Although 2020 was a wild ride for everyone, it was a particular whirlwind for Wondery and its founder, veteran media exec Hernan Lopez. In late December, Amazon acquired the four-year-old podcast company — now one of the nation’s largest podcast publishers, best-known for true crime shows like “Dirty John” and “Dr. Death” — in a deal reportedly valued at north of $300 million.
Lopez, the former CEO of Fox’s international arm, left Wondery immediately after the Amazon acquisition, choosing to focus on a new foundation he will launch to “progress the fight against systemic bias and racism,” per a statement. The 50-year-old has also vowed to progress the fight against some pesky federal corruption charges — last April, Lopez was indicted for bribery and money laundering related to his attempts at winning World Cup broadcasting rights for his former employer, 21st Century Fox. And the dual Argentina/U.S. citizen has also been busy finalizing a divorce from his first husband, Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. Travis Kidner.
Despite those personal headaches of 2020, a big Amazon buyout means a big new house, and Lopez has paid exactly $20 million for a glossy (and glassy) mansion towering directly over the L.A.’s iconic Sunset Strip. Completed this year by a local developer, the strikingly contemporary showpiece was designed by XTEN Architecture and flaunts more than 10,000 square feet of living space. That’s a big step up for Lopez, whose previous Hollywood Hills home — a $2.4 million, 1980s modern structure he still owns — offered “only” 2,300 square feet within its boxy walls.
Sally Forster Jones and Vicenzo DiMauro of Compass jointly held the listing; Randy Wright and Aaron Kirman, also of Compass, repped Lopez.
Described in the listing as an “entertainer’s paradise,” the swoopy mansion is perched atop a steep hill. A gated motorcourt is anchored by a long, seemingly infinite water feature that visually points toward the home’s entryway. Inside, vast walls of glass pocket doors slide open, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Stunning views sweep the entire L.A. skyline, from Downtown to Century City and beyond, to the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.
The combo living/dining room is integrated with the eat-in kitchen, where Lopez will enjoy upgrades like a built-in espresso machine and a wine fridge, along with all the other expected high-end appliances and an imported marble backsplash. Upstairs, the opulent owner’s suite has a linear fireplace and powerful city lights views, plus a bathroom with spa tub and a boutique-style closet with custom built-ins. But the wraparound outdoor terrace is undoubtedly the best amenity, allowing the homeowner and guests to lord over peasants in the city below.
Out back, the infinity-edged swimming pool seemingly floats above the city, and there are numerous lounging options along the wraparound patio. Also outside are a firepit and full outdoor BBQ center/kitchen for grand-scale entertaining. But perhaps the property’s biggest boon is its underground garage, which easily accomodates six cars and features a turntable for convenient egress/ingress — a huge help in the tightly-packed Hollywood Hills, where streets are often quite narrow and cramped.
