Hearst Castle - A Photographic Tour Part 2

Upon ascending the steps we were shown the bathrooms and changing rooms used by Hearst's guests when they use the pool, which were immediately atop the stairs. We were told this wasn't part of the tour, but since there were only 5 of us on this tour and it looked like it was a slow day, we were ushered in these rooms. Unfortunately none of my shots were nice enough to be featured here :)

Chyng asked how much was the tour. On this trip the tour was part of the package, but if I'm not mistaken the tour is under $20. According to the CA state parks website "All tours include a half mile walk and 150 to 400 stairs."

I cannot remember exactly what tour we took (there are 6 tours, tour 1-5 and gardens and vista tour), but we passed by the guesthouses and a little bit of the garden before heading into the main house, which is called Casa Grande. Here are some of the sights I took in before heading into the main house.

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One of the guesthouses - Casa del Mar if I'm not mistaken.
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Overlooks the pool.
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Another guest house.
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It is no secret I heart doors and windows.
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.....and we reached the castle
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From the Castle's website: n 1865, George Hearst, a wealthy miner, purchased 40,000-acres of ranchland that included the Mexican Ranchos of Piedras Blancas, San Simeon and Santa Rosa. In 1919, his only son, William Randolph Hearst, inherited the land from his mother, Phoebe Apperson Hearst. By then the ranch had grown to encompass 250,000 acres.

Originally known as "Camp Hill," its wilderness offered a place for family members and friends to "rough it" on camping trips. Despite elaborate arrangements with separate sleeping and dining tents, Hearst envisioned more comfortable accommodations. His simple instructions to famed San Francisco architect Julia Morgan in 1919: "Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping out in the open at the ranch in San Simeon and I would like to build a little something"

What came out of the instruction: build a little something is - Casa Grande, 60,645 sq ft, 38 bedrooms, 41 bathrooms and three guesthouses :)

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I am linking to WINDOW VIEWS AND DOORS TOO #69.

TO BE CONTINUED.............

Comments

  1. I'm impressed they are able to maintain this castle through the years. It has great architectural design which you captured perfectly via your pictures! :)

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  2. A 'little something' is such a relative term, isn't it, Maria! Amazing. I love all the details you have captured for us. Totally worth all the tours they offer, I'm sure.

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  3. You have beautifully captured this magnificent place!

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  4. Very beautiful framing on that window! parang painting!

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  5. You've really captured so well how elaborate the architecture is!

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  6. Beautiful! In a way, it was reminiscent of the 2006 movie "A Good Year".

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  7. is it okay for me to complain?
    i always love visiting your blog but find it hard sometimes,bec. i have to patiently wait till forever before i can see the whole post.
    hay! welcome to my blogging world. ^0^

    the photos are impressive btw and happy to know that it's well maintained.
    i think we visited the guest room also but it was all in a hurry, so even a quick click can't be managed. ^0^

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  8. i love the play you made out of those lines. you have great eyes!

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  9. Photo Cache, i am always awed by your photos, they are always my envy, and of course your trips too!

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  10. Everything is just absolutely amazing and stunning! I'd want to look at every little detail and end up being left behind by the tour group.

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  11. I could watch some roman and muslim influence in those architectures. Great mix.

    Regards

    Valery

    Barcelona Daily Photo

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  12. In a country with no monarchy, having castles privately owned is our only way of rubbing a bit of royalty in our midst. This one in the West Coast is another grand example. I do remember this as part of day tours from SFO.

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  13. All shots are excellent! Great series.

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  14. so large, impressive and pretty from the outside. Looks like a small church !

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