Why California's Most Opulent Mansion Was Saved From Demolition: Hearst Castle

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Күн бұрын

Hearst Castle-a mansion so lavish, that it has famously been referred to as “the type of place God that would have built - if he had the money”.
There was a time, however, when the future of this extravagant mansion stood dangerously close to being dismantled.
Indeed, Hearst Castle found itself at a historical crossroads - one that could very well have led to its vanishing from both physical reality - and collective memory.
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Why Hollywood's Most Opulent Mansion Was Demolished: Pickfair: • Why Hollywood's Most O...
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
1:11 Chapter 1: The Creation of a Masterpiece
4:27 Chapter 2: The Hearst Castle Falls into Disrepair
7:05 Chapter 3: A Renewed Focus on Restoration
10:06 Chapter 4: Hearst Castle Controversies and Challenges
13:01 Chapter 5: The Legacy and Future of Hearst Castle
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Immerse yourself in the tale of California's grand Hearst Castle and its journey from splendor to near loss, and finally to its revival and the controversies that ensue. In this video, we narrate the captivating history of this architectural jewel, designed by the remarkable Julia Morgan and commissioned by the magnate William Randolph Hearst.
Discover how Hearst Castle, also known as La Cuesta Encantada, began as a simple idea in 1919 and flourished into a 127-acre marvel by the late 1940s, housing 115 rooms filled with artistic and historical treasures. Each corner of the Castle, especially Hearst's Gothic Suite, reflects the confluence of diverse architectural styles and a personal touch of luxury.
We take you through the Castle’s golden era in the 1930s, when it became a cultural nucleus, hosting figures like Winston Churchill and Clark Gable, to the days of World War II when it fell silent. After Hearst’s death in 1951, we examine the challenges faced by the Hearst Corporation and the eventual downturn of this once vibrant estate, leading to its handover to the California State Parks in 1957.
We’ll delve into the period of neglect the Castle faced and the crucial turning point in the 1960s when public interest sparked its first steps towards restoration. As we transition into the third chapter of our story in 1985, learn about the efforts of the Foundation at Hearst Castle and the Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation to secure the future of this Californian monument. We detail the meticulous restorative work undertaken, including the impressive overhaul of the iconic Neptune Pool and the conservation of the Castle's vast art collection.
Our narrative also explores the controversies that have surrounded Hearst Castle since the early 2000s. From legal battles over Hearst's amassed art collections to the environmental implications of restoration, the castle has not been without its disputes. We examine the different perspectives on the restoration process and the debate over the use of state funds for the upkeep of this luxurious estate.
As of 2023, \ the dialogue continues on the Castle's value to the community, balancing its educational significance against critiques of its representation of affluence. Yet, through the dedication of its supporters and the community, Hearst Castle stands as a testament to history, art, and architecture, inviting us to reflect on the legacy we choose to preserve.

Пікірлер: 333

@oldmoneymansions 7 ай бұрын

COMMENT: Have you visited Hearst Castle in California - or would like to?

@swannoir 7 ай бұрын

Yes, I've been 4 times, on all the tours. Love that place. So beautiful. Fun to imagine movie stars cavorting in those stunning pools.

@diannemose244 7 ай бұрын

Yes I'd like to spend days looking at every detail

@nfo2527 7 ай бұрын

I have. Amazing, and from what I understood it was the largest art collection in the US, and the construction was never finished before his passing 🙏🏼🥂

@Ddrhl 7 ай бұрын

I'd like to swim in the pool.

@slicksalmon6948 7 ай бұрын

Yes. I visited it in 1966. It was presented as grotesque opulence built by a megalomaniacal owner.

@amandab.recondwith8006 7 ай бұрын

When I toured Hearst Castle, it was practically empty of tourists because of the weather. I found the misty fog on the mountaintop utterly haunting, lending an air of mystery and giving echoes of the ghosts who occupy the estate. It's a wondrous place - unimaginable for an ordinary person to behold. Everything about it is exquisitely maintained and in great repair. Such a vast undertaking could never be accomplished these days with all the modern glass boxes hanging over the cliffs of Malibu and Santa Barbara. Those fragile examples of contemporary luxury will disappear while Hearst Castle will stand for a thousand years.

@margo3367 7 ай бұрын

It’s kind of creepy, but magnificent at the same time. Well worth a visit.

@lemorab1 7 ай бұрын

I went with my parents for the first time in 1961. The official story given by the tour guides was extremely discreet. Marion Davies was not mentioned, as if she was never there. I think I first learned who she was and her role as Hearst's longtime and long suffering mistress and financial savior in the mid-1960's, when I was in high school. When I toured San Simeon in 1996, Davies was part of the tour guide narrative and had been restored to her rightful place in history. In 1996, I also learned that the secret daughter of Hearst and Davies was Patricia Van Cleeve, officially the daughter of Marion's sister, Reine, and presented to the public as Marion's niece. When I was a teenager, my mom told me that for years, rumor had it that actress Simone Simon was W. R. and Marion's daughter. I saw Hearst Castle once in sunlight and once in Fog. I agree that it is a magical place. I love the garden with Egyptian cat goddess statues.

@annehersey9895 6 ай бұрын

You visited at the perfect time! It is days like that, hopefully with a little drizzle that I also like to visit Disneyland!

@gridley 6 ай бұрын

Human will & human tenacity are amazing. Even more so in the early 1900s when the hills of San Simeon were more remote & modern equipment didn't exist. Then again, ancient Egyptians did manage to build huge objects known as pyramids. Still, although Downton-type mansions of England or the Vanderbilt House in North Carolina in various ways may be larger or more structurally palatial, Hearst has a combo of Hollywood glamour (eg, Neptune Pool) & a hilly Mediterranean-type terrain (& days of coastal fog) that makes it unique. Probably why George Bernard Shaw described it as, “What God would have built if he had the money." Another relic of the early 1900s (which requires constant TLC), the Queen Mary in Long Beach, has old-timey qualities that made me think of HC.

@twistoffate4791 5 ай бұрын

@amandab, Well-stated, articulated and observed. I have not been to HC but would sure love to. I am so glad it's still standing and carefully preserved and can be admired and enjoyed.

@mikemintun1587 7 ай бұрын

I have visited Hearst Castle many times over the years. In my opinion, the restoration of this monument was, and is, worth every cent; and every bit of the painstaking efforts. If you have not seen this historic monument, is it certainly well worth the time and effort. The pools themselves are well worth the price of admission. They will simply take your breath away. You will find the docents extremely knowledgeable and full of interesting anecdotes about the legends and people surrounding this magnificent property.

@oldmoneymansions 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story Mike! Fascinating

@dorothypettijohn1037 7 ай бұрын

Nice description. I too have visited Hearst Castle and was mesmerized. We only took two tours but I would lobe to take more. Just the drive up the mountain is worth the trip!

@mikemintun1587 7 ай бұрын

Thank you!@@dorothypettijohn1037

@sherryridlen9357 7 ай бұрын

I would love to see the castle in person but not enough to go to CA

@user-jj1cq5vb6d 6 ай бұрын

Sherry, if you could ignore the people (mostly Hollyweird), and the politics, the whole state has much that is worth looking at and visiting. But I do understand the hesitation. I was born in California, but I moved away, and still live in another state. I prefer only to visit unless and until that state gets it's stuff in order! Best regards.@@sherryridlen9357

@19andiaz 7 ай бұрын

I visited the castle as part of a high school trip in 2005. It is the most magnificent place I’ve ever seen and probably will ever see. I’m so glad that there are a groups of people who work so hard to preserve such a monumental place.

@anthonymaddox6515 7 ай бұрын

I have been to Hearst Castle at least 5 times in my life and have taken two of the current guided tours. I am always amazed at what I see and am glad that unlike many of the great houses in this country, this one has been saved and restored.

@lenadams4604 7 ай бұрын

Yes, I have been to Hearst Castle. There were four tours you could take back in the early 2000s. We took all four. Two the first time and the last two the second time. A few years later we took the kids to see it. The place is breathtaking. We stayed in a cozy little in Cambria while we were there. I would love to go back and see i now that it has been restored. hopefully we will someday.

@oldmoneymansions 7 ай бұрын

Cheers! We hope you return! :)

@TropicLuv 7 ай бұрын

I visited way back in the 80s. I need to go back and see all the beautiful restoration that has been done.

@scottnielsen1553 7 ай бұрын

Yes I was there in the mid90's. I remember being at the visitors center below the hill waiting for our tour to start. There was a snack shop, so I bought a croissant and sat at a table. A small bird flew down and stood on the floor inches from my foot. He was staring at me intently. There was a sign on the wall which read Do NOT feed the birds. Since this little one was so cute and so determined, I thought, what would it hurt to just flick a small tear off down towards him. He flew up and caught it in mid -air, then a couple of seconds later all hell broke loose with what seemed like a hundred of his friends ( who must have been up in the rafters watching ) all coming down and making quite the ruskus. So I got busted. (not literally)

@oldmoneymansions 7 ай бұрын

Haha!

@joefranks4235 7 ай бұрын

LOL, when I was there with my parents (2003) on a tour we had a crow fly down to our table and fly off with a bag of chips. We laughed so hard. At least the birds were eating fine.

@lindabriggs5118 7 ай бұрын

As a child of the 50's and 60's, I was probably one of the lucky ones, in that my father loved to visit the "Castle" and we would travel there a number of times. He would take other family members visiting us from the east coast. He was also an avid amateur photographer and would take hundreds of photos each time we visited. I remember I wanted so badly, on hot summer days, to swim in the beautiful Neptune Pool. I remember Hearst used to have his own zoo of sorts but could only see it on the bus ride up. The place was great to see. One thing that struck me as funny was that when Hearst had famous visitors, movie stars and the like, he would serve them on paper plates, and they usually got hot dogs or hambergers. Frugality at its finest! I would encourage the trip to anyone who visits California. It is worth the scenic detour of sea and mountains and the cost of, for some, the price of admission. I would love to be able to see it again, especially since its restoration. Hearst Castle will always be a place of beauty and history for me in my elder years.

@charlesclayton8534 7 ай бұрын

I have been to La Cuesta Incantata over 20 times, still continuing to go almost every year! It is one of my favorite things to do! I’m very thankful that many people have dedicated their resources to the upkeep of the Castle! It is a very special place. I’m now introducing my grandchildren to this wonderful place and they are loving it!

@SultanaP 7 ай бұрын

I agree! I visited prior to renovation and the beauty has remained with me for over 20 years!

@lucindajennings148 7 ай бұрын

My late husband and I went there a number of times in the 80's . Loved taking the tours and a few times got to hear old gardeners who had worked there in its hey days! They were the interesting ones!😊

@rednekokie 7 ай бұрын

I have had the pleasure of visiting that wonderful place on three separate occasions -- the last time being in 1980. After that I moved back to Oklahoma and have not had another chance to visit California and the castle. Each time I was there, I was astounded at the variety of the collection, and the vastness of it. Truly, it is an American wonder, fed by an American dreamer who wished to present European majesty and glamor to Americans. Thanks be to the Hearst family, who donated it to the people of California, as well as to the people of California for maintaining it for all of us to enjoy.

@1949rangerrick 7 ай бұрын

My wife and I have been there several times. Sometime in the mid 1970’s they had a day where you could roam the entire home for one fee and the docents were placed all around the estate and when a group of visitors would gather around they would start to talk about that area. We saw so much beauty that day that we hadn’t seen before. On another visit a few years later, they had several tours again and I asked about the special day we had been there before and they explained that it didn’t work out because some visitors weren’t following the rules and it caused the program to be halted. We were very lucky to have been able to roam freely. Truly a National treasure.

@johnpotter8039 7 ай бұрын

A dear friend of mine, the actor and writer, John Considine, Jr., born in 1935, grew up among Hollywood "royalty". His father, John Considine, Sr., was one of the great MGM producers, with films like "Young Tom Edison" and "Boys' Town". The family were good friends with Hearst and Marion Davies; she was the "maid" of honor at their wedding. The Considines were frequent guests at Marion's Santa Monica beach house, the Wyntoon compound and San Simeon. One of John's great, off-the-cuff comments is that he "had learned to swim in the big outdoor pool at the Hearst Ranch". Yes, the rich were different from us- they had more money.

@margo3367 7 ай бұрын

It’s in a remote part of the California coast, which gives it a further air of mystery. I loved visiting, and just driving by gives you a sense of the bygone era and people of that era. Lovely on so many levels.

@user-rv3yr6my4z 6 ай бұрын

My parents took my sister and I there while on vacation, it is something i will never forget.

@michaelnaretto3409 7 ай бұрын

I went over Christmas. The place was decked out and even thought it was raining, it was a great visit....

@rogerlewis1295 7 ай бұрын

As an Ohio transplant attending Cal Poly during the mid-60’s, I toured the castle on the hill several times each year when friends and family arrived for a visit. I could give the tour information, almost verbatim as we made our way through the various tours. An incredible experience, to be certain! The California coast at San Simeon is oh so magical.

@oldmoneymansions 7 ай бұрын

Very cool, Roger!

@deannahammond4090 7 ай бұрын

My family and I went in the late 1970's, it was amazing, I would love to go back one day.

@alexandreweber1024 7 ай бұрын

I plan to visit this castle !!!!! As a french colector !!!!! It is a must !!!!!Thanks mister Hearst !!!!!

@user-jj1cq5vb6d 6 ай бұрын

I have had the good fortune to visit Hearst Castle when I was very young. I have wanted to return again, this time with my husband, to show him the beautiful Hearst Castle and surrounding area. I'm so happy that it has been saved for history and visiting, to enable everyone to see it with their own eyes. England has Blenheim Castle (and many more), we have Hearst Castle.

@jonathanraven5939 7 ай бұрын

I first visited Hearst in 1980 and was absolutely remarkable. Since then I have visited the castle 4 additional times and was totally amazed at all that I saw.

@josephpiskac2781 6 ай бұрын

I toured the Hearst Castle around 1987. There was no sense of any disrepair. I am a retired architect and I totally love the Neptune Pool. I think the most beautiful creation on Earth complete with the views of California and the Pacific Ocean.

@j1st633 7 ай бұрын

A must see. It's so large that there are two tours showing different parts of the mansion.

@j1st633 7 ай бұрын

Every day a private plane would bring Hearst every daily paper he published. Because he had control over his celebrity critics. Employer of the paper, actors were beholden to him. If you were invited to the mansion, you did want he wanted. His famous costume balls.

@CORNPOP24 7 ай бұрын

This is a wonderful video.

@frankmarter6845 7 ай бұрын

I first went to the Hearst estate 65 years ago. It was not kept up too well then and they only had one tour. I knew one of Marion’s stepsons so I was well informed about the place. I last went there 25 years ago on the night tour. It was an all together different experience. It was fun and WR would have enjoyed it too.

@oldmoneymansions 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your story, Frank! Fascinating

@kathleenbrown6734 6 ай бұрын

I two went along time ago and the only tour was the garden tour no matter when we asked and would have come back. Everything was old and run down and even,the pool was cracked tiles and a lit green scum. people were not accommodating and the next year we tried aga8n only that tour and same condition. Never went back.

@MrBilly235 7 ай бұрын

Visited in 2019 it was an amazing experience!

@williamcochell9889 6 ай бұрын

My parents took me and my brother to Hearst castle Back in the 1950s! I was absolutely blown away, I recall, they had several tour packages!And have remembered it vividly my whole life and I am now 78 years old! I had fantastic parents who won the same trips Took my brother and I to Disneyland of the 1950s also a highlight of memories!

@abpccpba 7 ай бұрын

A real Treat. Thank You and California.

@countryboy63077 7 ай бұрын

Mr. Hearst parents were from St. Clair, MO, and I’ve heard so many stories growing up here. We even have the phoebe Apperson Hearst society museum. I hadn’t realized until today watching this video that he hadn’t started building until his mother died that same year. I’d love to see the castle sometime after hearing my grandmother talk about its grandeur. I did get to see it from the highway once while traveling, but due COVID like everything else it was closed. It’s still on my bucket list to see for myself the beauty within its walls, and grounds. Thanks for such a wonderful video!

@Claireanlite 7 ай бұрын

I visited Hearst Castle in the early 90's I was enthralled. It set off a passion to visit all the Grand Homes in the US. Last year I was able to cross off Biltmore. Which doesn't compare to the luxury of Hearst, but having read the history of Biltmore, it was well worth the visit. I have seen so many and many more to go. Thank you for the video.

@TerryB751 7 ай бұрын

I remember doing the castle tour in 2001 and it was gorgeous. Even then, there were additional buildings they pointed out that were in the process of renovation.

@kennstransky 7 ай бұрын

visited in the early 1980's and it was overwhelming even in decline.

@Hummingbirds2023 7 ай бұрын

I have visited this Beautiful astonishing Castle! I loved it i am so happy the State of California has control and has had the funds to refurbish it and keep it as a National Park and allow anyone who wants to visit and tour it the right to do so. I love the indoor pool it took my breath away. I would have loved to be able to linger in each place we toured however there were many tours going on at the same time and that wasnt possible. I would go again in a minute, it would be hard to climb the stairs now, but i would certainly try. Thank you William Randolph Hearst for your beautiful Castle..💓💓💕

@maj6190 7 ай бұрын

I visited Hearst Castle as a young teen in the mid-1960s. I was blown away by a total visual and historical overload. I went again in the late 1980s. The tour offered was a significantly abbreviated version of what I'd experienced two decades before, but still impressive. I treasure the memories.

@3108frank1 6 ай бұрын

I saw Hearst Castle back in the 70's. I have pictures in an album and now after seeing this I have to dig them out. The weather was beautiful and the place was magnificent. Even this great video does not do it justice. The guy who narrates this is perfect for it.

@jonathanraven5939 2 күн бұрын

I visited the Castle in 1980 when the visitors center was nothing more than a large trailer. It was absolutely stunning.

@1Kent 7 ай бұрын

I am pleased it was preserved despite the negligence & lack of forsight of previous state custodians.

@thomasseiler233 7 ай бұрын

My husband and I visited the Castle several years ago. We loved every moment of our visit. The design, beauty and site are sublime. The guides and general staff were wonderful. It's worth a visit!

@traywilson 6 ай бұрын

I visited with my grandparents, aunt/uncle, and great aunt in 1987. I was 13. I was stunned by the art collection.

@annamaybeekman7141 6 ай бұрын

I USED TO WORK AT HEARST CASTLE. MY FAVORITE JOB OF MY LIFE

@suesabalburo6235 7 ай бұрын

I got to tour one of the Hearst “guest houses” in 1990. It sure wasn’t a bungalow, but a mansion itself. Absolutely beautiful! Thank god this place wasn’t demolished, it would of been criminal!

@RedheadedMusic 6 ай бұрын

We have been to Hearst Castle many times.. My husbands father had business dealings with WRH back in the day. So we love visiting the property, especially around Christmas. Spectacular.

@stephenrivera4382 7 ай бұрын

Wonderful video - thank you! Visiting Hearst Castle is an unforgettable experience! We were there in 2015 and can’t wait to see it again.

@vrt42 7 ай бұрын

We also visited this wonderful place several times and enjoy it when visiting family near bye! Thank those who were intelligent enough To preserve and maintain for those to come,❤😊

@YIQUANONE 6 ай бұрын

I took the tour in my early teens around 1974 with my parents, it was an unbelievable place, would love to see it again.

@winkieblink7625 7 ай бұрын

I’ve never seen it….and I live in CA! Would be nice to do someday.

@michaelhalahan 7 ай бұрын

I visited this place in 1977. One of my stops on a tour of all the Nat. Parks in the western US. One had to take a tour bus up to it. no parking lots on site. I was put off by how the smell of decaying furniture or anything with cloth constructions like rugs or drapery . I understand the restoration started in 1985 and from the film account , all orgs. involved did a good job on restoration to the original ideas the architect and Hearst himself envisioned. To me, it was always a hollywood star /big business get away location for the elites. I think in '77 there were still many animals Hearst collected and released to surrounding natural habitat --I wonder if any of the decendents are still in the area environs. I find National Parks far more beautiful to observe like Glacier and Yellowstone than man made stuff like Hearst castle. Also, don't know quite what to think of the 'Famous" saying above the quotes. Is that a joke? It seems such a Trite and Condescending way to refer to the Creator of the very Topography these buildings sit on. Obviously, a throwaway quote from the kind of People that used to frequent these buildings.

@user-oe7sq6cj7f 8 күн бұрын

Yes, I visited Hearst Castle. I believe it was 1987. I was astounded to find out the architect was a woman. I then studied Julia Morgan and was absolutely amazed at what I learned. I was very impressed with the castle and everything around it. It is a fantastic place. I'm shocked tht anyone would ever have thought of tearing it down. I'm so glad it will continue to exist as a tourist attraction for the people of California and elsewhere to enjoy.

@doriannemosich232 7 ай бұрын

Yes, as a pre teen my lovely parents took us on a family vacation which included Hearst Castle ! Now that I revisit via the film, it seems to blow away the English castle the king & queens have lived in in England! I have vivid memories of walking around the outdoor pool, I was very impressed wanted to jump in a swim! I am so happy my queen of a mother also a teacher/artist took us there. She then went on to designed the most beautiful luxury Mediterranean architecture, my dad helped her build! xxooxx miss you Mom & Daddy .

@joefranks4235 7 ай бұрын

I've been to Hearst Castle twice. Once during my senior high school trip of 1977 and then in 2003 with my parents on a tour. My first visit was one of the tours for inside the castle. The one with my parents were in the gardens. The gardens were exquisite with numerous humming birds by the roses. I hope one day to visit again, but of course during the summer or fall months when the humming birds are in the gardens.

@lesliegriffith9830 7 ай бұрын

My family visited there back in 1976 and really enjoyed it.

@user-qy6yf4rn5u 6 күн бұрын

I have visited Hearst Castle 3 times & was amazed every time! I am so glad it was restored & is being preserved & taken care of! It would be a shame on so many levels to lose this amazing place! This video didn’t mention that Hearst also had wild animals there!

@KA-su9ww 7 ай бұрын

I have been there a must see.

@arbrimmer3813 6 ай бұрын

I am so happy this marvel has been preserved for generations to come!!

@reginaargentin2864 7 ай бұрын

visited many times and will go again. in my first memory i overheard adults saying "it's a nice place but i wouldn't want to live there" I turned to my parents and I said "i would"

@christinemurphy7204 6 ай бұрын

Yes i have been there and it was and is wonderful! Thank you to those that restored and protected it. I will visit again!!!

@tpolerex7282 6 ай бұрын

We just visited for a second time a couple of months ago, our first big trip together 36 years ago up the California coast to the Bay Area and then the to Gold Country where I was from was my first. This time, as an architect and huge fan of Julia Morgan’s extensive portfolio, I was especially excited. Since we already went on the Principal rooms and Grounds tour, we choose the Upper Suites and the Cottages and Kitchen tour. Because of timing of the rest of the road trip we had to reserve early morning tours and the early morning dense fog at the base made it magical as the Castle came into view breaking through the fog at the top of the hill. Each tour had only six of us and I was transfixed at each room and corner. Truly, an amazing compound and I’ve been in dozens of castles throughout Europe, none takes the cake over this.

@williamlovely450 7 ай бұрын

I was there in 1977 still love it

@deborahross9974 6 ай бұрын

WOW. What a beautiful place and well worth being restored. I never visited it but I have seen it from a distance.. it was back in March of 1979, when my Mother and I visited California. We took a boat to Catalina Island and that's when we saw it. My goodness seeing this video of such a grand place sure showed me what we missed. So glad there were people that wanted it to be restored as it was certainly worth the trouble. Thank you. God bless.

@thomastrout9997 7 ай бұрын

Interesting side note; George Hearst originally owned the property and when W.R. was a boy he camped in the local hills and loved it so much that he swore to build a home on the land. Fortunately it came with a quiet little bay and a pier which facilitated the arrival of the European spoils that make up the interiors . All in all in worked out real well, until it didn't.

@allcreaturesgreatandsmall5956 6 ай бұрын

I toured Hearst Castle around 2010. I am so glad it will be restored to former glory as it was beautiful then.

@krismckee 7 ай бұрын

I visited Hearst Castle years ago. One thing that sticks out in my memory, is just about everywhere you turn there's a statue of a nude woman (not that I'm offended) but he seemed almost obsessed with having those around.

@civilpanda9422 7 ай бұрын

Yes, I have visited and it was a great experience. I think it is well worth your time if you are in California.

@jps3b719 6 ай бұрын

My wife and I visited Hearst castle during our honeymoon shortly after our wedding January of 1994. We returned for our one year anniversary and again with friends in 1996. Living in SoCal it’s not to bad of a drive especially when you stay in the wonderful places California central coast has to offer. I still have printed photographs because we were there before cellphone cameras. It’s still fun to look at these photographs now that my wife and I are looking to celebrate our 30th anniversary. The castle is an amazing landmark and I’m thankful that the state of California had the wisdom to create a historical landmark out of it. It’s a must see if you ever catch yourselves up that way.

@brianruhl5945 6 ай бұрын

My parents took my brother and I to see it in 1965 when I was 14. I have lasting Memories of it.

@phyllisyosemite7807 8 күн бұрын

I was a frequent visitor at the castle in the 1970s. My favorite things were the pools. I’m delighted that both pools are fully functioning. My bucket list is to return to the castle and dip a toe into the Neptune Pool

@mindyfranke5279 6 ай бұрын

Toured in 1980 and was impressed by it then. I'm so glad that it has been restored so that new generations of people can enjoy its splendor. Well worth the investment!

@dolorescraig8322 7 ай бұрын

You never mentioned Marion Davis.

@donnaallen8721 7 ай бұрын

I have been there many times since my childhood. From the day’s of feeding zebras along Highway 1 to the recent past. I slept on the beach below Sabastian’s as a teen and roamed the rocky coast from there to Cambria. I hope to return the “encahanted hilltop” before I loose this mortal coil and again revel in it’s beauty! Vincent

@lynchfam100 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for the wonderful video! My wife and I visited Hearst Castle in 1974 on our honeymoon and we will revisit it on our 50th anniversary in 2024. Can't wait to see it again in it's renewed splendor!

@oldmoneymansions 6 ай бұрын

Wow! That’s a beautiful memento!

@menssanaincorporesano2633 4 күн бұрын

Well, it's 2024. Congratulations on your 50th anniversary. Hope you will celebrate your 100th anniversary in 2074 by visiting the Castle and may the Castle welcomes you back with all its splendor.

@JoyceCasale-uu6us 6 ай бұрын

1987…Took every available tour of this absolutely magnificent Hearst Castle, including taking tour buses up n down the Hill for each tour. Traveled with my 17-yr old daughter from New Jersey with this tour specifically in mind! Just magnificent!

@barbaracaetana6273 23 күн бұрын

I have been to Hearst Castle many times. The sixties and eighties, nineties oh and then we took our son in the two thousands. Beautiful and San Simeon beautiful.

@terrencec57 6 ай бұрын

Yes I have been to Hearst Castle several times, amazing experience architecture and artifacts, I have several pictures and memories of an experience I will never forget, earlier this year I was with a friend from Australia trying to go see it, they had somebody blocking the road stealing the road had been closed and was unknown when it was due to open again.

@lindaatkerson6469 15 күн бұрын

I have been to Hearst Castle a few times before the restoration. It was very interesting, very nostalgic and gave off almost mysterious feeling for me.

@gregs2466 6 ай бұрын

I have toured/ visited the Castle twice in my lifetime. Once as a young boy while living in Hollywood and once while being a residence of Las Vegas, NV. with my family and it was the second stop on my family's travels up 101 to San Francisco. The castle has always been a joy to visit after spending the night in Santa Barabara. Then up to Carmel and Monterey.

@kennixox262 7 ай бұрын

Five or six years ago they did a major renovation of the pool.

@debrathompson6121 7 ай бұрын

Hearst Castle was absolutely beautiful, just gave me chills to think of all the famous people that were there. We didn’t get to see the guest houses, hoping to get back and see them. But this is a must see…

@CrankyBeach 7 ай бұрын

I saw them when I was there in the late 1960s. The only things I remember are (a) they were bigger than a lot of my friends' homes, (b) they had cut a door through one interior wall (in a bathroom, I think, but I could be wrong) for better tourist traffic flow, and (c) one guest house was not on the tour because it was set aside for the use of Hearst family members.

@nailady2207 6 ай бұрын

Having lived near the castle these last 40 years, you have captured the very essence of what the history and positive effects on the surrounding communities as well as the states park system. Thank you for your wonderful video.

@jfk226 7 күн бұрын

I have been there and it well worth the trip! You drive there on the beautiful Pacific Highway 1 and the castle and all the additional buildings are so amazing, full of history art and stories of all the people that have stayed there.

@michaelhealy1590 7 ай бұрын

Most interesting video. This is a place definitely worth preserving.

@richardstall4351 27 күн бұрын

So glad everything wasn't auctioned off and the Mansion destroyed what a Beautiful piece of history it's one of the best Mansions I've ever seen and the layout of everything just Beautiful.

@zerxilk8169 6 ай бұрын

Yes I have visited Hearst Castle long time ago when it was falling apart. I am so glad that they have saved it. It is a fond memory. Thank you.

@annecline1236 6 ай бұрын

Yes, We have visited Hearst Castle. Beautiful

@5stardave 7 ай бұрын

Bette Davis is normally pronounced Betty Davis. Just listen to the song "Bette Davis Eyes".

@stlrsfan27 7 ай бұрын

Awesome video ,I've always heard about the castle but never knew much about it. Thank you for your hard work,it's appreciated.🤠😁

@oldmoneymansions 7 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Our pleasure

@haroldb2663 7 ай бұрын

Wonderful place to visit. I highly recommend it.

@mikefrazier3826 6 ай бұрын

I've been there twice in the last five years or so. I've toured the upstairs and the downstairs with the guest houses remaining on my list. One could spend hours in each room just to take in all the details. It is utterly amazing.

@bonwatcher 6 ай бұрын

I visited Hearst Castle as a kid in the 70's and I'm pretty sure one could drive up to the castle back then and went again around 2015 where you park at the visitor center and take a bus up to the castle. It is a very unique place to visit and see all the artwork and opulence. Many people, even fellow Californians, don't even know about its existence.

@cindymorrison_caravanlifej3536 6 ай бұрын

Can never be replicated visited and was phenomenal

@randybutler4772 7 ай бұрын

I would definitely like to visit this work of art and architecture. A long distance from my home in Virginia. Thank you for sharing.

@oldmoneymansions 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Randy!

@kathrynkathryn4836 6 ай бұрын

I was only able to tour the interior of 1/3 of this property back in the mid-70s. It was breathtaking. So much history there. A movie star fan's dream. I could almost feel the presence of the celebrities that partied there. So glad to hear it is still standing. I still have many color photos I took of the grounds. Lovely memories. I'm 75 and I doubt that younger people see the value in preserving this treasure. The contents of this museum must be worth a fortune even without the buildings.

@courageous1483 7 ай бұрын

I toured the Castle in 1993 and 2011. Our tour guide in 2011 took us into the "private rooms" not scene by the public. She stated the State of California had taken all the money from The Castle revenues and left the property in disrepair. Pretty sad.

@lucyroberts2800 7 ай бұрын

But if they’d payed 95000 for it they were due it had to pay for it self surely the family basically offloaded it .

@oldmoneymansions 7 ай бұрын

😢

@carlbeamon1343 7 ай бұрын

Yes I’ve visited Hearst Cattle and had the privilege to cater two events held there. It’s an amazing property with views unknown by the average person.

@randalljackson7577 6 ай бұрын

I first visited the castle in the mid- sixties while in high school. I was impressed with the tour guides and the stories they told. In the early seventies as a newly wed couple we were able to take some additional tours that covered more than the main building. In early 2000 because we were friends with an archivist under contract with the state of California my wife and I were able to be part of staff visit and actually got to use the facilities as this was a Hearst tradition. This visit in clouded swimming in the Roman pool and special tours of the living quarters. In 2019 as part of our 50th wedding anniversary we toured the castle with our two girls their husbands and our five grandchildren. It was a spectacular day and one of our fondest family outings! Thank God for those who have worked so hard to preserve our national heritage!

@cmecre8629 7 ай бұрын

did an evening tour in December when the Castle was decked out for Christmas, it was wonderful

@LoireValleyChateaux 7 ай бұрын

William Randolph Hearts inherited 245,000 at San Simeon when his father passed away. ❤️🙏

@charleskimson2288 3 ай бұрын

Thankfully they saved this majestic estate! I get so sad when I see or hear of beautiful architecture allowed to decay or is demolished. They just don’t make them like they used to.