Gail's Motorcoach Adventures: Special Edition

William Randolph Hearst created his private retreat which he called The Enchanted Hill.

Hearst Castle is located on the majestic Central Coast of California.

A little history on the Hearst Family:

George Hearst (which is William's father) invested in mines and struck it rich in 1859 when he invested in a mine that produced high grade silver ore. He took the silver ore on muleback to San Francisco and sold the silver ore which he made roughly "$91,000 profit (which is $3,550,000.00 in 2013 US dollars)".

Mr. George Hearst purchased the land from the Mexicans at a very low price of 70 cents per acre. He purchase 240,000 acres. George and his wife and children would go to the property and they would pitch a tent to stay there and explore the land. George and his Wife never built a house on this spectacular property.

William as a child loved the property and would spend many hours just dreaming. A lot of his dreams came from his traveling throughout Europe with his mother as a young child. He was always interested in castles and appreciated the finer things.

William inherited the property from his father but did not build his castle until he was 56 years old which was in 1919. William along with his female architect, Julia Morgan designed and built the 68,000 square foot castle. It took 28 years to build. There are 165 rooms. There are 3 guest houses. Neptune pool and Roman pool. Tennis courts. He also had many zoo animals on the property.

When William died his children did not want to keep in the family because of the up keep. They want to donate to Berkley University. Berkley did not want to accept this donation because the enormity of up-keep of the property. State of California wanted the property and the castle so The Hearst Corporation gave to California in which The Hearst received a huge Tax deduction.

Also remember the famous kidnapping of Patty Hearst in 1974. Her father, Randolph Hearst is one of William Randolph's sons.

For me, it was one of the best and most fascinating tours I have ever taken. There are 4 different tours and we just had time for one. See all the gorgeous pictures below. Pictures do not do this Castle justice. It took my breath away all the beauty of art and sculptures. This is just a small amount of beauty that we got to enjoy. If you get the chance, it is an awesome treasure.

This is partial picture of the main castle.

A closer view.

Front of castle

Front door in which Mr. Hearst and his guest would use.

Backside of side of Castle

Side view of Castle.

Inside the Assembly Room, William's guests would meet before dinner. He would only allow his guests 1 alcohol drink before dinner. After all his guests were there he would appear from a hidden door.

Dining Table

Grounds of the Castle

Grounds of the Castle - the following are some of his fabulous sculptures

Another sculpture which is a buriel casket. There were approcimately 4 throughout the property.

There are 3 guest homes. See below

Theater Room- because of the darkness we couldn't get great pictures. These sculptures were on the walls

Tennis courts

Neptune Pool - this magnificent pool was out for service. It will take 2 years to clean and repair the cracks. Behind me the pattern on the floor is the bottom of the pool. It is made out of Vermont granite.

Roman Pool - this is built under the Tennis Court. This is an inside stunning pool. When you walk in, the spectacular mosaic tile is overwhelming. It is on the floor, walls and inside the pool. This pool made a wow statement.