Designer home benefits cancer support group

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers BEAUTIFUL HOME-Fine art and luxurious surroundings can be seen at the House for Hope Design Showcase at Lake Sherwood. Funds raised at the open house will support the Wellness Community.

The House for Hope Design Showcase offers a tantalizing glimpse into the life of luxury. The 6,000-square-foot home in tony Lake Sherwood has been completely remodeled by 19 top local designers in a luscious style dubbed "European countryside elegance" by the design team

The home will be put up for sale in about a month for approximately $6 million. But for the time being, the public is invited to tour its fine rooms, each meticulously completed down to the smallest detail by a local designer. Proceeds from the House for Hope tour will benefit the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, which provides support to cancer patients and their families.

The idea for the showcase came from Tim and Kelly Ryan of Westlake Village. The couple enjoys remodeling and renovating homes through their company, Ryan Real Estate Development. This particular project inspired them to turn their work into a charity showcase house.

The team of designers coordinated their efforts to ensure design continuity as they worked on every aspect of the home, volunteering their time and resources and spending between $600 and $25,000 each. Many of them had family or friends affected by cancer and the philanthropic aspect of the project appealed to them.

The Ryans are expecting 10,000 guests to tour the house and hope to raise about $100,000 for the Wellness Community.

"I feel privileged and honored to be able to do this," said Kelly Ryan. "You have to give back and do things for others."

The house is built high off the road and overlooks the calm waters of Lake Sherwood. Upon arriving, visitors climb a steep flight of stone steps and walk past a built-in stone bench, perfect for relaxing and taking in a picturesque view of the lake, hills, and nearby majestic estates.

The vivid scenery is a focal point of almost every room in the house. Large windows across the front of the house—upstairs and downstairs—frame the outdoor panorama, and whether you’re in the upstairs master bedroom or in the downstairs kitchen or dining room, the view is always there, waiting to be appreciated.

The home inside, just like the view outside, is magnificent. Dark, wide-plank wood floors lead to a spacious living room where the walls and over-stuffed furniture are decked in terra cotta, russet and cream tones that are warm and inviting. An 18th-century-style breakfront, hand-painted fireplace screen and fragrant vetiver root window shades made in Indonesia are among the room’s other features.

Stepping into the home’s wine cellar is like walking into a Napa vineyard. The walls of the narrow room are painted in a grapevine motif. Against one, myriad bottles are stacked neatly in a built-in storage unit.

The great room is just that, the biggest room in the house. Among the highlights of this gathering place is a copper and slate waterfall on the wall. A built-in television above the fireplace and plenty of plush seating complete the room. The walls are covered in hand-applied rice paper that brings an attractive, textured look.

An outdoor patio opens to the stunning views as well. A fireplace fronted with sofas, tables and chairs provides an attractive venue for friends and family to gather on a summer evening and watch the sun set over the lake.

Among the bedrooms is a boy’s room decorated in an equestrian motif, and a girl’s room done in feminine mauves with a castle theme.

The master suite includes a massive bathroom and an even bigger closet. A back staircase leading from the closet is decorated in a whimsical fashion theme.

And there’s more, including an in-house elevator, state-of-the-art kitchen and beautiful artwork, but to be fully appreciated, this house must be seen in person. You won’t be disappointed.

House for Hope runs through May 29. Hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cameras, strollers and children younger than 12 are not permitted. The house is not handicapped accessible.

Pre-sale tickets are $25 per person or $30 per person at the door. Tickets can be purchased at www.twcvv.org. For more information call (805) 379-0030.