Hearst Castle

 A beautiful day at Hearst's pool

We visited Hearst's Castle recently. An apology in advance for the sheer amount of photos taken, but I had a hard time narrowing it down! The castle is perched on a hill by the ocean: 

Here is the view from the premises, where you can see the road that leads up to the castle. It's about a 20 minute drive:

We first took a tour of the "Grand Rooms":

 

It's like a museum inside. He collected ancient art from all around the world.

The first room was the waiting room with games and couches, where guests would be served cocktails: 

Then they would move into the dining hall, where the newest guests would sit closest to Hearst and he would enjoy conversation with actors, artists, directors, etc. He would invite guests and never send them away, but the longer you were there, the farther from the middle of the table you would sit.

The place settings at the table. Bottles of ketchup and mustard for sanitary reasons:

Looking up at the windows to the dining hall, from the outside:

 

We also saw the billiards room and theater. Then we were free to tour the outdoor spaces:

 

Tall palm trees and spanish-style architecture:

The epic outdoor pool:

(opposite view)

 

 

I had to get every angle... It was incredible: 

Lots of statues:

 

 

And wow, what a view!

   

Then the breath-taking indoor pool:

Complete with necessary repairs and all!

Perfect reflections...

Are you "sure"?

Such beautiful detail (this was a 3' piece of flooring)

It was such a cool experience! On the way back down, we saw where he had housed certain animals for his private zoo. I think this was where he kept polar bears. We even saw some remaining zebras by the side of the road on the way home!

Very peaceful place.