Meg Ryan lists Bel-Air home at $19.5 million

It was a pocket listing -- never in the Multiple Listing Service but known to be for sale for the right price -- for the last few years, having been shown to Galaxy soccer star David Beckham and wife Victoria-the-Posh and, more recently, by Ben Affleck and wife Jennifer Garner, who apparently are drawn to house-hunting with the same ferocity that Carrie Bradshaw is drawn to shoes.

The house, built in 1931, has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms in 6,877 square feet. The compound was restored to much of its original glamour and features a double-story stenciled beamed living room, a 1930s-era bar, a formal dining room and complete cook's kitchen. All the main rooms open to and overlook views of the city. There is a screening room with a separate entrance and a private knoll setting for the pool, spa and guesthouse. The master suite is away from the rest of the bedrooms for greater privacy.

Ryan, 47, made her screen debut in 1981 playing Candice Bergen's daughter in "Rich and Famous." Her breakaway hit performance came with "When Harry Met Sally" in 1989, followed by "Sleepless in Seattle" in 1993 and "You've Got Mail" in 1998. She was also in "Kate & Leopold" (2001) and "Against the Ropes" (2004).

Aileen Comora and Paul Lester, both of Westside Estate Agency, Beverly Hills, co-listed the property.

ann.brenoff@latimes.com