Hearst Castle, History and Legacy

In 1919 William Randolph Hearst instructed famed San Francisco architect Julia Morgan:

 “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”

That little something turned out to be a 165 room classic, opulent and elegant estate located half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco that is now a State Monument.

The 40,000 acre ranchland where Hearst Castle is located was originally purchased in 1865  by George Hearst, and inherited by his only son William Randolph in 1919 at which time the property encompassed 250,000 acres known as Camp Hill, where familly and guests where to “rough it out”.

Construction of what is now known as the Castle concluded in 1947 and includes the main house “Casa Grande” and 3 guest houses, all in Mediterranean Revival style and housed Hearst’s impressive European and Mediterranean art collection, thet includes, ceilings and mosaics used troughout the estate.

Now a days, Hearst Castle its considered a State Park and Museum, with 4 diferent tours offered trought the day. It was given to the people of California by the Hearst Corporation in 1957, and guided tours started in 1958.

For more information or reservation visit the Hearst Castle website.