An unlikely castle…

William Randolph Hearst built his dream getaway atop the rolling hills of his enormous San Simeon ranch (250,000 acres!!). Hearst and his visionary architect Juial Morgan began work on the estate in 1919 and really the work never stopped until Hearst’s death in 1951.

Tours of the mansion and grounds are all guided–there are four daytime tours. On this trip, we took Tour 2 (which is our favorite) and Tour 4 (which focuses on the gardens, which are not really notable in April).

On both tours, we lucked out and got the same guide–a colorful woman named Julie. She was animated and had a storytelling style that really drew us in.

Now, everybody that goes to Hearst Castle will tell you about the pools. There are two of them (one indoor and one outdoor), and they grand. Frankly, nothing about Hearst Castle is understated. There are statues and carvings everywhere…usually inspired by some antique that Hearst had seen. And of course, there are true antiques everywhere you turn.

The best parts of the house (in our opinion) are the upstairs rooms. These are the highlight of Tour 2. You get to visit Heart’s library, his private Gothic study, and many cool tucked away bedrooms. Most of the ceilings are transported from Europe–lots of Spanish and Italian ceilings.

I think what is the most fascinating part of Hearst Castle is that it is clearly a work in progress. As Hearst acquired more ceilings or doors, he would ask his architect to change floorplans or build additions. So, in many places, you see the bones of the building and the concrete walls just waiting for some elaborate tile work.

Hearst Castle stands out because of its isolation. It sits uniquely alone among some of the most spectacular natural beauty that California has to offer. Everyone should visit at least once.