SLO County News BlogGolf, Wine, Real Estate, Business & Travel NewsSan Simeon's Hearst CastleSunday, January 30, 2005Hearst San Simeon State Historical MonumentIt took time to build this castle on a hill along the central California coast-28 years-and even then it wasn't finished. And it takes time to appreciate the place today Five different tours are offered (including one nighttime trek) that venture into various of the mansion's 58 bedrooms, 18 sitting rooms, anci 60 bathrooms. The fantastic dream of newspaper heir William Randolph Hearst came into existence with the help of architect Julia Morgan. The site, which Hearst called La Cuesta Encantada, hosted countless lavish parties with stars and politicos. Today the wild parties are history, but a visit is still like nothing else in the world. Hearst Castle is William Randolph Hearst's former home: a 165-room Moorish castle with 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways, furnished with Spanish and Italian antiques and art. William Randolph Hearst told architect Julian Morgan in 1927 that he wanted to built "a little something" on the California coast. Eighteen years later, La Cuesta Encantada, "The Enchanted Hill" (more commonly known as Hearst Castle) crowned the hilltop above tiny San Simeon. Hearst had a longtime relationship with actress Marion Davies and many of the era's most famous stars visited the Hearst Castle. In its heyday, Hearst Castle had its own zoo, tennis courts and two magnificent swimming pools to entertain them. After Hearst died, family fortunes declined, and they gave Hearst Castle and its lands to the state. Today the state Park Service preserves Hearst Castle as a State Historical Monument, and we can all enjoy a glimpse into the Hearst's opulent lifestyle. Hearst Castle offers five tours. Tour One is most popular with first-time visitors, and it sells out early. To avoid disappointment and potential delays, buy tickets for Hearst Castle in advance. Before or after your tour, visit the National Geographic Theater to see their 40- minute show that tells the story of Hearst Castle in a larger-than-normal format. The theater's iWERKS screen is eight times the size of a conventional movie screen and it is equipped with 7-channel, digital surround sound. No reservations are required.
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