The outdoor pool (see later for the indoor pool!) complete
with classical colonnades! All, of course, being originals
imported from Europe! [Well, most likely, as Hearst DID
import a lot of Europe.]
The outdoor pool (see later for the indoor pool!) complete
with classical colonnades! All, of course, being originals
imported from Europe! [Well, most likely, as Hearst DID
import a lot of Europe.]
Another tour group, giving an impression of the size.
And a closer view of some of the "decorations".
I believe that during summer, the tour staff are allowed
to swim in this pool after closing time.
A shady area above the main pool, and with quite a view to
the north. I believe all this land is owned by the Hearst
Family, and was originally part of the estate.
The next part of the tour took us inside Casa del Sol. This side
faces Casa Grande (the main house), and the far side was where
we assembled at the start of the tour.
There are 4 bedrooms on the upper level of Casa del Sol. This
one is behind the vine covered walls on the right of the above photo.
As such, this room does not have a view to the ocean.
This bedroom is on the ocean side of the above bedroom. As you
can see, the outside is quite a bit brighter, due to the view
towards the ocean.
In the middle of the front (i.e. behind the fountain in earlier
photos) is this room - a living room, of sorts, with comfortable
furniture, a writing desk etc.
And continuing along the front we come to another bedroom, again with
ocean views.
Leaving Casa del Sol we walked around the outside of the estate,
towards the front of Casa Grande. One of the items we passed
in this fountain. The statue in the middle is of Egyptian
origin - from the time of the Pharohs no less! Quite amazing
what was available to those with money.
The front entrance to Casa Grande. The tour we are on covers only
the ground floor. I have also been on a tour to the bedrooms, which
are in the tower areas, though just below the circular part.
A full on view of the front of Casa Grande, and associated
fountains and gardens. I believe the master bedroom (if such
a term is appropriate for this building) is the area with the
metal balcony below the large tiled roof. The door here is
the main entrance - or at least for fine weather. There is another,
less grandiose, entrance at the back of the building, which
provided shelter from the elements. The front door is
referenced on the next page.
The mermaid statue for the pond in front of Casa Grande. The view
beyond is roughly south along the coast.
San Simeon
Inside Casa Grande