Hearst Castle and a Tour at Heart and Home

Hello Friends!

"Casa Grande" Heast Castle, San Simeon

I hope you had a great weekend.

 It's been a whirlwind of activity around here.

My firstborn is getting ready to transfer to SFSU,

and, since the car I'm driving is getting old,

I'm trying to figure out which new car, of the millions available, is the one for me.

So, I spent all day Saturday in the cold and fog, at the university orientation, (fun!)

and all day Sunday in the heat and sun, on car sales lots (not so much fun!).

I welcome any opinions, what do you recommend?

What are you driving?

 By the way, I appreciate all your comments regarding my fireplace,

and all the entries for the giveaway.

Keep 'em coming!!

Last week I promised you pictures of

San Simeon and Hearst Castle

Are you ready?

Following is a small sample of what we viewed on our tour.

I arranged the photographs into collages

to share with you.

I don't want to overwhelm you!

Above are some of the surrounding gardens,

the beautiful views, and a tiny taste of the moroccan style architecture

of the first structure of the over 90,000 square feet of buildings,

 built on the property.

The famous outdoor "Neptune" pool, which was built, rebuilt, moved,

and then built again.

 It is truly a sight to behold!

I can imagine swimming lazy laps across the pool,

 the butler waiting on the other side

with my towel, robe, and a nice frosty drink.

 Inside, most of the rooms contain elaborate and intricately carved

antiquities gathered all across Europe.

Cherubs were a favorite theme, and Julia Morgan (the estate's architect,) 

carefully incorporated each piece Wm. Hearst collected.

She often had pieces copied by local artisans to create a balanced effect in a room.

Each room in the castle is unique and different,

 filled with priceless furnishings and art.

There are 56 bedrooms, (and 61 bathrooms!).

 The photographs above depict details in one guest room.

A glimpse of the more intimate,

 smaller indoor "Roman pool", with it's walls and floor of gold and glass mosaic tiles,

gives you an idea of the grandeur and scale of the castle.

Although impressive, the glitz of Hearst Castle doesn't outshine

the beauty of the coast at San Simeon and Cambria.

It is rugged, peaceful, and inspiring.

For more pictures, you can look here.

For more information on Hearst Castle, go here.

Remember, leave a comment to be entered in the drawing!

Become a follower,

refer a friend,

mention the giveaway on your blog,

you'll get additional entries.

(sorry, shipping to continental USA only!)

(Cambrian ground squirrel, one of thousands begging for peanuts)

I'm gathering more goodies for you!

Although not quite as grand

as what's found at Hearst Castle,

I'm sure you'll like them!

Until next time

XO

Heidi

PS. Seriously, what are you driving?

I'm having a heck of a time deciding on my new auto. Help!!

linking to Outdoor Wednesday, at A Southern Daydreamer

and (very late) to Mosaic Monday at Little Red House