L.A. Power Couple’s Glittering Hancock Park Estate Is Listed for $16.5 Million

A Los Angeles “power couple” who are known for hosting some of the city’s most impressive political events and high-profile fundraisers are ready for the hallowed halls of their stunning Hancock Park estate to play host to a new group of glitterati—after listing the elegant property for $16.5 million.

Mike Rose and Ruben Rodriguez, who are best known for hosting Democratic political fundraisers for the likes of Pete Buttigieg, as well as philanthropic events for organizations like the National AIDS Monument, Outfest, and Project Angel Food, have spent more than a decade using their home as a backdrop for their incredible soirees.

The duo purchased the home, which is now listed with Neyshia Go of Sotheby’s International Realty and Aaron Kirman of Christie’s International Real Estate, for $8.6 million in 2015. That was soon after selling their production payroll and residuals platform, Ease Entertainment Services, and beginning what they refer to as their “second act” inside the 1926 Tudor estate.

And what a second act it has been, for both Rose and Rodriguez, and the home, which has not only played host to some of the country’s most influential figures, but is also surrounded by them.

The five-bedroom legacy property, which features just over 7,500 square feet of modernized space on a one-acre parcel, is tucked away in an exclusive enclave that is home to Hollywood producer Shonda Rhimes, sportswriter Bill Simmons, and the Japanese consulate.

In short, there could be no better backdrop for the kind of lifestyle the duo envisioned for themselves when starting the next chapter of their lives.

“As background, we love Hancock Park because of the gorgeous homes and tree-lined streets, as well as walking distance to Larchmont, all of which provides an East Coast and Midwest feel combined with Southern California’s fantastic weather,” Rose told Realtor.com®. 

“It’s so convenient to almost everywhere in Los Angeles.”

Rose noted when they originally moved to the neighborhood in 2007, they purchased a Bob Ray Offenhauser-designed home just two blocks away on the golf course of the Wilshire Country Club. 

“But we tired of golf balls constantly pelting the house,” he noted. “When 344 S. Hudson came on the market, which we had seen once under an earlier listing but just after had moved to our prior house, we jumped at it because in addition to being one of the prettiest houses in all of Los Angeles (in my modest opinion), it has the most spectacular yard.

“It’s almost an acre and, because of how the house sits within the lot, both the front and back yards are immense. The front yard is so beautiful because the house sits up above and back from the street quite majestically, given a fortunate curving out of Hudson Ave. right in front, which provides a great expanse of yard making you feel both quite private and secure.

“Our block on Hudson is easily one of, if not the, premiere streets in Hancock Park.”

Designed for grand-scale entertaining, the 1926 Tudor-style estate with dual staircases recently underwent a thoughtful modernization, taking great care to preserve the home’s historic integrity.

“The immense two-story leaded glass center window sparkles from the huge chandelier inside, and is always the source of wonderful compliments about the house,” Rose noted. “When kids come trick or treating, every single accompanying parent tells us how much they love the house.”

Modernizations made way for new bathrooms and a “caterer’s dream” kitchen secured with solid cement.

“Our contractor says, in the event of an earthquake, run to the kitchen because it’s not moving anywhere,” Rose said with a laugh.

Designed for entertaining, the kitchen is well equipped for large parties.

“There are eight warming-related appliances plus an immense island and counter space, all in gorgeous marble with tuff-skin coating,” he added. “Three dishwashers, six refrigerator drawers, in addition to the main fridge, a separate wine fridge, exquisite China display cabinets plus storage for days—and we don’t cook!”

Rose notes the bi-level backyard is like owning your own park or country club.

“The first level has a large patio, gardens, and koi pond, all shaded under an enormous tree, providing the perfect venue for holding large events or dances,” he said. “Just that section comfortably holds 250 people, which we’ve had at numerous political and charity functions.”

On the second level, an open “outdoor wonderland” offers plenty of room for sports where Rose says you “could set up a practice soccer or baseball field.”

“The yard is so big you could practice your iron golf shots quite easily, without a building in sight and that goes nicely with the professional putting green and sand trap on the right side of the ‘park'” he said.

“Combine that with the pool, spa, tennis court, and covered outdoor eating area with grill and outdoor TV, and there you have all the components of your own private country club.”

There is also a regulation tennis court and a separate guesthouse found on the property.

The couple decided to list the residence after spotting another historic estate nearby seeking a transformation.

“The only reason we’re moving is because eight blocks away, a city historical landmark badly in need of restoration to former glory is calling to us as a perfect post-retirement project,” Rose noted.

“It’s a Gilded Age beauty, having hosted multiple presidents, and we’re fortunate to have the resources and time to pay tribute to its history. Anyone who appreciates the charm of a 1920s home, renovated for the best conveniences, will fall in love with it as we have.”