Hearst Castle was added to Your Favorites!
San Simeon, California
Claim this place to tell your story your way.
The estate features a private airstrip known as the Hearst Ranch Airport, which was used by William Randolph Hearst to fly in guests and supplies.
Construction began in 1919 and continued until 1947, but it was halted due to Hearst's declining health and financial issues, leaving some parts unfinished.
The estate contains thousands of works of art, including ancient Greek vases, Renaissance tapestries, and European sculptures.
At its peak, the estate was home to the world's largest private zoo, featuring exotic animals like zebras, which still roam the grounds today.
The pool was redesigned multiple times to meet Hearst's changing tastes and was finally completed in 1936.
Julia Morgan, one of the first prominent female architects in the United States, was the mastermind behind the castle's design.
The estate was a popular retreat for Hollywood stars and political figures, including Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill.
In 1957, the Hearst Corporation donated the estate to the state of California, and it is now managed by the California State Parks system.
