Seven kitchens in Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Saratoga have an additional reason to be warm this week - they are part of Hillbrook School's fourth annual Autumn Kitchen Tour, which takes place Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The tour is a major fundraiser for the independent, nonprofit, coeducational day school ensconced at the end of Marchmont Drive in Los Gatos. Proceeds from this year's tour will help finance teacher fellowships, which in turn lead to enriched classroom experiences for the students.

"Everyone at Hillbrook is so proud of the tour - not just because it's so successful or popular, but because the funds raised for teacher-related programs are a great way to let our teachers know that they are our heroes," says two-time tour co-chair Tricia Deeter.

Among the homes on the 2002 Autumn Kitchen Tour are a Victorian that was gutted and completely remodeled; a ranch-style home remodeled to have a river rock and brick exterior and a pie-shaped kitchen island; and a home whose large backyard boasts fruitful vineyards. Architects, decorators and designers will also be on hand to discuss styles, floor plans, materials and trends.

"For the first time, the tour is also showcasing a local restaurant/commercial kitchen," says co-chair Willy Brown of Los Gatos restaurant Manresa. "This kitchen allows us to address all the current trends in industrial design and the consumer's current penchant for stainless steel."

As in previous years, the event is run by a volunteer committee comprised of Hillbrook parents - some of whom also sit on the school's parent council - and other Hillbrook supporters.

All tour attendees receive a program containing information on the homes and kitchens and advertisements for providers of home-related goods and services. The program also provides information about the 67-year-old Hillbrook School, which draws students mainly from the Los Gatos, Saratoga and San Jose areas.

Those attending also have the option to attend a buffet luncheon at La Hacienda Inn Restaurant, on Highway 9, halfway between Los Gatos and Saratoga. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hillbrook parents will provide shuttle services for all attendees, based out of the La Hacienda parking lot.

Comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes are recommended. Some homes are not fully accessible to the disabled. Babies and young children are not permitted.

Autumn Kitchen Tour tickets are $40 in advance and $45 on the tour day. Lunch buffet tickets are an additional $20. Raffle tickets for gifts and prizes will be sold at La Hacienda and at one of the tour homes; the cost is $2 per ticket, or $20 for a page. For more information, call 408.356.6116, ext. 578 or visit www.hillbrook.org.