Iconic TV Sets: ‘Leave It to Beaver’ Features One Swell House
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This is an ongoing series. For the first story, go here.
What is your dream living room set on TV? As classic shows live on through retro channels and streaming services we’re seeing the sets that made us feel at home while watching our favorite shows. We’re taking a deep dive into what made these sets so special. If you have one you’d like us to examine or have some memories to share, email [email protected].
Leave It to Beaver (1957-1963)
Talk about a dream home. The Cleavers’ home at 211 Pine St. had what we all wanted as kids: It was spacious with lots of room for the parents’ own spaces. A garage to escape parental oversight. Our own wing away from the parents, so they wouldn’t yell at us.
OK, so we kids cherished our privacies — usually because our own versions of Eddie Haskell, Lumpy Rutherford, and Larry Mondello were always around giving us the business and getting us in trouble.
Beaver, Wally, and parents Ward and June lived in two homes — actually interior set facades, if you want to ruin the fun. The first two years, the Cleavers set up at 485 Maple Drive, on the Republic Studios set. From the third season on, they lived on Pine Street on the Paramount Pictures set. Most people, including me, prefer the Pine Street house in the fictional town of Mayfield.
The Cleavers’ home continued its TV career after Leave It to Beaver wrapped in 1963. The house was used on Marcus Welby M.D. and altered to become the home office of the title character.
It was the perfectly designed suburban home, perfectly. Once you entered the front door and complimented June on her outfit, you could turn right and take in the family area — the living room, showcased by a fireplace, and a sofa where Ward and June would share the evening paper. The dining room’s dining table was where the Cleavers settled in to catch up on family matters.
Beyond the dining room was the kitchen. It was perfect and beautifully designed with an island with a built-in cooktop, a built-in double oven, and a breakfast nook.
The first floor also includes my favorite room. As an adult now, I appreciate a comfy home office, and Ward’s study is ideal. It has a traditional desk, wood paneling, built-in shelves, and pocket doors (privacy for those times it’s necessary to lecture the Beaver or Wally).
Upstairs, the Beav and Wally have a cool room with a set of twin beds, a study area, and a private bathroom. Ward and June have their own room with a TV set. The only flaw was that the closets are not big enough for June’s cosmo wardrobe.
If you crave more, the internet is loaded with information on the Beaver’s home, especially the fine work done by MockingbirdLane.com. Go ahead and look for more. I promise: No one will give you the business or call you a creep.
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Actually, the second Cleaver
Home was on the huge
Backlot of Revue Studio
Which later became Universal
Studios.
The Munster house was right
Down the street and all used
To be on a great Universal
Studio Tour.
Sadly, several years ago was
A huge fire destroying most
Or all of that historic back
Lot.
Believe a lot of old stored movies
Records and tapes were
Destroyed and supposedly
Was arson. Very sad!
Who is sheriff Taylor‘s house still on the set?
There is a painting at the top of the stairs in Leave It to Beaver that looks like one of the Cotswold series by Thomas Kinkade. Any thoughts?
We are sure Wally and Beaver’s room is furnished with Ethan Allen’s Custom Room Plan Maple pieces. It was GREAT furniture. We bought so many pieces in 1976 and sold them at least 40 years later…still solid and in excellent condition. I suspect much of the furnishings were Ethan Allen. The kitchen is amazing too for that era. The refrigerator would be at home in any kitchen today. Looks like it’s flush with the cabinets with freezer at the bottom! I think June’s pots were Revere Ware although not sure! Thanks for the tour. One last thing…that house in the many metro NY suburbs today would sell for AT LEAST near $2M today! Probably way more with that size property! Only thing it lacks…walk in closets!
Jim
The Taylor house was at Desilu Studios in Culver Studios. So was the whole town for most exterior shots. That part of the old studio is gone but it was right next to what is now Culver Studios. That big lot was also used for Gomer Pyle and Hogans Heroes.
The first Cleaver house for 2 seasons was at Republic Studios. Which is now known as Radford Studios in Studio City. That house has been replaced by others.
Lynn
Kinkade was born in 1958 so I don’t think he was painting yet during the years of Beaver.
I was 4 years old when the show started in 1957. I wish I had that kind of family. I learned a lot from the show, like respect, manners, work ethics, and family importance . I watch the reruns now and I am 72 years old. It takes me back to a another time where being a kid was simpler. I am glad I grew up in the 50s and 60s, it was great. Thank you Cleavers, best show ever. Debra
100% good tv! Can’t get it back now no matter how we try!
The times have slipped into a rough era!