This tour is recommended for first-time visitors to the California estate. It also has the fewest stairs to climb. 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 twin-towered building, or main house). Follow their footsteps as you travel back in time and experience what it was like to be a guest at The Enchanted Hill—known today as Hearst Castle, one of California’s top attractions. At the end of the guided portion of your tour, stroll on your own through the gardens and wander at your leisure around the Neptune Pool and the Roman Pool—just as Mr. Hearst’s guests did on their vacation in the 1920s and 1930s.
Assembly Room
Evenings began in this huge living room of the historic home and mansion, with cocktails, conversation, and a chance to meet your host. Its walls are lined with walnut paneling and vivid tapestries, all dating back to the 16th century. Neoclassical marble statues brighten the corners and fine bronze sculptures sit atop the large tables in this room of the property. But the jigsaw puzzles, poker table, and comfy overstuffed chairs show that the Assembly Room was also a place for socializing and fun.
Refectory
All meals were served in this splendid dining room of the home. Mr. Hearst and his architect Julia Morgan named it the Refectory, 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 ages. When we see the mustard and ketchup bottles sitting on the long tables, however, we realize that Mr. Hearst liked to keep things informal at the ranch.
Billiard Room
Guests at the property could play both billiards and pool in this impressive game room, which is also decorated with gaming themes. Its 15th-century Spanish ceiling is painted with scenes of courtly life, including bullfighting and jousting. And the Flemish tapestry from 1500 shows an early-morning hunting scene.
Theater
W. R. Hearst and his companion, Hollywood film star Marion Davies, joined the house guests every night at 11 p.m. for a full-length movie, preceded by a newsreel. Today, visitors touring the historic California Central Coast mansion and estate will sit down to view a short film showing historic footage of the Castle’s talented architect Julia Morgan, Hearst and Marion Davies themselves, and many of their celebrated house guests—all having a wonderful time on the Enchanted Hill.
Tour Requirement
Consists of approximately 106 stairs (up and down) and 2/3 mile route to walk. Duration is 45 minutes with a considerable amount of standing.
