Category Archives: Renovations

See How a 1970s Brentwood Tudor Was Transformed Into an $8 Million Modern Estate

A “fully renovated” Tudor in Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood just hit the market for $8 million.

Built in 1972, the six-bedroom residence designed by Jordan Bakva blends timeless design with modern amenities.

Bakva reworked significant portions of the layout, completely renovated the kitchen and bathrooms, and added new flooring, millwork, lighting, and finishes throughout. Outdoors, he also updated the landscaping and rebuilt the pool and surrounding areas.

“Every finish has been replaced, so it is fully reimagined,” says Claire O’Connor, who is co-listing the property with Sam O’Connor of O’Connor Estates. “It also has an attached guesthouse, a private gym, and a stream running through the front yard, which is incredible.”

Before entry of newly reimagined estate in Los Angeles, CA, on sale for $8,000,000
The entryway of the estate before the renovation (Courtesy of O’Connor Estates)
Entry of newly reimagined estate in Los Angeles, CA, on sale for $8,000,000
The newly imagined entryway of the estate after the renovation (Gavin Cater)

A grand entry opens up to a dramatic foyer with checkerboard floors, vaulted ceilings, and exposed beams.

The formal dining room has custom millwork, coffered ceilings, and French doors to the outdoor living area.

“The former owners loved entertaining, so you could have drinks on the patio and then move inside,” O’Connor notes. “The kitchen also has a secret door that opens to a butler’s pantry.”

Before kitchen of newly reimagined estate in Los Angeles, CA, on sale for $8,000,000
The kitchen before the renovation (Courtesy of O’Connor Estates)
Kitchen of newly reimagined estate in Los Angeles, CA, on sale for $8,000,000
The renovated chef’s kitchen includes Breccia Capraia marble and a paneled door to the back of the estate. (Gavin Cater)

A “magical” chef’s kitchen has honed Breccia Capraia marble, a “statement” La Cornue range, and a paneled door to a back catering kitchen designed for entertaining or “hosting on any scale.”

“It’s a high-end, classy house that lives really well,” she adds. “Everything is perfect in terms of the floor plan.”

Throughout the home, Jordan mixed contemporary pieces with vintage finds, sculptural lighting, aged metals, ceramics, textiles, art, and collected objects to make the home feel comfortable yet curated.

Before dining room of newly reimagined estate in Los Angeles, CA, on sale for $8,000,000
The dining room before the renovation (Courtesy of O’Connor Estates)
Dining room of newly reimagined estate in Los Angeles, CA, on sale for $8,000,000
The dining room after the renovation—the designer mixed contemporary pieces with vintage finds and sculptural lighting. (Gavin Cater)

The lavish primary suite features a wallpapered accent wall and a spa-inspired bathroom with a soaking tub set within an oversized shower, surrounded by windows overlooking the private, tree-lined lot.

European white oak floors, handcrafted Zellige tile, limewashed walls, reclaimed Spanish tile, vintage Italian lighting, and built-in window seating can be found throughout the 5,850-square-foot interior.

Multiple terraces overlook the waterfall pond and brand-new pool with an automatic cover.

“I imagine it will be used as a primary residence for a family who will live here year-round,” O’Connor says. “It is located in an area with great schools and has been a family home with lots of happy memories.”

Before patio at newly reimagined estate in Los Angeles, CA, on sale for $8,000,000
The patio before the renovation (Courtesy of O’Connor Estates)
Pool at newly reimagined estate in Los Angeles, CA, on sale for $8,000,000
The pool area after the renovation (Gavin Cater)

Mario Lopez’s Former Glendale Home Returns to Market for $5.8 Million—With TV Host’s Bold Renovation Pick Still Intact

Mario Lopez’s former Spanish Revival estate is back on the market in California for $5.79 million, three years after the “Access Hollywood” host and his family moved out.

Much like its former owner’s beloved “Saved by the Bell” role, A.C. Slater, the Glendale home is an iconic character in its own right. Built in 1929 by the inventor of the armored car, Peter Damm, the 7,700-square-foot residence has since become known more affectionately as “Lorelei.”

Adding to its impressive lineage is the property’s inclusion on Glendale’s historic registry in 1977, becoming the first private home to be given the prestigious designation.

Lopez, 52, purchased the home for $1.94 million in 2010, months before welcoming his first daughter, Gia Francesca Lopez, with his now-wife, Courtney Mazza.

The family resided in the eight -bedroom abode for 13 years—welcoming sons Dominic Luciano Lopez in 2013 and Santino Rafael Lopez in 2019—before moving into a larger home in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, in 2023, at which point they listed Lorelei for $5.15 million.

Exterior aerial of a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Mario Lopez purchased the historic Glendale home for $1.94 million in 2010. He eventually sold it for $4.55 million in 2023. (Realtor.com)
Aerial of a a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Mario and his wife, Courtney, welcomed three children—Gia, Dominic, and Santino—during the 13 years they resided in the home. (Realtor.com)
Living space with two white couches in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
The formal living room is ideal for entertaining and features stunning California views. (Realtor.com)
Living space in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Dark wood details and a hand-carved stone fireplace are original to the home. (Realtor.com)

In April of that year, the Lopezes sold the dwelling for the lower price of $4.55 million.

Just two years later, the property returned to the market for $5.99 million. It was removed months later before its $5.79 million relisting in February 2026. It was taken off the market one more time before its most recent return.

Listed by Daniel Sanchez of Engel and Volkers Burbank, Lorelei is located just north of the gorgeous Verdugo Viejo neighborhood.

The listing notes the “timeless architecture” and “exceptional privacy” of the home, which features “sweeping panoramic views.” Through the statement-making arched windows of the property, residents can catch a glimpse of downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, the San Gabriel Mountains, and, on particularly clear days, the Pacific Ocean.

Lush foliage climbs the grand gates of the courtyard, where hand-painted Spanish tile and a peaceful fountain set the tone. Through the front door, guests are welcomed by Venetian plaster walls and bold, yet timeless, marble floors with a striking trellis pattern.

While the estate has been updated for lavish modern living, original details such as a fireplace constructed of hand-carved stone and hardwood floors throughout represent the “authentic craftsmanship” that has carried the home through a near-century of memories.

It’s easy to imagine Lorelei serving as the backdrop for countless more fond moments for its next owners.

The space is ideal for entertaining, given the allure of the formal living room and adjacent family room, which flow into a formal dining area and breakfast nook, which can easily pivot from buttoned-up events to more casual meals.

Dining table in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
The Lopez family’s 2018 kitchen renovations still hold strong today—including a sizable window over the sink, an idea that the former “Extra” host came up wth. (Realtor.com)
A bedroom with a ceiling fan in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
The primary suite includes a walk-in closet, a spacious en suite bathroom, and easy access to a gym and office. (Realtor.com)
A walk in closet filled with clothing in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Closed and open storage strikes a thoughtful balance in the walk-in closet. (Realtor.com)
An ornate bathroom in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Spa-inspired furnishings create a relaxing escape in the primary bathroom. (Realtor.com)
An office in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
An attached space can function as a nursery or office, boasting gorgeous views in either case. (Realtor.com)

The chef’s kitchen, which Courtney described as her “favorite spot in the house” in a 2018 YouTube video showcasing a remodel of the space, naturally encourages gatherings. Natural light floods through ceiling skylights and a larger-than-life window serves up garden views just behind the sink.

In fact, Mario even shared that the window placement was his idea—a daring choice he worked to get Courtney on board with.

“She thought she was gonna lose too much cabinet space,” the former “Extra” host recalled. “I said, ‘No, you gotta take advantage of this view here.’”

While the couple seemed to have mixed opinions over how much time they’d spend actually cooking in the kitchen, it’s as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing with top-of-the-line appliances.

For those who prefer clutter-free countertops, there are plenty of cabinets to store smaller gadgets or sentimental mugs. In their vlog, the couple showed that storage remains plentiful despite losing some cabinet space to the picturesque new window.

The Lopezes also opted to brighten the space with airy design choices, but kept the original dark hardwood floors. The couple carried out several updates to the home, while retaining the historical architectural integrity.

Workout space with large rounded windows in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Mario previously shared family workout videos from this relaxing gym and dance studio. (Realtor.com)
Lounge chairs by the pool at a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
A resort-style pool keeps the fun times going outdoors. (Realtor.com)
Seating around a fire with views from a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
The 7,700-square-foot home sits just north of the Verdugo Viejo neighborhood. (Realtor.com)
Seating by the pool at a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
The home is a getaway for friends and family and even includes a guesthouse for long-term visitors. (Realtor.com)

The primary suite is a serene spot to call home—or workplace, given the adjacent space that’s well-suited for an office. Dramatic double doors lead to a walk-in closet, equipped with all the furnishings one could want to store their favorite fashions with pride.

Another set of doors opens to the en suite bath. It features a bright, spa-inspired room with a comfortable shower, spacious water closet, inviting bathtub, and modern vanity. It’s one of eight full bathrooms in the home, which also includes three half-baths.

Head down the en suite’s unique spiral staircase for easy access to the private gym and dance studio, which would have been the ultimate convenience had Lopez purchased the home ahead of his 2006 stint on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Still, it seems as if the Lopez crew got plenty of use of the fitness area, documenting their family-friendly workouts in YouTube videos during their time at the estate.

The listing likens the property to “a true compound,” noting a “spacious guest house with kitchen and living room, an additional pool house or office, and separate staff or guest accommodations” that would make hosting long-term guests or tackling multigenerational living a breeze.

Outside, the vibe shifts from luxurious home to full-fledged resort with a striking pool and spa. There’s even a full kitchen, built-in entertainment, and climate control in the charming cabana.

Still, if celebrations call to head back indoors, there’s no shortage of fun to be had with the impressive wine cellar or playful game room.