TOP: Main indoor pool (10ft deep all around, this is room 1/2). Statues are all real Roman
2nd: Main outdoor pool
3rd: The Main house (castle)
4th: The front of the guest house (probably 20,000 ft^2)
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After an uncharacteristically day of horrible weather in Santa Barbara, we headed up to Hearst Castle for a tour. William Randolph Hearst was the first international media magnet, and, just like monopolists in other industries (oil, steel ,rail, computer) he had serious coin. This castle was just one of the houses he owned. Although everyone calls it a castle, he always referred to it as his ranch...his castle was a real castle over in europe.
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The opulance was incredible...tile everything, gold leaf everywhere, priceless art, pottery, statues, in every room. The man knew how to spend his money. Our tour guide was excellent, telling us all kinds of neat stories. Hearst's wife decided to move to NY somewhere along the way...he remained both married and friendly with her, while taking on a new woman in a wife-like position for his remaining years. His friends included everyone who mattered...Chaplin, Barrymore, Garbo, Gable...we probably would have been buds if I was alive then :-)
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"Rosebud" Lumpy out
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