1865
That is where the story of Hearst Castle began. One man, with an idea to turn his favorite place into a majestic madness.
George Hearst, known to be a self made millionaire, purchased the land in the year 1865 when it was 40,000 acres of ranchland. In the year 1919, William Randall Hearst, the only son of George Hearst had inherited the land that had grown to more than 250,000 acres.
At a young age, William had toured Europe with his mother, Phoebe. The beautiful architecture is said to be what inspired William, he longed to recreate the beautiful and intricate designs he had witnessed as a young boy.
After Harvard, he begged his dad to give him the San Francisco Examiner which George Hearst acquired as payment of a gambling debt. William had excelled in journalism in college which brought the want of the paper from his dad.
In 1947, together with architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle became what it is today. 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways.
The Castle hosted a number of notable guests and extravagant parties. The land beyond the castle had been occupied with many zoo animals from all over the world for the entertainment of William’s guests. His parties were set over days instead of hours because of the location, as well as the number of rooms available.
Please see the below link to the official website of The Hearst Castle:
Itsbyankur 