Hearst Castle

If you were a celebrity in the 1930’s and 40’s, Hearst Castle was the place to be and be seen. Perched on a hillside along the Central Coast of California, this sprawling estate was constructed over a 30-year period by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Why did the castle take so long to complete? Well, Hearst was a bit of a perfectionist who loved to change his mind — a room would be almost complete, and then he would have a change of heart and completely tear it down and rebuild. Named La Cuesta Encantada, or “The Enchanted Hill,” this Spanish-style castle consists of one giant mansion (Casa Grande) and three impressive guesthouses, for a total of 60,645 square feet. And it served as a vast playground for the rich and famous — the ultimate place for celebrity spotting. From movie stars to entertainers to politicians, everyone vied for an invitation to Hearst Castle. Celebrity guests included Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joan Crawford. Hearst was the ultimate host, and he constructed indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a movie theater, tennis courts, and over 100 acres of gardens for his guests to enjoy. Any why not add a zoo? Hearst Castle was once home to the world’s largest private zoo, and the offspring of the zebras from that zoo still roam the ranch. He also built a private airfield, so his famous guests could escape prying eyes and fly their private jets directly to his home. One of the estate’s most famous and picturesque spots is the Neptune Pool — a 345,000-gallon swimming pool with stunning views of the California coastline and Santa Lucia Mountains. But no ordinary decorations would do for this pool. Hearst ordered in the façade of an ancient Roman temple, transported directly from Europe and reconstructed onsite. The pool took 12 years to complete (in typical Hearst fashion), and it took three attempts before he was finally satisfied with the design. Sadly, Hearst died in 1951, only four years after Hearst Castle was finally complete. But his reputation as California’s King lives on at Hearst Castle, one of the coolest castles in America.

Hearst Castle, perched atop the enchanting hills of San Simeon, is a historic and opulent landmark that is one of the most scenic stops along the Pacific Coast Highway. This grand estate, conceived by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan, offers visitors a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of early 20th-century America with its stunning collection of art, antiques, and its famous Neptune Pool. As you journey along the iconic coastal route, a visit to Hearst Castle provides not only a visual feast of ornate architecture but also breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the vast Pacific Ocean.

Are you there now! I’m wanting to go now that’s it’s finally re-opened!

I've been wanting to go for so long! 😍

Beautiful!