2015-16 Hearst Castle, California
Hello All,
As children riding along the Pacific Coast Highway with our families we passed the Hearst Castle on a number of occasions, but never stopped to visit it. Sitting high upon a hill in the distance, it was always a fanciful place that intrigued our young minds. When we started drawing up plans for our California coast road trip, we made it a must stop destination to explore.
Heart Castle is located near the unincorporated community of San Simeon, California, approximately 250 miles from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Hearst Castle joined the National Register of Historic Places on June 22, 1972, and became a United States National Historic Landmark on May 11, 1976.
William Randolph Hearst initiated the building of Hearst Castle. It was constructed on Rancho Piedra Blanca that his father, George Hearst, originally purchased in 1865. The younger Hearst grew fond of this site over many childhood family camping trips. He inherited the ranch, which had grown to 250,000 acres and 14 miles of coastline from his mother Phoebe Hearst in 1919. Although the large ranch already had a Victorian mansion, the location selected for Hearst Castle was undeveloped, atop a steep hill whose ascent was a dirt path accessible only by foot or on horseback over 5 miles of switchbacks.
Hearst first approached American architect Julia Morgan with ideas for the project in April 1915, shortly after he took ownership. Hearst's original idea was to build a bungalow, according to a draftsman who worked in Morgan's office. He recounted Hearst's words from the initial meeting as:
“I would like to build something upon the hill at San Simeon. I get tired of going up there and camping in tents. I'm getting a little too old for that. I'd like to get something that would be a little more comfortable.” We think you will agree that he accomplished his mission. Hearst Castle features 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, 127 acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and the world's largest private zoo.
The total square footage of the buildings on the estate exceeds 90,000 square feet. The area of Casa Grande, the "castle" is 60,645 square feet. The areas of the guest houses on the property are: Casa Del Mar: 5,875 square feet; Casa Del Monte: 2,291 square feet; and Casa Del Sol: 2,604 square feet.
When we arrived at the parking lot of the visitor center for the castle we noticed something that really disappointed us. The castle was undergoing rehabilitation and a large portion of Casa Grande was covered with scaffolding. We had encountered similar problems with gothic churches and castles while traveling in Europe. There is just no way of getting quality photos of these magnificent structures when they are being rehabilitated. So, we will limit our photos to other areas of the estate. Here are a couple shots of the castle in the distance we snapped upon arriving at the visitor center.
As children riding along the Pacific Coast Highway with our families we passed the Hearst Castle on a number of occasions, but never stopped to visit it. Sitting high upon a hill in the distance, it was always a fanciful place that intrigued our young minds. When we started drawing up plans for our California coast road trip, we made it a must stop destination to explore.
Heart Castle is located near the unincorporated community of San Simeon, California, approximately 250 miles from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Hearst Castle joined the National Register of Historic Places on June 22, 1972, and became a United States National Historic Landmark on May 11, 1976.
William Randolph Hearst initiated the building of Hearst Castle. It was constructed on Rancho Piedra Blanca that his father, George Hearst, originally purchased in 1865. The younger Hearst grew fond of this site over many childhood family camping trips. He inherited the ranch, which had grown to 250,000 acres and 14 miles of coastline from his mother Phoebe Hearst in 1919. Although the large ranch already had a Victorian mansion, the location selected for Hearst Castle was undeveloped, atop a steep hill whose ascent was a dirt path accessible only by foot or on horseback over 5 miles of switchbacks.
Hearst first approached American architect Julia Morgan with ideas for the project in April 1915, shortly after he took ownership. Hearst's original idea was to build a bungalow, according to a draftsman who worked in Morgan's office. He recounted Hearst's words from the initial meeting as:
“I would like to build something upon the hill at San Simeon. I get tired of going up there and camping in tents. I'm getting a little too old for that. I'd like to get something that would be a little more comfortable.” We think you will agree that he accomplished his mission. Hearst Castle features 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, 127 acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and the world's largest private zoo.
The total square footage of the buildings on the estate exceeds 90,000 square feet. The area of Casa Grande, the "castle" is 60,645 square feet. The areas of the guest houses on the property are: Casa Del Mar: 5,875 square feet; Casa Del Monte: 2,291 square feet; and Casa Del Sol: 2,604 square feet.
When we arrived at the parking lot of the visitor center for the castle we noticed something that really disappointed us. The castle was undergoing rehabilitation and a large portion of Casa Grande was covered with scaffolding. We had encountered similar problems with gothic churches and castles while traveling in Europe. There is just no way of getting quality photos of these magnificent structures when they are being rehabilitated. So, we will limit our photos to other areas of the estate. Here are a couple shots of the castle in the distance we snapped upon arriving at the visitor center.
There is a lot of history and memorabilia to take in at the visitor center. And, of course there are gift shops!
For the most part private vehicles are not allowed to drive up to the castle. Guests are ferried up the hills in small buses, all of which is included in the admission fee. It is a beautiful scenic five-mile drive that includes a pre-recorded narration by Alex Trebek of the TV show Jeopardy fame. If you are lucky on the ride you can see zebras roaming on the estate.
Upon arrival at the castle we found it awe-inspiring. Here is a shot of the entrance of Casa Grande which will give you an idea of just how magnificent it is.
We previously booked the Grand Rooms tour of Casa Grande--which is recommended for first time visitors. It provides a good overview of the main floor of the castle, which includes the Assembly Room, Refectory, Morning Room, Billiard Room, and Theater. After the tour we were free to roam the gardens and visit the Neptune and Roman Pools. Photos could be taken at our leisure with the exception of no flash photography within the castle.
Our first stop on the tour was the Assembly Room. This is where W. R. Hearst’s guests gathered decades ago for cocktails, conversation, and to meet their host. The room features walnut paneling, Renaissance and Baroque tapestries and masterpieces of neoclassical sculpture.
The gentleman in the white hat in the following photo was our tour guide. He explained the features and various works of art in the various rooms. These few photos were taken in the Assembly Room.
Our first stop on the tour was the Assembly Room. This is where W. R. Hearst’s guests gathered decades ago for cocktails, conversation, and to meet their host. The room features walnut paneling, Renaissance and Baroque tapestries and masterpieces of neoclassical sculpture.
The gentleman in the white hat in the following photo was our tour guide. He explained the features and various works of art in the various rooms. These few photos were taken in the Assembly Room.
Large tapestries were hanging on the upper portions of the walls of the room. Although not our thing they were the tradition of the time and we can appreciate the workmanship and artistry involved in the making of them.
Magnificent furnishings and works of art were throughout the room.
Our next room to visit was the Reflectory. Mr. Hearst and architect Julia Morgan named the dining room after the word for a monastery’s dining hall. Its high windows, bright silk banners, and gleaming silver candlesticks convey the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
We were informed the mustard and ketchup bottles that were the norm on the dining room table showed that Mr. Hearst liked to keep things informal at his ranch. That was a bit hard to accept with the “over the top” decor and furnishings. We presume that he just enjoyed mustard and ketchup.
For those interested, the table sat a mere twenty-two. Enough for a quiet dinner party don’t you think!
Since we love bright colors we found the silk banners hanging above the table to be striking.
And, the carved wooden tiles on the ceiling were spectacular. There appeared to be no two alike.
In Mr. Hearst’s day, the Billiard Room was a popular spot, where guests could relax and play both billiards and pool.
It was decorated with a variety of gaming themes and boasts a 15th century Spanish ceiling painted with scenes of courtly life. One wall had a Flemish tapestry from the 1500’s.
Mr. Hearst joined guests nightly in the Theater to watch a full-length movie and a newsreel of current events. During our visit we were able to view historic footage of Mr. Hearst and his guests at the castle. The theater was quite extravagant for the early 1900 timeframe.
After the formal tour we wandered around the estate for hours. To say it was exquisite would be an understatement. As we explored the expansive gardens that surround “La Cuesta Encantada”—Hearst’s Spanish name for The Enchanted Hill, it was awe-inspiring to say the least. An amazing collection of statues and art pieces were scattered throughout. The gardens contained native plants, rare flowers and lush foliage planted in the days when Mr. Hearst resided on the property. In our eyes the exterior of the estate was truly breathtaking.
Walking the wandering pathways was so relaxing and every direction you looked was majestically beautiful. The pleasant comfortable climate of this area of California is similar to that of the Mediterranean. It seemed to be perfect!
This is the entrance of Casa Del Mar—Spanish for “House of the Sea.” Hearst’s family stayed here while Casa Grande was being built.
From the terrace of Casa Del Mar there was a wonderful view of the Pacific Ocean. Nothing like the modest little abode we call home!
To our disappointment the Neptune Pool was empty for restoration work, so there will be no photos of it. But, as we walked through the doors into the Roman Pool we knew we were in for a treat! In our eyes it was simply fantastic!
It is a tiled indoor pool decorated with eight statues of Roman gods, goddesses and heroes. The pool appeared to be styled after an ancient Roman bath—construction taking from 1927 to 1934. In addition to the pool the complex was designed to contain an exercise room, sweat baths, a handball court and dressing rooms. It was decorated from ceiling to floor with 1″ square mosaic tiles. These glass tiles, called smalti, are either colored (mainly blue or orange) or are clear with fused gold inside.
The intense colors and shimmering gold of the tiles combine to create a breathtaking effect as seen in this photo looking down through the water to the bottom of the pool. It was truly magical as if they were glowing!
We thoroughly enjoyed our day exploring Hearst Castle and would not hesitate to visit again if we are ever in the area.
Our next adventure will take us to Moro Bay and other destinations along the California coast. We certainly hope you will consider riding along with us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Our next adventure will take us to Moro Bay and other destinations along the California coast. We certainly hope you will consider riding along with us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns