JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers AT HOME IN THE KITCHEN-Singer Michelle Phillips, left, and Jan King discuss fundraising efforts in the Lake Sherwood Designer House for Hope. Tickets for the tour help the Wellness Community.

Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas fame was an added attraction at the House for Hope Showcase at Sherwood last Friday.

Twenty-four local designers remodeled 19 rooms of the Lake Sherwood estate in a European country theme. The home is open for public tours—but not for long.

The design house tour will come to a close on May 29, completing a month-long quest to raise funds for the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura chapter. The Wellness Community provides support to cancer patients and their families.

The home will be listed for sale at $6.5 million.

Phillips greeted guests in the home’s gourmet kitchen. As a one-day docent, she dished out a detailed description of the kitchen, which was designed by Brandi Smith and Robin Aiello of Garrett Interiors. Best known for the hits "California Dreamin’" and "Monday, Monday," Phillips graciously signed autographs for visitors and told of her connection with the Wellness Community.

"One of my very closest friends designed the kitchen," Phillips said in reference to Aiello. Phillips explained that Aiello’s mother died of breast cancer and, had the Wellness Community been in existence during the time, her friend would have received tremendous support and education.

Phillips’ father also died of cancer.

"I like the kitchen the best," Phillips said. "I love the wood, love the openness."

The Lake Sherwood estate is a showcase of elegant abundance with stunning views of the lake. The 6,000-square-foot floor plan features four bedrooms, a great room, library, media room, wine area, loggia and several landing areas, all opulently designed and furnished by local talent. Even the landscaping was redesigned to exude sumptuousness.

The lakefront kitchen was an especially appropriate setting for Phillips’ discussions since she herself is a gourmet cook. The kitchen offers rustic charm with modern conveniences. The cabinets were custom-designed, the counters are covered in sleek granite, and the bronze mosaic and island add chic ambience with country flair.

In addition to pointing out the deluxe amenities in the design house kitchen, Phillips talked about her kitchen in Cheviot Hills, an upscale area of West Los Angeles. She is particularly fond of her warming drawer, combination microwave/convection oven and temperature-controlled pantry that is kept at a constant 56 degrees.

Furniture and accessories in the design house are available for purchase by contacting the individual designers. The Grand Salon Store of Treasures is also open to guests. Unique gifts, home accessories and indoor and outdoor bronzes are up for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going towards the Wellness Community.

The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura is one of 22 chapters of the international nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support to people with cancer. Family support programs are also available and run the gamut of emotional support and educational workshops. Most importantly, the professionally led support groups offer mind/body programs that help patients learn how to regain control over their lives, reduce feelings of isolation, and restore hope—regardless of the stage of the disease. All programs and services are provided free of charge.

The tours will be conducted on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A complimentary shuttle service is provided from the Westlake Hyatt. No parking is available at the House for Hope. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

For further information, visit www.twcvv.org, call (805) 379-4777, or visit the Westlake Hyatt Thursdays through Sundays. Children younger than 12 are not permitted to tour the home and strollers and cameras are also disallowed. The house is not handicapped-accessible.