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Mario Lopez s Former L.A. Home Now for Sale for $6 Million
I was drawn to homes with genuine charm as soon as I started looking through the listing images of Mario Lopez’s former Glendale home, Lorelei. This one satisfies your curiosity if you’ve been searching for Mario Lopez LA Home Listed: historic bones, celebrity cachet, and a pricing narrative that makes you pause and consider.
The Spanish-style mansion, which Lopez purchased for around $2 million in 2010, sold for nearly $4.5 million 13 years later, and is now listed for just under $6 million with Compass agents Craig Strong and Nancy Gerber.
This is more than a nice front. With Mills Act benefits and around 7,700 square feet of renovated living space, Lorelei is a historic house from the 1920s.
The original craftsmanship, contemporary comforts, and the tax and investment aspects that most articles overlook are what really count in this situation, and I’ll walk you through them all.
Before we get started, though, would you rather live in a historic villa with lots of charm than a brand-new, turn-key home?
From Purchase to Present The 15-Year Journey
I feel like I’m seeing a tiny real estate drama play out when I look at the figures on this house. According to Robb Report, Mario Lopez paid somewhat less than $2 million to acquire Lorelei in 2010. Yes, this location has been in the background of a significant chapter in his life, since it was just prior to his VH1 reality show with Courtney Mazza.
Thirteen years later, he attempted to sell it for $6.5 million. didn’t occur. In 2023, the house finally sold for about $4.5 million. It has returned with new owners and a new listing price of somewhat less than $6 million.
This type of rollercoaster is not uncommon if you have followed the upscale market in Los Angeles. However, because it is connected to the history of the celebrities, every price adjustment feels like a part of the narrative.
These price fluctuations are common in celebrity properties.The selling of Liam Neeson’s apartment in New York followed a similar pattern.
Architectural Heritage & Historic Significance
This isn’t your typical luxury flip. The inventor of armored automobiles, Peter Damm, constructed Lorelei in the late 1920s, as the New York Post notes. Since the 1970s, it has been included on Glendale’s historic registry.
This is why it matters to you: if you maintain the house’s historic appearance, it is eligible for the Mills Act, which can drastically reduce your property taxes.
That’s uncommon in the celebrity home market, and it means you’re getting a financial benefit that most purchasers don’t consider in addition to a piece of Hollywood history.
Inside Lorelei A Walk Through the Rooms
Once you’re inside, you can’t help but slow down. After being welcomed by a tiled courtyard with a fountain, you enter a marble-floored foyer through those carved double wood doors.
With arched entrances and picture windows letting in plenty of natural light, the living room descends a step.
Venetian plaster walls, exposed beams, and a historic stone fireplace in the family room are some of the ways the interiors maintain their Spanish-revival flavor while yet feeling habitable. The kitchen has an island that you can dine at rather than just look at, and it is well-lit.
Additionally, the main suite includes a built-in quiet office or nursery if necessary. Which detail is my favorite? a spiral staircase that leads directly to a dance studio and mirrored gym.
Outdoor Living & Entertainment
You literally have layers out back. The loggia at the beginning of the tiered yard looks out over a pool and spa that are fed by a waterfall. If you’re the competitive kind, there’s a bocce court, a full outdoor kitchen with a bar, and fire pits for chilly nights.
A separate two-bedroom apartment with a kitchen and living area is available for visitors. Yes, there is a cellar waiting for you if you enjoy wine.
With everyone having their own place, you could have a summer party that goes on until the wee hours of the morning and nobody would mind.
I frequently post behind-the-scenes pictures and rare home tour videos from listings like these on my WhatsApp updates since it’s the simplest way to learn about new discoveries before they go up for sale.
Why Glendale? The Location Edge
If you’re not from here, you might not think of Glendale when you think of a luxurious residence. You understand, though, after you’ve seen the foothill neighborhoods.
You’re far enough away for true seclusion, yet still close enough to the action in Los Angeles.
In Southern California, Lorelei occupies a substantial lot size of more than two-thirds of an acre. Newer developments lack the charm that the historic district offers.
Despite being 20 minutes from the studios, it’s the kind of spot where you wake up to views of the hillside rather than the sounds of traffic.
Additionally, location is a major factor in determining the property’s value, much like with Pia Zadora’s previous listing for a beach house in Malibu.
Celebrity Connection Mario Lopez Beyond the Villa
Knowing who occupied these apartments adds to the place’s appeal, in my opinion. Mario Lopez is not your typical Saved by the Bell character. His career has included hosting Extra, Access Hollywood, and Access Daily in addition to being a sitcom heartthrob.
He and Courtney Mazza documented the months leading up to their parenthood in the film Saved by the Baby while they were residing here. He trained at the gym downstairs, got ready for red carpet appearances, and most likely ran lines for TV in this mansion.
Purchasing a house with outstanding architecture is one thing, but knowing that it has been featured in popular culture is quite another.
I would love to know what one detail you would leave exactly the same if you have seen Lorelei’s previous TV or interview appearances. Leave your comments below.
Investment & Buyer Insights
Lorelei checks three things that aren’t frequently seen combined as a buyer: historic classification, celebrity provenance, and a rising location.
Lower annual taxes for homes with Mills Act status can add up quickly over time.
The reselling angle comes next. Properties owned by celebrities typically maintain their appeal, especially if they are in good preservation.
You have a property with both lifestyle and financial potential, even if you don’t want to sell very soon.
Similar trends have been observed with other celebrity-owned properties; for example, Kim Kardashian’s $115 million real estate empire demonstrates how, over time, heritage value frequently surpasses contemporary construction.
Final Takeaway More Than Just a House
The unique thing about Lorelei is that it’s not for everyone. This is the type of property that is difficult to leave if you appreciate history, character, and a feeling of narrative in your home.
You will find something here that is not available in a contemporary spec build, regardless of whether you purchase it for its architectural appeal, investment possibilities, or just because it was formerly owned by a TV celebrity.
Would you chose a brand-new home with no history or a historic celebrity mansion like this one if you had the money?
Enjoy reading about famous people’s real estate holdings? See how they stack up by taking a look at our Real Estate & Homeownership section.
Disclaimer: Based on public records and listing sources, all property characteristics, pricing, and historical data are current as of August 2025. Before making decisions, check with the listing agent because the state of the real estate market can change. This post is not financial advise; it is merely informational.
Contents Table
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From Purchase to Present The 15-Year Journey
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Architectural Heritage & Historic Significance
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Inside Lorelei A Walk Through the Rooms
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Outdoor Living & Entertainment
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Why Glendale? The Location Edge
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Celebrity Connection Mario Lopez Beyond the Villa
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Investment & Buyer Insights
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Final Takeaway More Than Just a House
