Tour helps families afford preschool

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., May 13, the 20th annual Cook's Tour will feature four estates in Malibu.

Four Malibu families have opened their homes, allowing the public to tour their houses and gardens to help raise funds for scholarships for preschoolers.

The tours are self-guided. Docents will be on hand at each location to provide information.

Entertainment, themed basket sales and gourmet food prepared by local chefs await guests at each home.

The tour includes two architects' estates. One of these homes features a new architectural style

known as "Classical Progression." Created by its owners, an architect and interior designer, the home melds classic and contemporary.

After touring this home, guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres in the spacious front garden next to the creek bed while listening to a local jazz group. There's also an antique car collection in the garage.

One of the tour homes is reminiscent of an 18th century French chateau in the south of France. The owners had it built after they rented an 18th century chateau in the Dordogne Valley one summer. The entire home, from the manicured landscape to the antiquefilled interior, epitomizes French country living.

The Cook's Tour is hosted by the Malibu Methodist Nursery School and Infant Toddler Center as a fundraiser to support nonprofit childcare and preschool. The proceeds go to the scholarship program which helps families who need child care and preschool but are unable to pay a regular tuition rate. It also helps provide permanent equipment at the school.

The tour begins at Malibu Methodist Church and Nursery School, 30128 Morning View Drive, Malibu. Admission is $60. For reservations or more information, call (310) 457-5144.