High up in the hills of San Simeon, California, Hearst Castle represents the excesses of the Gilded Age. The publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst owned this legendary estate, which continues to impress visitors with breathtaking architecture, luxurious interiors, and fascinating history.
The only way to explore Hearst Castle is by joining a guided tour, which we did. The adventure started with a beautiful drive down Highway 1, known as Pacific Coast Highway where we were treated to shiny ocean waters and dramatic cliffs.
After arriving at the Visitor Center, we parked and took the shuttle to the castle. My excitement grew as the shuttle made its way up the winding road.
As soon as we arrived, I felt like I had entered a European palace. The façade of Hearst Castle’s main building, Casa Grande, highlights a beautiful mix of Mediterranean Revival and Spanish colonial architectural styles. This design captures Hearst’s vision which was greatly influenced by his travels.
The tall exterior has twin bell towers inspired by a 16th-century Spanish Cathedral, detailed stonework, intricate carvings, and elegant columns. The grand entrance is an elaborate archway carved with angels, mystical creatures, and a striking coat of arms.
The Grand Rooms Tour
The Assembly Room
The highlight of our visit is the Grand Rooms Tour. It started with the Assembly Room where Hearst’s guests like Hollywood stars, politicians, and dignitaries in the 1920s and 1930s would socialize before dinner. Our tour guide shared that Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was once a guest here.
The room’s walls were covered with antique tapestries, including the Scipio Tapestries. Scipio is the Roman general who defeated Hannibal during the Second Punic War. Aside from its artistic style, is the historical significance as they were once part of the French Royal collection and owned by King Louis XIV.
The ceiling is a richly carved 16th-century Italian Renaissance masterpiece. It is decorated with geometric patterns, gilded accents, and astrological motifs
Other Arts/Antiquities
William Randolph Hearst has a passion for collecting European art and antiquities. These are displayed in the Assembly Room.
The Presentation Casket is not a functional burial casket but an intricately adorned container used to hold documents or gifts to dignitaries or royalty during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The La Défense is a 19th-century French sculpture, that represents the patriotism and struggle of the people of Paris to protect the city against invading forces during the Franco-Prussian War.
One of the most notable features is the massive fireplace designed to complement the grandness of the room and provide warmth. The ornate mantel is decorated with intricate carvings of heraldic shields, and biblical figures, with the overmantel reaching high up the ceiling.
The Refectory
The dining hall or the castle’s sole dining room, reflects a blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements. The 27-foot high ceiling has intricate carvings. Brightly colored silk banners hang between the windows not only as a decoration but to enhance the castle’s Medieval theme and make every dinner feel like a banquet in a medieval court.
The four long Italian walnut tables are arranged end-to-end accommodating up to 22 guests. The intricately carved wooden chairs are lined on both sides of the tables enhancing the medieval style.
Despite the medieval grandeur, Hearst maintained a casual dining atmosphere with mustard and ketchup bottles on the table.
The tables are relatively narrower to encourage guests seated across from each other to engage in lively conversation. This is a unique blend of historical architecture and a relaxed dining experience.
The Billiard Room
Originally intended as a breakfast room, it has two billiard tables and has become a favorite spot for guests to relax and enjoy games of billiards and pool.
It has a 15th-century Spanish ceiling and a Franco-Flemish tapestry from 1500 AD adding a historical ambiance.
The visit to Hearst Castle left me in awe of its grandeur. I felt like I was transported to a bygone era of glamor, opulence, and sophistication.
Thank you for reading. I will be featuring in my next blog its magnificent pools.
