THE HEARST CASTLE

Unlike Europe, here in America we don't have a plethora of old castles.  But between Los Angeles and San Francisco in San Simeon, California we do have the Hearst Castle.  

William Hearst, creator of  Hearst Publishing, built himself a  mega-home, the site of many tales, extravagant parties and hosted incredible guests such as Clark Gable, Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow and Howard Hughes.  Decked with a full on zoo, an airport, 127 acres of expansive rambling gardens, two grandiose swimming pools, movie theater, tennis courts, 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, and incredible views of the Pacific ocean, it is a truly decadent residence worth seeing.  Its Spanish Revival architecture and detailed finishes are unrivaled in America and it gives us a glimpse into the grandiose lives of the great American magnates of the 19th century.  

Once William Hearst passed away, the property fell into the same fate as most castles and had to be donated to the  state of California and declared a national park because of the cost of upkeep. Today you can tour this beautiful estate’s interior and grounds.  It is  open for occasional summer barbeques and has holiday events.   

If only Hearst Castle’s walls could talk!

http://lxtv.com/openhousenational/video/10412

http://www.hearstcastle.org/

 

Comments

[Rubes]

one of my FAVORITE places in CA. I've been here twice and I get blown away. The castle is an absolute dream.