Trippin. Road Trippin': Hearst Castle
"You guys... We got to visit the real Great Gatsby House!"
Okay, so this isn't actually the real Great Gatsby house, but it sure as heck could have been! We don't even know where to start in explaining just how out of this world this place truly is. From the gardens, to the detail, to the billions of dollars that were clearly dumped on this place, I don't think our jaws ever removed themselves from the floor. Mr. Hearst was a dreamer and an amazing dreamer at that. We don't want to spoil to many of the facts because we want you guys to make your way there and find out more for yourselves but we will share a plethora of photos with you guys. Disclaimer: Photos do NOT do this place any kind of justice. Something to experience first hand.
We truly had zero idea what we were getting into. This was recommended by a co-worker about a week before our trip. As soon as we walked up to this entrance, we knew we were in for a treat.
So how did this all come about? William Hearst decided he was tired of camping out in the hills and reached out to Julia Morgan, a female architect (which was truly unheard of in these times) to build what Hearst originally considered to be "a little something". Hearst and Morgan were the dynamic duo who brought these thousands of acres to life. Everything was thoughtfully considered and created. Every. Last. Detail
The Hearst Castle sits on top of La Cuesta Encantada, which translates to "The Enchanted Hill". This hilltop is the home 165 rooms, gardens, extragant pools, tennis courts, and even a ZOO filled with animals flown in from all over the world! Including Africa! No, we're not kidding. Hearst truly went all out here.
This is the Roman Pool. Caped with statues and detail saluting to Roman Gods/Goddesses, this indoor pool is the definition of Marvelous.
Even the bottom of the pool tips it hat to all things Roman. Which we appreciate. Fun fact: Each of the tiles in the Roman Pool Room and in the pool itself were HANDMADE. And this 1,665 sq. ft. room is decorated from floor to ceiling with these 1" tiles.
The Roman Pool was one of the "TURN UP!" spots on the castle's premises. Mr. Hearst was kmown to host insane parties and "gatherings". Just like Gatsby! Except Mr. Hearst's parties were invitation only and were plagued with only high rollers and the who's who of the early 1900's. *insert "oh you fancy, huh" joke here* ;)
A corner shot of one of the rooms is the Casa Grande. A CORNER shot. Look at how many items are in one small corner of this castle. From the ceiling design and molding, to the furniture and decor... it was insane!
The Library of our dreams! Can you imagine posting up in one of those plush chairs with a great book right next to the window... on a rainy day? I die!
Vantage points for days! Again, peep the detail!! Pretty impressive to say this was all popped up in the late 1800/early 1900's
You even have amazing views of the Pacific Ocean from a lot of the rooms throughout. The life!
This right here is the famous Neptune Pool. It's currently under reconstruction as it was leaking hundreds of gallons of water a day. Which doesn't actually make for a good situation when the state of California has been in and out of drought emergencies for the last 5 years and counting.
Not sure what's more impressive, the views or the pool. This beasts holds 345,000 GALLONS of water.
We're still scheming how to build a home this extravagant. But once we strike it rich in the next billion dollar lottery, we'll be sure to invite you.
Have you ever been to "the real Great Gatsby house"? Tell us what your thoughts were in the comment section below!