Route 66 Road Tripping California To The Midwest First Stop Hearst Castle

Route 66 Road Tripping

First Stop Hearst Castle

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First stop on the Route 66 Road Trip from San Francisco to Kansas City is Hearst Castle. What a magnificent site to see. Ā It’s one of the most spectacular private residences I’ve ever visited in the United States. Ā Part of what makes it so special is thatĀ William Hearst was just as interested in his gardens and landscaping as he was the interior. As a result, some mayĀ enjoy the exterior more than the interior.

A few interesting takeaways from the tour included the advanced technology (for its time) the castle was equipped with. This included telephone lines and radioĀ throughout the castle. Ā There was advanced use of water collection to provide water for the entire castle and ranch, alsoĀ aheadĀ it’s time. This was all part of the fabulous Architect Julia Morgan’s work and William Hearst’s advanced vision for his Estate.

I also loved the pools. Ā There were two pools, an indoor and an outdoor. The outdoor pool had stunning mountainĀ andĀ ocean views. The inside pool was like nothing I’d ever experienced. Stunning Greek Statues lined the edges with gorgeous mosaic tiles. I could see myself spending all day relaxing within this beauty.

Since I am blogging while on the road, my posts will be shorter than usual. However, I’m including someĀ fun facts and history below courtesy ofĀ Heart Castle.org. Ā Hearst Castleā€™s history begins in 1865, when George Hearst purchased 40,000 acres of ranch land. In 1919,William Randolph Hearst inherited what had grown to more than 250,000 acres, and was dreaming of ways to transform it into a retreat he called La Cuesta Encantadaā€”Spanish for ā€œEnchanted Hill.ā€ By 1947, Hearst and architect Julia Morgan had created Hearst Castle: 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkwaysā€”all built to house Hearstā€™s specifications and to showcase his legendary art collection. Ā San Simeon, California.Ā 

GUEST HOUSES

There are a total of 46 rooms in the Guest Houses including lobbies.

CASA GRANDE

There are several additional rooms in Casa Grande including the Refectory, the Billiard Room, the Theater, Library, Gothic Study, Beauty Salon, Butlerā€™s Pantry, Kitchen, Staff Dining Room for a total of 115 rooms in Casa Grande.

OUTDOOR NEPTUNE POOL

Holds 345,000 gallons of water
Depth from 3.5 feet to 10 feet deep; 6 feet in alcove

INDOOR ROMAN POOL

Holds 205,000 gallons of water
Depth is 10 feet deep; 4 feet in alcove

Hearst Castle
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Hearst Castle

IMG_4015The Dining Room

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Hearst CastleThe French Tapestry in the Biliards Room

Hearst CastleThe back side of the Castle

Hearst CastleSpectacular ocean views from one of the terraces

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

Hearst CastleViews of the ocean from the outdoor pool

Hearst CastleThe outdoor pool with gorgeous mountain and ocean views

Hearst Castle

Hearst CastleThe most magnificent indoor pool I’ve ever seen. It’s directly below the outdoor tennis courts with glass windows peaking into the pool

Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

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