Exclusive, luxurious, private and legendary all describe Bel-Air, the center of LA’s Platinum Triangle (with Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills) — the most affluent and glamorous group of communities in Los Angeles. Bel-Air is home to famous and influential executives and celebrities, including former First Lady Nancy Reagan. There are four main sections: East Gate, Old Bel-Air, West Gate, and Upper Bel-Air. Upon entering the lower portals, one is immediately struck by a change from wide-open boulevards and sidewalks to gated mansions, hidden behind sweeping grounds of shrubbery and trees. It is a small enclave without thoroughfares or pedestrian traffic, giving it a tranquil quality.

Just inside the gates lie the most visibly majestic homes, with gorgeous views of the renowned Bel-Air Country Club. Smaller ranch-style houses are deceptively modest, hiding large, beautifully landscaped grounds and sweeping vistas. As you make your way up the hills toward Mulholland Drive, the lots become smaller and houses more visible, with breathtaking views of Catalina Island and the LA basin. There are just 8,000 single-family residences in Bel-Air, and community services are first-rate. Bel-Air is served by LA Unified School District and close to fine private schools. The Jewish American University offers undergraduate studies, MBA and Rabbinic ordination.

The Hotel Bel-Air is a prominent and beloved icon, harkening back to old Hollywood, with lush ponds and gracefully floating swans tucked into the grounds. Nestled among the beautiful greenery and estates is also the wondrous Hannah Carter Japanese Garden, inspired by the gardens of Kyoto. The buildings were assembled in Japan and rebuilt in Bel-Air, and all stone carvings, lanterns and pagodas were brought from Japan.

The privileged flock to Bel-Air not only for its luxury, but also for the location. Sunset Boulevard, its southern border, leads quickly to all manner of activity, from the beach to Disney Hall downtown. The UCLA gates and Westwood Village are just minutes away. Down the road a scant seven miles is the world famous Getty Museum, a jewel of Richard Meier architecture and dazzling art collections. Both the 405 and 10 freeways are easily accessible, making this location surprisingly convenient.