place for holidays

Hearst Castle, the lavish estate of William Randolph Hearst, stands near San Simeon, California, between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Donated to California in 1957, it’s now a State Historical Monument and National Historic Landmark open for public tours. Hearst named it “La Cuesta Encantada” (“The Enchanted Hill”), but often referred to it simply as “the ranch.” The architecture reflects Hearst’s admiration for European styles, with the main house resembling a 16th-century Spanish cathedral and the outdoor pool area featuring a Roman temple front. Hearst adorned the estate with art, antiques, and even entire ceilings imported from Europe and Egypt.

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