There is nothing quite like an extended, languorous weekend spent away at Hearst Castle. On my third visit, I stopped at Solvang on the way. Hearst has become my favorite castle in the world, with honorable mentions going to Bodiam, England; Neuschwanstein, Germany and Topaki, Turkey (see slideshow below for more details).
William Randolph Hearst constructed his castle in part by importing parts of European castles. Take, for example, the Neptune Pool patio, featuring an entire ancient Roman temple front!
Hearst spent much time relocating the finest antiquities and renaissance art from around the world, while sacrificing no modern comfort and convenience with his inclusion of air conditioning and modern bathrooms. Additionally, this castle finally gave him a chance to showcase his extensive art collection that had been hitherto warehoused.
Hearst castle is more like a palace. Not only is it opulent and gorgeous but his immaculate taste contributed to its splendor as well. His architect, Julia Morgan, was absolutely the most talented female architect of her time, an inspiring symbol of female empowerment.
As a quick end note, I can't help but mention Heart's granddaughter, Patty, who gained notoriety following her kidnapping by the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) in 1974 as she ended up joining her captors and committing a bank robbery!
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After working up an appetite playing Marco Polo
is Neptune's pool I would love a great meal.
The Hearst family still raises free range steers on the
ranch and I sure would enjoy a good steak with
a central coast cab in that opulent dining hall
while King Crimson played In The Court of the
Crimson King. Now that would be worth a
few bucks that could go toward our 24 billion
state deficit.!!
But I love your romantic prose, what an experience that would be!
You missed the best spot on the west coast down there, The Sea Shanty in Cayucos - they have the best cinnabons!
"Patty, a premier example of Stockholm Syndrome who gained notoriety..."