Mario Lopez’s Former L.A. Home Now for Sale for $6 Million

When I first scrolled the listing photos of Mario Lopez’s old Glendale villa—known as Lorelei—I felt that pull you get for houses with real personality. If you’ve been typing “Mario Lopez LA Home Listed” into search, this one answers the curiosity: celebrity cachet, historic bones, and a price story that makes you stop and think.

Lopez bought the Spanish-style estate in 2010 for about $2 million, sold it 13 years later for roughly $4.5 million, and now the property is back on the market for just under $6 million with Compass agents Craig Strong and Nancy Gerber.

This isn’t just a pretty facade—Lorelei is a 1920s historic home with Mills Act perks and nearly 7,700 sq. ft. of remodeled living space.

I’m going to walk you through what actually matters here—the original craftsmanship, the modern comforts, and the tax and investment angles most writeups skip.

But before we dive in: would you pick a character-filled historic villa like this over a brand-new, turn-key mansion?

From Purchase to Present – The 15-Year Journey

When I look at the numbers on this house, it’s like watching a little real estate drama unfold. Mario Lopez picked up Lorelei back in 2010 for just under $2 million, according to Robb Report. That was right before his VH1 reality show with Courtney Mazza—so, yes, this place has been in the background of a big life chapter for him.

Fast forward 13 years, and he tried to sell it for $6.5 million. Didn’t happen. The home eventually went for around $4.5 million in 2023. Now, it’s back again—new owners, new listing—for just under $6 million.

If you’ve followed L.A.’s high-end market, you know this kind of rollercoaster isn’t unusual. But here, it’s tied to celebrity history, and that makes every price change feel like part of the story.

Celebrity properties often have these price swings—Liam Neeson’s New York penthouse sale followed a similar trend.

Architectural Heritage & Historic Significance

This isn’t some cookie-cutter luxury flip. As the New York Post points out, Lorelei was built in the late 1920s by Peter Damm—the guy who invented armored cars. It’s been on Glendale’s historic registry since the ’70s.

Here’s why that matters to you: the house qualifies for the Mills Act, which can cut your property taxes significantly if you preserve its historic look.

That’s rare in the celebrity home space, and it means you’re not just buying a piece of Hollywood history—you’re getting a financial perk most buyers overlook.

Inside Lorelei – A Walk Through the Rooms

Step inside and it’s impossible not to slow down. You’re greeted by a tiled courtyard with a fountain, and then those carved double wood doors open to a marble-floored foyer.

The living room dips down a step, with arched doorways and sunlight pouring in through picture windows.

I noticed how the spaces keep their Spanish-revival character but feel livable—Venetian plaster walls, exposed beams, and an original stone fireplace in the family room. The kitchen is skylit, with an island you can actually eat at, not just admire.

And if you need a quiet office or nursery, the primary suite has that built in. My favorite detail? A spiral staircase that takes you straight down to a mirrored gym and dance studio.

Outdoor Living & Entertainment

Out back, you’ve got layers—literally. The tiered yard starts with a loggia overlooking a waterfall-fed pool and spa. There’s a full outdoor kitchen with a bar, fire pits for cool nights, and even a bocce court if you’re the competitive type.

For guests, there’s a separate two-bedroom apartment with its own kitchen and living space. And if you like wine, yes, there’s a cellar waiting for you.

It’s the kind of setup where you could throw a summer party that lasts until the early hours, and no one would complain—because everyone’s got their own space.

I keep sharing rare home tour clips and behind-the-scenes photos from listings like this on my WhatsApp updates—it’s the easiest way to get fresh finds before they hit the market.

Why Glendale? The Location Edge

If you’re not from here, Glendale might not be the first spot that comes to mind for a luxury home. But once you’ve seen the foothill neighborhoods, you get it.

You’re close enough to the L.A. action but far enough for real privacy.

Lorelei sits on over two-thirds of an acre—a serious lot size in Southern California. The historic district adds charm you won’t find in newer developments.

It’s the kind of place where you wake up to hillside views instead of traffic noise, yet you’re 20 minutes from the studios.

And just like Pia Zadora’s former Malibu beach house listing, location plays a huge role in setting the tone for the property’s value.

Celebrity Connection – Mario Lopez Beyond the Villa

For me, part of the charm here is knowing who lived in these rooms. Mario Lopez isn’t just “that guy from Saved by the Bell.” He’s someone whose career has stretched from sitcom heartthrob to hosting Extra, Access Hollywood, and Access Daily.

While living here, he and Courtney Mazza filmed Saved by the Baby, capturing the months before they became parents. This house was where he prepped for red carpets, trained in the gym downstairs, and probably ran lines for TV.

It’s one thing to buy a home with great architecture — it’s another to know it’s been part of pop culture moments.

If you’ve seen Lorelei’s earlier appearances on TV or in interviews, I’d love to hear—what’s the one detail you’d keep exactly as it is? Drop your thoughts below.

Investment & Buyer Insights

If you’re thinking purely as a buyer, Lorelei ticks boxes you don’t often see together: celebrity provenance, historic designation, and a location that’s trending upward.

Homes with Mills Act status can mean lower annual taxes, which adds up quickly over the years.

Then there’s the resale angle. Celebrity-owned properties, especially ones in preserved condition, tend to hold their appeal.

Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, you’re sitting on something that has both lifestyle and financial upside.

It’s the same pattern we’ve seen with other celebrity-owned estates, like Kim Kardashian’s $115 million real estate empire—heritage value often outshines modern builds over time.

Final Takeaway – More Than Just a House

Lorelei isn’t for everyone — and that’s what makes it special. If you value history, character, and a sense of story in the place you live, this is the kind of property that’s hard to walk away from.

Whether you’d buy it for the architectural charm, the investment potential, or simply because it once belonged to a TV icon, you’ll get something here you can’t find in a modern spec build.

If you had the budget, would you go for a historic celebrity home like this… or choose something brand new with zero backstory?

Love exploring celebrity real estate stories? You can browse more in our Real Estate & Homeownership section and see how they compare.

Disclaimer: All property details, prices, and historical information are accurate as of August 2025, based on public records and listing sources. Real estate market conditions can change, so verify with the listing agent before making decisions. This article is for informational purposes only and not financial advice.