world. Constructing a home in Hawaii was a voyage of self-discovery, allowing me to uncover my preferences, desires, and ultimately, my true identity. It has been a transformative and restorative journey for me."
During her quest for her dream dwelling, Crystal stumbled upon
an abandoned 6.5-acre lychee orchard that brimmed with possibilities. With her expertise, she revived and converted the expansive orchard into a paradisiacal haven, fulfilling her tropical aspirations.
Crystal collaborated with Paradise Tiny Homes, a company specializing in constructing environmentally-friendly, compact dwellings, to fashion a harmonious haven that seamlessly integrates with the magnificent natural environment. Infusing her unique style, she adorned the enchanting abode, spanning 290 square feet, with personalized elements such as Spanish tile and elegantly crafted mango wood surfaces for the bar and tabletops. Notably, the self-sustaining retreat operates off-the-grid, harnessing the power of solar energy through solar panels and employing a rainwater collection system, further enhancing its eco-friendly attributes.
"The sun powers it, and the rain provides the water," she explains. "Living here has compelled me to embrace a minimalist and uncomplicated lifestyle."
Tracey Lyn lives in a modest home that boasts an unparalleled location. Situated on 6.5 acres, her property showcases a diverse array of fruit trees, enchanting waterfalls, and breathtaking cliffside vistas overlooking the ocean. However, the pinnacle of these mesmerizing sights can arguably be experienced from Crystal's loft bedroom.
Tracey Lyn
“The loft features a California King bed and a skylight,” she tells Us. “So you can look up and see the stars at night.”
Crystal's favorite part of her home is the bathroom, which showcases a variety of exquisite tiles. She also adores her compact yet charming kitchen, expressing amazement at successfully incorporating a dishwasher and washer and dryer into the limited space. "I have the opportunity to enjoy Hawaii, explore new destinations, and surround myself with genuinely supportive individuals," she gushes. "Life is truly wonderful."