A rare piece of Toluca Lake celebrity real-estate history has returned to the market. Built in 1928 and positioned directly on the lake, the gated estate was formerly owned by comedian and actor Damon Wayans, later rented by the Jonas Brothers, and is now owned by music executive Pepe Garza and television personality Elisa Beristain. The home combines Old Hollywood character, extensive outdoor entertaining areas and one of the San Fernando Valley’s most unusual waterfront settings.
From Damon Wayans to the Jonas Brothers
Public sales records show that Damon Wayans acquired the estate in 2001 for approximately $1.95 million. The comedian, actor, writer and filmmaker—known for In Living Color, My Wife and Kids and films including Major Payne—later sold the property in 2007 for $4.4 million.
The home subsequently became associated with the Jonas Brothers. Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas reportedly began leasing the property in 2009, during the height of their Disney-era success, and remained connected to it until the family purchased another Toluca Lake residence in 2012. Longtime readers may remember the blog’s earlier coverage of the Jonas family’s Toluca Lake homes.
Pepe Garza and Elisa Beristain
The estate sold again in 2013 for $4.25 million to a family trust associated with José Francisco “Pepe” Garza and Maria Elisa Beristain Garza. Public property records continue to identify the couple’s trust as the owner.
Garza is a prominent figure in regional Mexican music and Spanish-language media. His career has included radio programming, music production, songwriting, television judging and digital interviewing. He became closely associated with KBUE-FM’s Qué Buena and served as an executive producer and judge on EstrellaTV’s Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento. His online interview series, Pepe’s Office, has also featured established performers and emerging artists.
Beristain has developed a media career of her own as a television personality, journalist and digital host. She appeared on EstrellaTV’s reality series Rica, Famosa, Latina and later became widely known as a co-host of the celebrity-news program Chisme No Like.
The lakefront estate
The two-story Mediterranean-style residence contains approximately 5,632 square feet with six bedrooms and five bathrooms on a roughly 10,000-square-foot lot. It is one of only about 34 homes positioned directly on Toluca Lake, giving the property a level of waterfront access that is exceptionally rare in the San Fernando Valley.
- Direct lake frontage with a private dock and water views
- Saltwater swimming pool and multiple outdoor entertaining terraces
- Formal living and dining rooms plus a media or recreation room
- Fireplaces in the living room and primary suite
- Remodeled kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, double ovens and pantry storage
- Primary suite with a walk-in closet, sitting area and private outdoor space
- Beamed ceilings, hardwood and stone flooring, built-ins and high ceilings
- Three-car garage and landscaped grounds
Market history
The estate returned to the market in 2026 with an asking price of $6.85 million. Before the current sale offering, it had also appeared as a high-end rental, with monthly asking rents reaching as much as $35,000. Pricing and availability may change.
Explore more Celebrity Real Estate on the San Fernando Valley Blog →
Property photo gallery
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Property photographs courtesy of The MLS and Compass.
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