Now to add a little decorum to the proceedings. Former U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher, a fixture on the national political scene, has listed his gracious Connecticut farmhouse-style home near Beverly Hills at $3,259,000.

Christopher and his wife, the former Marie Wyllis, have purchased a two-bedroom, 2 1/2 -bathroom condominium in a guard-gated Century City community. Their new 2,400-square-foot home has high ceilings, hardwood floors, French doors and a fireplace. They plan to customize it before taking occupancy.

The one-story, 4,000-square-foot house that they are selling has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a convertible den/family room. There is a large country kitchen and a service wing. A separate guest studio has a private bath. The whole shebang sits on an 18,000-square-foot lot, unusually large for the area.

Adding charm to the already charming 1930s home are its authentic period architectural details: oversized ceiling beams, cedar siding, plank hardwood floors and blacksmith-forged hardware -- doorknobs and hinges. The home sits among sycamore and birch trees and has an expansive lawn and gardens. There is a pool and entertainment patio.

Christopher served under President Clinton as the 63rd secretary of State. As Deputy Secretary of State under President Carter, he was awarded the Medal of Freedom -- the nation's highest civilian award -- for his role in negotiating the release of 52 American hostages in Iran. And around Los Angeles, he chaired the Independent Commission that bore his name that made recommendations to reform the city's police department after the Rodney King incident. Christopher's roots in the city run deep, having lived in the Beverly Hills home since the 1970s. He is the senior partner at O'Melveny & Myers law firm.

Coldwell Banker Beverly Hills North agent Stephen Baker, who represented the Christophers in both buying and selling, said they intend to split their time between Century City and their longtime home in the Santa Barbara area.