Most of us have a secret (or not-so-secret) hankering to look at the estates of the rich and famous. Well, here’s a chance to check out one of the swankiest during the Pasadena Showcase House of Design. You’ll have to pay to get into this mansion and gardens, but your money goes to charity. And who knows? Maybe you’ll win the lottery and someday buy it. Meanwhile, you can take a gander from April 20 through May 18.

T his is the 60th year that this charity event’s been held, and this year promises to be a doozy. The Bauer estate and gardens are so exclusive that you’ve probably never heard of them, but they might be the largest ever featured on the tour.

The home was most recently lived in by TV writer and producer Stephen J. Cannell, known for creating such memorable shows as “The Rockford Files,” “The A-Team,” “21 Jump Street” and many more. He also wrote 16 crime novels. Cannell, who at one time worked in his dad’s store in Pasadena, died of cancer in 2010. The house now belongs to his heirs.

Not only do you get to see the space, but more than 30 landscape and interior designers have volunteered their time to spiff it up, just for you.

The house, dubbed a Monterey colonial estate, is the work of architect Reginald D. Johnson and was built by Peter Hall, who also constructed the Gamble House, which is now a museum. It was built for Harry Bauer, former CEO of Southern California Edison, and his wife, Alice, who was a board chair of the Los Angeles County Arboretum.

As you might expect with that pedigree, the acres of gardens are acclaimed for their beauty and style, with broad lawns, mature oaks, roses, tropical plants and Mediterranean terraces. And, of course, there’s a pool and pool house, along with a tennis court.

Inside, the mansion has 18 rooms, 10 of which have fireplaces. There’s a step-down living room opening to the south terrace and pool. The ground floor has three bedrooms, two baths, a sitting room, a butler’s pantry and a flower arranging room.

On the second floor are a study, four family bedrooms and baths and a nanny suite.

Organizers are expecting some 30,000 people to come through during its season.

How much does it cost? Timed-entry general tickets are $38-$75. Proceeds are earmarked for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its youth programs. Purchase at pasadenashowcase.org/tickets or by calling 626-606-1600.

Pasadena Showcase House of Design

When: April 20-May 18. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and Saturdays-Sundays, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, closed Mondays

Where: Parking and shuttle location is Santa Anita Park Gate 6, 265 Colorado Place, Arcadia.

How much: Timed-entry general tickets are $38-$75.

Information: Purchase at pasadenashowcase.org/tickets or by calling 626-606-1600.