San Simeon: Hearst Castle – Enchanted Evening

Roman Pool at Hearst Castle - San Simeon

On September 25, 2010, guests can enjoy an Enchanted Evening at Hearst Castle, the magnificent hilltop estate of newspaper publisher, William Randolph Hearst. The elegant evening begins with a sunset wine reception on the Terrace followed by a gourmet dinner of local cuisine. A live and silent auction will offer unique items for bid such as private Castle tours or swims in the Neptune or Roman pools. The evening, reminiscent of Hearst’s glory days, promises to be a night to remember.

Hearst Castle Estate - San Simeon

Perched high atop La Cuesta Encantada (the Enchanted Hill) overlooking the Pacific, Hearst Castle was built between 1919 and 1948 under the direction of William Randolph Hearst. He had inherited the land from his mother and used the wilderness as a  place where family members could gather on camping trips. Desiring more comfortable accommodations, he instructed his architect to “build a little something”. That “little something” turned out to be a grand masterpiece estate of 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways.

 Gothic Study at Hearst Castle - San Simeon

The estate’s main house, “Casa Grande” (35 fireplaces and 41 bathrooms) and three guest houses are of Mediterranean Revival style while the signature towers gracing the main house drew inspiration from a Spanish cathedral. Interior furnishings include European antiques and art pieces and the landscaped gardens include elaborately decorated pools. An avid animal lover, Hearst even had a private zoo on the property. Frequent galas and parties were held at the estate and included celebrities such as Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford and Harpo Marx and dignitaries Calvin Coolidge and Winston Churchill.

William Randolph Hearst died in 1951. Donated to the state in 1957 by the Hearst Corporation, the Hearst estate was opened to the public on June 2, 1958. Today, millions of people from around the world enjoy its exquisite beauty and historical significance.

More Information: Hearst Castle

750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon, CA 93452

Phone: 800 444-4445 (Tour Reservations)

Hours: Open for tours at 8:20 a.m. daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years

Tour Prices: Adults $20-$30, Youths 6-17 years $10-$15, Children under 6 years free

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