“Life is made up of small pleasures. Happiness is made up of those tiny successes. The big ones come too infrequently. And if you don’t collect all these tiny successes, the big ones don’t really mean anything.” ~ Norman Lear

Certainly, legendary television writer and producer Norman Lear and his wife Lyn found both small and large pleasures at his world-class compound nestled in L.A.’s Brentwood community. Recently listed for $39,950,000 with Jade Mills and Valerie Fitzgerald of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Beverly Hills, the estate is perched on an approximately 8.29 acre promontory with breathtaking park-like grounds with magnificent city, ocean and mountain views.

Fittingly, the “All in the Family” creator decided to set up his estate just north of famed Sunset Boulevard — one of the most iconic streets in Hollywood. The estate was purchased in the 1980s, and Lear sought complete privacy for his own domain. The Lears raised their own family right on the property, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Drive up a long, gated driveway and visitors are embraced by another world with a 14,000 square-foot main house, guesthouse, executive staff and security offices, gym, 35-car garage, meticulous gardens, expansive lawns, pool, spa and tennis court with viewing terrace, bathroom and outdoor kitchen.

A generous motorcourt with lovely center fountain provides the first introduction to the Lear Estate. The grand front door in the main residence offers a memorable entree into a dramatic gallery entry hall.

Inside, elegance reigns supreme. There are formal living and dining rooms, a magnificent two-story library, wood-paneled den, family room, professional screening/media room and spacious chef’s kitchen with center island and breakfast room. The study, which Lear called “the greatest study in America,” is graced with cherry wood accents resembling a cigar box (Lear was a fan of the Cuban variety, the Wall Street Journal reported). Seven bedrooms, eight full bathrooms and four half bathrooms, including the luxurious master suite with fireplace, dual bathrooms and a private study, made it an especially comfortable home for a growing family.

The Lears were fond of entertaining as well, and frequently hosted political events discussions and several weddings for family friends in the house, noted the Wall Street Journal.

They sought to bring in the outdoors to the indoors, with many of the public rooms on the main level opening onto a large covered patio overlooking the shimmering vistas.

Captivating and unparalleled by its beauty at every turn, the residence has a magical quality to it — like a piece of art. You can see that the Lear Estate is not simply a home — but a lifestyle that the next generation of homeowners will cherish for decades to come. It’s a piece of Hollywood history, where those life pleasures, both small and large, can flourish.

For more information on this legendary estate in Brentwood, contact Jade Mills or Valerie Fitzgerald at 310-285-7508, homes@jademills.com or info@ValerieFitzgerald.com.  A complete gallery of the property can also be viewed at www.LearEstate.com.