Every evening, W. R. Hearst’s guests gathered in the grand social rooms on the ground floor of Casa Grande—his formal name for the main house. Follow in their footsteps as you travel back in time and experience what it was like to be an honored guest at the stately Hearst Castle, known then as “The Enchanted Hill.”
Gather in the grand social room on the ground floor of Casa Grande just as W. R. Hearst’s guests did decades ago for cocktails, conversation, and a chance to meet their host. Stand amid the massive room’s walnut paneling and vivid tapestries—dating back to the 16th century—which contrast with the jigsaw puzzles, poker table, and overstuffed chairs.
Mr. Hearst and architect Julia Morgan named the dining room after the term for a monastery dining hall. Its high windows, bright silk banners, and gleaming silver candlesticks convey the atmosphere of a church from the middle age. But, the mustard and ketchup bottles show that Mr. Hearst liked to keep things informal at the ranch.
The Billiard Room was a popular spot, where guests could relax and play both billiards and pool. This baroque game room is decorated with a variety of gaming themes, but it also boasts a 15th century Spanish ceiling painted with scenes of courtly life, in addition to a Flemish tapestry from 1500.
The Theater is where W. R. Hearst and his Hollywood film star companion Marion Davies joined guests every night to watch a full-length movie and newsreel. Today, as a guest of the Castle, you’ll be able to view a short film featuring historic Castle footage.
Once the guided portion of the tour concludes, explore the expansive garden grounds that surround “La Cuesta Encantada”—Hearst’s Spanish name for The Enchanted Hill. Look for native plants, rare flowers and lush foliage that have been at the Castle since Mr. Hearst resided here.
Continue the tour at your own pace to the dramatic and impressive Neptune Pool, and be sure to walk around the colonnades and Cassou statutes that provided the setting for lavish pool parties and lively social gatherings.
Located immediately before you board the bus back to the Visitor Center, the intensely detailed, indoor Roman Pool is the perfect place to stop and reflect. Modeled after ancient Roman baths, this meticulously detailed, majestic pool is tiled from ceiling to floor, and features eight statues of Roman gods, goddesses and heroes.
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