Sunday, September 27, 2009

Hearst Castle - The second time around

Last year I was lukcy enough to visit Hearst Castle - and almost a full year later, I'm lucky enough to be back here again.

Check out last years visit here - http://melbourne-girl.blogspot.com/2008/10/hearst-castle.html

Last year I took "Tour 1" which is an overview of the main Castle. This year I went on Tour Two, which gives visitors a closer look at the main house's upper floors, Mr. Hearst's private suite, the libraries, and the kitchen.

Driving up the mountain to Hearst Castle - about 5 miles from the Visitor Center to the Castle. There was also some crazy fog hanging right on the shoreline. On the way you pass areas where William Randolph Hearst keep animals that were part of his private zoo collection. Only 4 types of animals from the original herds are left - including Zebras!



Last year with Mum - this year with Murray. The Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle was rebuilt three times to suit its owner's tastes. Its centerpiece is the façade of an ancient Roman temple that William Randolph Hearst had purchased and imported to California.



Right at the top of each of the towers there are actual bedrooms. Later in the tour we'll actually get to visit this room.



The Antique ceilings were amazing. Many of them are acutal antiques, changed only to fit the rooms in Hearst Castle.


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The Library - where guests were invited to read many rare and vaulable books but tey were to remain in the Library. There were some fun stories about guests moving the furniture and using the room for cartwheels and other shinanigans. Which is amazing when you consider the priceless furniture and huge book collection.



His office - few of his guests ever went in here. People who came in here usually referred to him as "The Cheif".



Probably my favorite room. Atop one of the castle towers are the hexagonal Celestial Suites. It is said that when the shutters are open and the fog has rolled in it feels like you're leeping on clouds. When the shutters are closed it feels like you're in a jewellery box.



In the kitchen - these are so cute - I want some in my kitchen... in my castle on the hill. Guests were invited to use the kitchen whenever they wanted.


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The drawing room of genius architect Julia Morgan.



The Roman Pool at Hearst castle is a tiled indoor pool decorated with eight statues of Roman gods, goddesses and heroes.




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