The former oceanfront estate of legendary television producer Stephen J. Cannell, the creative mind behind iconic shows like The A-Team and 21 Jump Street, has hit the market for a cool $20 million, with the listing held by Shauna and Leita Covington of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. This stunning Laguna Beach property, a longtime sanctuary for the prolific writer and producer, offers a rare glimpse into the life of a Hollywood giant.

The mother and daughter real estate duo, known as The Covington Team, said, “Ocean Way is one of Laguna’s most coveted addresses, blending privacy with accessibility. You’re tucked into a quiet stretch of sand between Moss Point Beach and Woods Cove Beach, yet just minutes from the vibrant energy of town, restaurants, and galleries. It’s the perfect combination of serene coastal retreat and Laguna Beach lifestyle.”

The Producer

Cannell, who passed away in 2010 from melanoma at the age of 69, purchased the home in 1999 for $5.2 million. For over a decade, he split his time between this coastal haven and his primary residence in Pasadena, finding inspiration in the breathtaking Pacific views.

As the head of his own studio, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, he became one of the most successful producers in television history. His impressive list of creations and co-creations includes The Greatest American Hero, Wiseguy, Silk Stalkings, The Commish, and The Rockford Files, the latter of which earned him an Emmy Award in 1978. Many will also fondly remember his iconic production logo at the end of his shows: a satisfying sequence of Cannell typing, then triumphantly ripping a sheet of paper from his typewriter and tossing it into the air.

The Home

The Laguna Beach estate, built in 1947 and recently remodeled, is a testament to Cannell's success. The Covington Team felt immense pride representing this listing. “For us, capturing and sharing the story of the home was our favorite part,” shared Leita. “From photographing the sun glow on the water to welcoming buyers into a sunset showing, every moment highlighted just how magical this property is. It’s always rewarding to represent a home that truly sells itself through its beauty.”

Perched on a nearly quarter-acre bluff in the secluded Woods Cove neighborhood, the fully walled and gated property offers unparalleled privacy and stunning coastal vistas. Private steps lead down to a peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean, offering an intimate connection with the sea. “Having this much usable outdoor space along the coast is almost unheard of, and the way the property is set back from the street and surrounded by gardens creates a true sense of retreat,” Leita added. 

The four-bedroom, five-bathroom residence spans approximately 4,700 square feet and is designed to blend indoor and outdoor living. When asked about her favorite room in the home, Shauna’s answer was clear. “The great room leading out to the deck absolutely steals the show. You’re completely immersed in the sound of the waves and the horizon stretching out endlessly, it’s the heart of the home and the space that makes you stop and say, ‘wow.’”

The heart of the home features a gourmet eat-in kitchen, complete with custom cabinetry, a quartz-topped island, high-end appliances, and a cozy bay-windowed breakfast nook with its own fireplace. The entire upper level is dedicated to a luxurious primary suite, which according to Leita, “is an absolute sanctuary that exceeds every expectation as well.” It boasts a fireplace, a mini-bar, a private balcony with views from Palos Verdes to San Diego, a separate office, and a spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub and sauna. The lower level offers a secondary kitchen, a fireside living room, and a mirrored fitness area. This space opens to a backyard designed for entertaining, featuring an in-ground spa, a barbecue station, and a grassy sitting area.

This $20 million listing is a home that provided a backdrop for the creative genius of a man who shaped a generation of television and whose stories continue to captivate audiences today. Reach out to Shauna and Leita Covington of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties for more information.