Jill's Journal: The opulence of Hearst Castle in San Simeon certainly rivals the opulence of the Vanderbilt homes on the East Coast. But where the Vanderbilt estates are exquisitely formal, Hearst Castle brings a touch of wonderful California casualness to all the surrounding luxury. That is, if one can glean any sense of casualness among the centuries-old art and antiquities. Even many of the ceilings throughout the mansion and other buildings are antique art imported from around the world. I’ve been here a couple of times in the past, but there’s always something new to “oooh and aaah” over and the girls had never seen it before, so we couldn't be this close and not make the trip.
William Randolph Hearst built his publishing, political, and entertainment empire in the early 1900s and spent 28 years building this magnificent estate. The “Enchanted Hill” gardens and grounds originally spread over 127 of his 250,000+ acres, all overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The living quarters are comprised of 165 elaborate rooms, each more impressive than the last with a European and Mediterranean art collection that has to rival some of the world’s great museums. It is utterly spectacular. He continually entertained Hollywood’s elite in the home’s 90,000 square feet and 56 bedrooms, including celebrities like Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Carole Lombard, and Greta Garbo. Other guests included Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge, Charles Lindbergh, and Howard Hughes. The grounds sported everything from a zoo (complete with everything from polar bears to zebras) to Hearst's own private airport.
One of Erika’s favorite subjects in school is history and she is especially loving learning about ancient Egypt. She was thrilled to learn this Egyptian antiquity is 3,500 years old and from her favorite Egyptian time period. She’s still talking about it.
Madelyn and Victoria definitely preferred the Neptune Pool over any statues, but not because of the ancient Roman columns imported from Italy. They were simply hoping to be invited to take a swim.
The elaborate indoor pool would have suited the littler girls just fine too. They told me later they wouldn’t have been picky.
Our very theatrical and memorable tour guide, who was also quite dapper (that word is just for you, Kristi!).
And three little girls loving the bus ride down the hill with Kristi and Beppy!
Jill's Journal: The opulence of Hearst Castle in San Simeon certainly rivals the opulence of the Vanderbilt homes on the East Coast. But where the Vanderbilt estates are exquisitely formal, Hearst Castle brings a touch of wonderful California casualness to all the surrounding luxury. That is, if one can glean any sense of casualness among the centuries-old art and antiquities. Even many of the ceilings throughout the mansion and other buildings are antique art imported from around the world. I’ve been here a couple of times in the past, but there’s always something new to “oooh and aaah” over and the girls had never seen it before, so we couldn't be this close and not make the trip. 
William Randolph Hearst built his publishing, political, and entertainment empire in the early 1900s and spent 28 years building this magnificent estate. The “Enchanted Hill” gardens and grounds originally spread over 127 of his 250,000+ acres, all overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The living quarters are comprised of 165 elaborate rooms, each more impressive than the last with a European and Mediterranean art collection that has to rival some of the world’s great museums. It is utterly spectacular. He continually entertained Hollywood’s elite in the home’s 90,000 square feet and 56 bedrooms, including celebrities like Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Carole Lombard, and Greta Garbo. Other guests included Winston Churchill, Calvin Coolidge, Charles Lindbergh, and Howard Hughes. The grounds sported everything from a zoo (complete with everything from polar bears to zebras) to Hearst's own private airport. 
One of Erika’s favorite subjects in school is history and she is especially loving learning about ancient Egypt. She was thrilled to learn this Egyptian antiquity is 3,500 years old and from her favorite Egyptian time period. She’s still talking about it. 
Madelyn and Victoria definitely preferred the Neptune Pool over any statues, but not because of the ancient Roman columns imported from Italy. They were simply hoping to be invited to take a swim. 
The elaborate indoor pool would have suited the littler girls just fine too. They told me later they wouldn’t have been picky. 
Our very theatrical and memorable tour guide, who was also quite dapper (that word is just for you, Kristi!). 
And three little girls loving the bus ride down the hill with Kristi and Beppy!
1 comment:
It's been years since I've been there, but the pool was the highlight of my tour as well. I still would love to go for a swim.
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