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Past Adventures: Hearst Castle

05/14/13 | bucket list, Castles, Past Adventures, The Americas


A few summers ago I visited Hearst Castle on a day trip.  It was one I thought my parents were CRAZY to have added to our California itinerary as driving over four hours North from Los Angeles to a house no one lives in did not see to compare to a beach day at the Santa Monica Pier.  Mom, I am sorry. You were right. I was wrong.  Hearst Castle was completely worth the drive. When you are approaching this magnificent piece of land you can see what Hearst formally named “La Cuesta Encantada” or “The Enchanted Hill” from the road.

William Randolph Hearst’s famous estate, now a state historical monument, features an astonishing 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms spanning 127 glorious acres. The sheer size and ever changing demands of the newspaper magnate explain why it took architect Julia Morgan almost 30 years (1919- 1947) to complete the estate.  The acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and the world’s largest private zoo (at the time) are some of the most interesting and unique attributes I have ever seen.

Yes, it took FOREVER to get there but even though it is far from everything it attracts about one million visitors per year and after seeing the estate I completely understand why. It is a step back in time to a place that is hard to believe existed in America and yet one in which it makes perfect sense that Invitations to Hearst Castle were highly coveted during its prime in the 1920’s and ’30s. Take a look at a few photos I managed to capture during my visit: 

I highly suggest everyone add Hearst Castle to their bucket list
 and make sure to visit at least once, it is gorgeous!

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« Past Adventures: Florence
Past Adventures: Dubrovnik »

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Comments

  1. Eva M. says

    May 15, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    Nice post dear!

    xx
    FashionEvELand | FEEL

  2. Ann says

    May 15, 2013 at 4:05 am

    Looks like an interesting place to visit.
    Your pics are lovely.

  3. Terry Duna Kim says

    May 14, 2013 at 11:38 pm

    gorgeous pics! i’ve been wanting to go to hearst castle for so long. i live in california yet i haven’t found time to visit this amazing place. definitely on my bucket list!

    -terry
    terrydunakim.blogspot.com
    Love Me to Pieces

  4. Fash Boulevard says

    May 14, 2013 at 11:26 pm

    I’ve been wanting to go for forever. Looks amazing. Adore these pics, love. If you get a sec, I’d love to hear your thoughts on my latest outfit. xo

    http://www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

  5. Danica Stark says

    May 14, 2013 at 9:40 pm

    lovely photos
    followed you
    please follow me back

    thanks for dropping by my blog
    keep in touch

    Danica Stark

  6. Sandra Martinez says

    May 14, 2013 at 4:50 pm

    Hi sweety!! Thanks for stopping by, I heartily appreciate it 🙂
    Beautiful pictures, i specially like your top !! Need to say that this is an amazing post!!
    Tell me about my new post at:
    http://peaceinmyshoes.blogspot.com.es

  7. Ileana says

    May 14, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    Oh my goodness!!! I would love to visit it!
    xoxo

    novelstyle.blogspot.com
    Don’t forget to check my anniversary giveaway!

  8. CaninesCouture says

    May 14, 2013 at 2:15 pm

    I went to Hearst Castle when I was a kid and I still remember it very clearly. It was quite a sight to be seen!

    xoxo,

    Jules of Canines & Couture
    http://www.caninesandcouture.com

  9. Fabrizia says

    May 14, 2013 at 1:50 pm

    Your post is adorable, I totally liked it!
    Come back soon to visit me on Cosa Mi Metto???
    D&G sunglasses giveaway!!

  10. Jamie Sefcik || Hello Little Scout says

    May 14, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    Wow! I can’t believe I’ve never been there, it’s so close to us! How beautiful!!

    xoxo Jamie
    http://www.bnjsefcik.blogspot.com

  11. Amy {Cupcakes+Couture} says

    May 14, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    wow, that does look beautiful! i’ve never heard of hearst castle.
    xoamy
    http://www.cupcakesncouture.com

  12. Penniless Socialite says

    May 14, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    That place is amazing! I think it was worth the trip.
    Tara
    Penniless Socialite

  13. Treasure Tromp says

    May 14, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    gosh, Hearst is so amazing! I love it. The views are incredible.

  14. Erin Brown says

    May 14, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    I live in California and I have yet to see this castle! I need to go because it looks absolutely beautiful!

    XO,
    http://sororitygirlintherealworld.blogspot.com/

  15. Jackie l Food.Wine.Fashion says

    May 14, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Totally agree Kelly! My husband and I did the drive from LA to San Fran last week for our 1 year anniversary and Hearst Castle was one of our favorite parts! Did you happen to stop by Cambria? It’s a small beach town like 10 minutes from Hearst and that was our favorite part!!

    xo Jackie

  16. Alyssa says

    May 14, 2013 at 10:52 am

    OK, that pool AND the view are amazing. When can I move in?!

  17. Sinem says

    May 14, 2013 at 9:35 am

    wow great place!

  18. s says

    May 14, 2013 at 9:25 am

    wow looks so nice! xO!
    http://www.thehautecookie.com

    -Facebook-
    http://www.facebook.com/TheHauteCookie
    -Twitter-
    http://www.twitter.com/thehautecookie
    -Instagram-
    http://www.statigr.am/thehautecookie

  19. ifs ands Butts says

    May 14, 2013 at 6:57 am

    all that tile, just amazing!

  20. Chrissie says

    May 14, 2013 at 6:10 am

    OMG Wanna go there 🙂

    Greets from the EDELFABRIK
    Chrissie

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog.  I am a New York City girl at heart but I moved to London in the Spring of 2018!

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