Hearst Castle - the ranch at San Simeon

The home of William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper tycoon.  It has been a working family ranch since 1865 and is the second biggest American country estate, after the Vanderbilt family estate.

The Meditarranean Revival Style estate was designed by Julia Morgan, a Californian architect over 28 years from 1919-1947.  The hilltop La Cuesta Encantada - the Enchanted Hill was a showcase for Hearst's incomparable art collection.  He also used to come here with his mistress, Marion Davies and entertained the many famous people they invited.  His wife and 5 sons lived in New York.  It was a suitable arrangement for all.

The dining room where many many famous people sat.

One of the drawing rooms where drinks were served but never more than two per person.  Hearst did not approve of large alcohol consumption.

The Neptune Pool.

 

A terrace.

One of the three guesthouses.

The Roman pool, below the tennis courts.

The Roman Pool was relatively little used.  The Neptune Pool was the favoured swimming spot.