YOUR PLACE.

Byline: - Diana McKeon Charkalis

Homeowners have decked their halls

Looking for design inspiration? Check out the 14th annual holiday homes tour in Westlake Village and Agoura Hills. The event, which benefits the Wellness Community's Valley/Ventura programs for people with cancer and their families, features four fabulous houses decked out in designer style. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3-4 , visitors can peek inside homes - including Susan O'Brien's five-bedroom house in Westlake Village, where the rooms are all ready for Christmas with five decorated trees. The one in the movie screening room is done with film reels and concession candy boxes. The kids' trees feature themes as well - Hawaiian and Hot Wheels. Although this is the first time she has participated in the event, O'Brien says she's enjoyed attending in the past. ``I go on the tour every year to see what people are doing,'' she says. ``It's a great way to get decorating ideas, and it's just fun to see the inside of other people's houses.'' And when it comes to her house, there's also something in it for the guys who are more into hot rods than holiday decor, she adds. ``If men come along, they can exit through the garage and check out my husband's Ferrari on the way out.''

Other stops on the self-guided tour include ``All Aboard the Holiday Express,'' featuring a house that has a collection of model trains dating from the '40s to the present; ``Magical Mystery Tour,'' a home with a collection of Beatles memorabilia and musical decor; and ``Celebrate Good Times,'' a residence that features sports memorabilia and decor by Hollywood's most famous seasonal decorators, Dr. Christmas. There is also a holiday boutique at Willow Elementary School in Agoura Hills featuring jewelry, home accessories and holiday items.

For the families opening their homes, the true inspiration comes from the organization this event will benefit, which provides free support, education and hope to people affected by cancer. The O'Briens are taking part to honor the memory of Jamie O'Brien, a family member who died at age 33 from ocular cancer earlier this year. ``This is all about him for us,'' says O'Brien about her brother-in-law. ``I think this has been therapeutic for the whole family.'' Tickets for the event are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information, call [phone].

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(1 -- 2 -- color) Susan O'Brien's Westlake Village home is all dressed up for the holidays. Her daughter's Hawaiian-themed bedroom, above, even has a grass-skirted tree.

(3 -- color) Christmas figurines and a be-ribboned tree surround O'Brien's kitchen knives.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer