Jayne Mansfield's Husband Built Her a Heart-Shaped Pool at Their 'Pink Palace' – It's a Testament to the Flamboyant Romance of '50s Hollywood
In a charming piece of Hollywood history, we take a look back in time at the actress's heart-shaped pool and reflect on what it can teach us about design
Ladies, if he wouldn't build a heart-shaped pool for you, he might not be the one. In 1957, Mickey Hargitay, a former Mr. Universe and skilled carpenter, did exactly that for his wife, Jayne Mansfield.
Though you've probably heard about the couple's iconic 'Pink Palace' mansion in Beverly Hills, the heart-shaped pool idea is an especially special part of their home. Mickey personally created the pool for his wife, emblazoning the bottom with gold-leaf mosaic tiles spelling out, 'I love you, Jayne.'
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Jayne Mansfield at her balcony overlooking her heart-shaped pool, 1961
Jayne purchased the 40-room, Mediterranean-style mansion at 10100 Sunset Boulevard in Holby Hills, Los Angeles, shortly before her second marriage to Mickey. She painted the house pink and filled it with cupids surrounded by pink fluorescent lights. She installed a pink-heart-shaped bathtub and adorned the bathroom with pink furs. Thus, the pink Palace was born.
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Almost 70 years later, we're still swooning, and luckily, no matter the shape of your pool, you can add a touch of romance to make it more interesting this summer. With mauve furnishings and on-trend fringe, you can capture the spirit of the Pink Palace without lifting a brick.
This stylish pink furnishing is perfect for relaxing in your yard or next to the pool. The waterproof cover ensures it will last for years to come.
Made from durable steel, this retro-style outdoor chair set is designed to withstand the elements. Their powder-coated finish protects the metal from UV rays, rust, and harsh weather, meaning the pastel pink hue will look beautiful for many summers ahead.
I love the fun and stylish fringe on this gorgeous umbrella. It's effortlessly joyful, while still maintaining an elevated feel.
This vibrant palm is popular in shady landscapes. It has distinctive ruffled, pleated, fan-shaped leaves, giving it an exotic and ultra-tropical appearance.
Replicate Jayne's timeless style with a vintage-looking pool ring like this stylish one from Anthropologie. I love its pink and green colorway.
If you're serving drinks this summer, make them even more fun with this gorgeous scallopped tray. The hot pink color and shape emulate those seen at Jayne Mansfield's home.
The rest of the story is sadder, but it continues to exist as a testament to the flamboyance in this period of Los Angeles history. It's an example of how homes can be an important reflection of our personal biographies despite change. For one, the heart-shaped pool outlived Jayne's marriage to Mickey, which ended in 1964.
Then, after Jayne's untimely death in 1967, the home was sold and continued its star-studded trajectory. Its subsequent owners included Ringo Starr, Cass Elliot, and Engelbert Humperdinck. Below, you'll see Humperdinck posed by the 'I Love You Jayne' pool in 1989. The surrounding palm trees are a masterclass in pool planting.
Englebert Humperdinck, who later owned The Pink Palace by the heart-shaped pool, 1989
Humperdinck sold the house to developers in 2002, and it was tragically demolished in November of that year. Now, the home exists only in photographs and memory.
Famously, violent delights have violent ends, and the heart-shaped pool's short-lived existence might be the most romantic fate possible. It's a reminder that though it feels like our homes will be around forever, nothing is set in stone (even stone itself), and it's worth taking risks, both in design and love.
