Around a decade ago, Lydia Hearst, heiress to the publishing empire built by William Randolph Hearst, left behind the bustle of New York City for the relaxed sophistication of Los Angeles. Together with her husband, comedian and actor Chris Hardwick, she purchased a grand Spanish Colonial Revival residence in Los Feliz, a property originally designed by celebrated architect Paul R. Williams. Now, after ten years of meticulous restoration, the couple have listed their historic estate for $21.5 million with Sharon Hills of Rodeo Realty.
Situated on a private, gated acre near Griffith Park, this architectural treasure, known as the Victor Rossetti Residence, was completed in the late 1920s for banker Victor Rossetti and his wife Irene. The home was recognized as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2008 and qualifies for the Mills Act, which provides significant tax savings for properties that preserve their historic integrity.
Architectural Grandeur and Historic Soul
The estate, spanning approximately 9,000 square feet, blends period craftsmanship with modern refinement. Ten bedrooms and twelve bathrooms unfold across two and a half levels, each space revealing layers of intricate detailing. From the terracotta-tiled entryway with its carved wood ceiling and Corinthian arches to the coffered ceilings and stained glass windows, the home’s interior celebrates the artistry that defined early Hollywood architecture.
The formal living room centers around an ornate stone fireplace, while the adjoining wood-paneled library evokes an atmosphere of warmth and privacy. The dining room, designed for entertaining, connects seamlessly to a bright breakfast nook and a chef’s kitchen with floor-to-ceiling tile, custom cabinetry, and top-of-the-line appliances from Sub-Zero and Miele. A discreet butler’s pantry and service area add to the home’s thoughtful layout, preserving its function for modern family life while maintaining its original elegance.
Restored with Respect and Purpose
When Lydia Hearst and Chris Hardwick acquired the property in 2015 for $11 million, they undertook a restoration guided by deep respect for its architectural heritage. Each room was revived with care, blending original materials with contemporary comfort. Their work not only refreshed the estate but elevated it to meet the expectations of 21st-century luxury living.
The primary suite offers a quiet retreat with a spacious sitting area, a vast walk-in closet, and a luxurious bath finished with marble and fine tile. Throughout the home, artistic touches such as whimsical wallpaper, hand-painted ceilings, and custom millwork express a rare level of craftsmanship. Hidden behind a bookshelf door, a secret lower-level room adds a touch of mystery. This space includes a pub-style lounge, a wine room, and an intimate media area designed for entertaining.
A design consultant familiar with the property described it as “a residence that bridges Los Angeles’ golden age and modern artistry. Every element feels intentional and alive, from the way light filters through the windows to the care with which the couple restored its original textures.”
Outdoor Luxury and Serenity
Beyond the walls, the estate’s gardens offer a seamless connection between architecture and nature. Manicured pathways wind through terraced lawns, a citrus grove, and tranquil fountains. A pool and sun lounge sit at the heart of the outdoor area, framed by mature trees and mountain views. A shaded pergola houses an outdoor kitchen and barbecue area ideal for alfresco dining, while a two-way fireplace creates a cozy evening setting.
Nearby, a “secret” garden with a koi pond adds an element of serenity, reflecting the couple’s appreciation for quiet, restorative spaces. Two detached guest accommodations, each with its own bath and kitchenette, allow privacy for visitors. Parking is abundant, with a two-car garage and additional space for up to twenty-five vehicles. The adjoining lot, acquired by the couple, includes a 1,500-square-foot guest home with approved city plans for customization, a renovated pool, and a modernized pool house.
A New Chapter for Two Coastal Homes
Interestingly, the Los Feliz listing coincides with another property once owned by Hearst—her former New York City condo on West 57th Street. That residence, located in the Sheffield Building near the Hearst Tower, is now available for $2.2 million through Paul Kolbusz at Corcoran.
Purchased in 2008 when Hearst was just twenty-three, the 1,100-square-foot apartment offers two bedrooms and two baths with panoramic city and Hudson River views through its corner layout and twenty-five feet of windows. The interior includes a combined living and dining area, a marble kitchen equipped with Bosch and Miele appliances, and a primary suite with a soaking tub and separate shower. A second bedroom with a custom Murphy bed offers flexibility as an office or den, reflecting the same balance of style and function seen in her Los Angeles home.
Preserving a Hollywood Legacy
The Los Feliz mansion is more than a residence—it is a living monument to Los Angeles’ architectural legacy. Paul R. Williams, who designed homes for stars like Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, imbued this estate with the charm and balance that defined California elegance in the early twentieth century. For Hearst and Hardwick, preserving that legacy became a passion project. Their decade of stewardship has ensured that the Victor Rossetti Residence not only endures but thrives as a timeless symbol of beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.
As the couple relocates to California’s Central Coast, this estate enters a new chapter—ready for the next custodian to continue its story. With its historic pedigree, meticulous restoration, and unmatched privacy, the property stands among the finest offerings in Los Feliz, an area long cherished for its creative energy and architectural treasures.
For collectors, preservationists, and those who value artistry in architecture, this listing represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of California history—one that perfectly embodies the intersection of legacy and modern luxury.