Introducing Woman’s Day to the opulent $16 million Hollywood Hills mansion she bought from Tom Cruise last October, Eva Longoria still seems stunned by the ritzy seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom property.
“I can’t even say it’s a dream house,” quips the former Desperate Housewives actress, looking out over her view of Los Angeles, “because I never dreamed I would have a house like this.”
Indeed, it’s a far cry from the cramped flat she lived in when she first moved to Hollywood in 1998. Eva laughs, “I shared a tiny apartment with six people. The rent was only $150, but we could barely even afford that.”
Now, with her one-hectare home just off the city’s famous Mulholland Drive, the 41-year-old Mexican-American actress is on top in the property market. And she’s at a high professionally too, producing the hit show Devious Maids, as well as producing, directing and starring in new series Telenovela.
Plus, after the heartbreak of two failed marriages – to actor Tyler Christopher and NBA star Tony Parker – her love life is also on the up. Media mogul and divorced dad-of-three José “Pepe” Baston, 47, proposed to Eva last December. She marvels, “I would never think at 41 my life was starting to peak.”
How would you describe this time in your life?
Things are great! I had my 20s and 30s to learn all the lessons, and my 40s to bear the fruit. I mean, a new TV show, a [soon-to-be] husband, a new house …
You mentioned learning lessons. Such as?
There are two people in a relationship, so make sure you’re responsible for your half. When you don’t have the right partner, it’s hard to pull that weight by yourself. Everything becomes easier when you’re pulling and rowing in the same direction.
How did you guys meet?
It was love at second sight! My friend was secretly playing Cupid and introduced us at a restaurant in Mexico City in 2013, but it didn’t take. We said hello and goodbye. Six months later, I went to an event in LA and Pepe was there. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen. I didn’t remember meeting him! We were together from that day on.
Eva’s romance with fiancé José, whom she calls Pepe, was a slow burner – it took two meetings before the pair felt a connection.
What are the qualities that made you fall for him?
It’s not even things he does for me – it’s what he does for my friends and family. The way he is with the waiter at the restaurant or an elderly woman trying to get into the elevator. He’s considerate at all times. He’s a very selfless person and an amazing dad – his children are the most important things to him. That’s beautiful to watch.
How did he propose?
Pepe really raised the bar for every man! He was charming and surprised me in the Dubai desert. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life. He gave me a ruby, which was super-original and sweet. I love red!
See more photos of the stunning star and her home below
Find out more about Eva Longoria’s engagement in the video below
