The estate is an unintentional homage to a certain flavor of very Floridian success. The extravagant estate of the late sun care entrepreneur Ron Rice has hit the market for the first time ever.
The over 12,000 square foot property features a disco dance floor, indoor-outdoor pool and a general aesthetic of 1980s glamor and excess.
Rice, who passed away last year aged 81, was born a “ poor, pale mountain boy ” but became known as “ the Hugh Hefner of suntan oils ” after using his knowledge as a high school science teacher to create Hawaiian Tropic suntan lotion.
“He was an amazing man and true inspiration to local business people,” said Realty Pros Assured broker Bill Navarra, who is selling Rice’s lavish Ormond Beach, Florida home on behalf of his estate.
This is the first time the four-bedroom, five-bathroom residence has been listed: Rice has the palatial oceanfront abode built for himself in 1987 and it has remained in his ownership ever since.
Evidence that the mansion was built by a man who had a decadent time in the later half of the 20th century and found great success marketing through beauty pageants is evident throughout.
Through ornate doors are striped wood walls galore, a kitchen with diner-style wrap-around breakfast bar, heavily draped windows, the indoor pool with its bridge and permanent angelic statue occupants and, in the main room, double-height ceilings, a split grand staircase leading down from the balcony above and more antiques than some shops.
There are turquoise carpeting and framed photos of beauty queens throughout.
One pictured bathroom has a custom mermaid mural while another enormous, labyrinthine one has mirrored ceilings, multiple kinds of marble and theatrically lit vanities. The main room with its carpeted grand staircase.
“This is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a piece of Ormond Beach history where celebrities, dignitaries and even past presidents have gathered,” boasts the listing .
