our new home

and if you believe that... LOL

This is actually Hearst Castle. William Randolph Hearst built it on the coast between San Francisco and L.A. He collaborated with his builder to create his dream, based on buildings he had seen elsewhere, particularly in Europe. Hearst's art collection also had a huge impact on the buildings, rooms, etc. He literally built one room around four huge tapestries and a fireplace mantle. Greg wonders if Hearst built his castle with the intent that it be a museum. I think he did it to show off his art and his money - he had guests over much of the time.

This is the front of the big house. Looks more like a church than a house, doesn't it?

The Neptune Pool is amazing. Look one way - see mountains. Look the other - see ocean. wow!

The indoor pool area was originally planned to be a gymnasium, but Hearst just couldn't it "right," and eventually this is what they came up with. It is stunning. But it was hardly used, because guests used the Neptune Pool in nice weather (along with the tennis courts, horseback riding, etc), and in bad weather, they didn't want to walk in the elements to get to this pool.

This is one of the numerous guest houses. This one had four bedrooms and four baths on the main floor, plus more upstairs. None of the guest houses had living spaces for entertaining, relaxing or dining - Hearst wanted his guests out and about, socializing.

We only walked through one guest house, a few rooms in the big house, and by the two pool areas - the tour took almost an hour and a half!! You could easily spend an entire day there, as they have several other tour options.