Tycoon, mogul, industrialist, playboy. These are the superlatives that come to mind when I remember my impressionable visit to La Cuesta Encantada, The Enchanted Hill. Welcome to The Hearst Castle, humble abode of William Randolph Hearst.

Situated halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this residence is the ultimate California getaway. The estate is an astounding 165 rooms on 127 acres of the San Simeon Ranch, in the heart of beautiful San Luis Obispo county.

William Hearst was a publishing magnate, aviation enthusiast, art collector and movie producer who had a huge thirst for the good life. Being filthy rich helped. Among hosting such dignitaries as Calvin Coolidge, Winston Churchill and Charles Lindbergh at his palatial digs, he also courted a partying crew of the Hollywood elite.

The property, too monstrous to be breathtaking, too ornate to be detailed, shows Mr. Hearst spared no expense in importing the finest in southern European culture in the form of tapestries, paintings, antiquities and anything else with a price tag. This guy’s trash was a king’s ransom.

Hearst Castle has four tours. Tour One is the one that is recommended for first time visitors. This tour features the gardens, a guesthouse, part of the main house and the three pools. The winding road from the bottom of the hill seems to take forever as the tour bus shuttles passengers to the castle.

The tours last 45 minutes, which is adequate time for most to have their gag reflex in check from choking on this opulent panorama of art, antiques and architecture. It is here that we truly learn that life isn’t fair.

The castle is a testament to one who took immense pride in his wealth. Showcasing tapestries, oriental rugs, gold, silver, tile, sculptures and hand carved wood. The most distinct exhibits are the theatre, Neptune and Roman pools. The theatre was the common ground for Mr. Heart’s hobnobbing and dalliances with Hollywood’s elite. The Roman Pool has an eerie, state-like, quality to it and was surely a rendezvous point for many a midnight romp. The Olympian Neptune Pool has no equal among wading waters for the truly rich.

Hearst Castle is really too big to be called home. It took nearly 28 years to complete this ongoing work of art and mind-boggling opulence. The beauty of the estate and the surrounding countryside make this the ultimate residential palace for an American king. If it’s true that he who dies with the most toys wins, then Mr. Hearst wears the crown.



Recommended: Yes