After a half-century of sleepy near-invisibility, celebrity influx now makes secluded Hidden Hills a first choice for many A-listers. Safety and discretion are of paramount importance, which is why this leafy enclave is patrolled by both city and private security patrols with 24-hour surveillance.

Hidden Hills is literally a small wonder: wide tree-lined streets create a graceful canopy overhead, and lawns are manicured to velvet-plush, emerald-green perfection. Many of the oversized parcels exceed two acres, and most properties include tennis and sports courts. All are defined by the Hidden Hills hallmark three-rail white picket fences, along with white-painted mailboxes.

The low-key ambiance belies the fact that this is the site of some of the region’s most lavish mega-mansions, including a property owned by Drake which melds together three contiguous lots. Reverence for the area’s natural beauty imparts a peaceful, grounding vibe that’s nearly impossible to secure even in Beverly Hills or Bel Air.

Many new owners plant fully mature, decades-old olive trees as a focal point of their landscaping, lending an aura of instant legacy. Residents here love to give their homes personal names, proclaimed by posting charming placards declaring “Attitude of Gratitude”, “So Happy Together”, “Our Home Sweet Home” and the like.

This is a pedestrian-first community, where wide footpaths and equestrian trails take the place of pavement. And it’s a horse-lover’s paradise. In fact, every homeowner is required to set aside space for a horse-barn even if an equine is not currently part of the family. The community offers three community riding arenas, as well as 25 miles of bridle trails, four public tennis courts, a competition-size pool, and a state-of-the-art, 99-seat performing arts/movie theatre.

The absence of street-lights means that the night-skies over Hidden Hills are unusually dark and restful, making the area ideal for star-gazing.

The community was designed and developed in the 1950s by A.E. Hanson, the developer behind other deluxe Southern California communities including Rolling Hills and Palos Verdes Estates.

The community maintains its equilibrium thanks to a strong community infrastructure. Section V of the document called Architectural Standards of the Hidden Hills Community Association reads this way:

“Creation of a new home or the remodeling of an existing home should start with the preconception that living in Hidden Hills is a way of life. Fundamental to the community philosophy is a resolute determination to preserve and enhance the feeling of openness and rustic country atmosphere with distant views, deep setbacks, wide side yards and dwellings pleasantly compatible with hills, valleys and horizon.”

In addition to keeping Hidden Hills calmly in tune with its unspoiled pastoral setting, the restrictions also protect the privacy of famous residents past and present, including Madonna, Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Jaden Smith, Britney Spears, Jamie Foxx, Jessica Simpson, John Stamos, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Miley Cyrus, Angelina Jolie, Drake, Kanye West and various Kardashians and Jenners.

And while an occasional Dior fashion show or high-net worth hip-hop pool party may create a momentary ruckus, this is still the place where street-signs read “Horses & Children at Play”, and where parents on horseback often collect their children from the old-timey school bus-stop.