Guys…
We got to tour the Hearst Castle tonight at NIGHT. It was so freaking dope. It was more impressive and amazing and magical that I’d even expected it to be, particularly the Roman Pool at the very back of the house. *Underneath* the tennis courts, I might add. But that Roman Pool…good lord. So pretty.
The Neptune Pool, unfortunately, is being renovated right now so it was all gutted. But holy bejesus, that thing is MASSIVE. I’ve seen pictures of it, and the pictures did not do it justice at all. It’s huuuuuuge.
The house is amazing, or should I say houSES. Hearst built this place at a time when Europe was selling tons and tons of ancient, antique shit, and Hearst was there with his money like many other American industry magnates were at the time. Ceilings from 500-year-old churches across Europe, statues from Ancient Egypt, tapestries from medieval Britain…I mean, holy shit, guys, this guy took REAL authentic pieces of art and architecture from Europe and built his entire home with it. I had no idea. I figured he’d just replicate the stuff from scratch, but no. This is the real stuff.
I highly recommend the Hearst Castle to anyone who’s never been. Especially at night. You really felt like you were a GUEST of the man, coming up for a stay. In that regard, the entire property seemed much more like a lavish hotel or resort than a residence, and apparently, that’s exactly how he treated it. I guess that’s kind of a THING if you have yourself a massive estate like that – you try to have people in those spaces as much as possible.
Anyway, it’s time for bed. More on the castle tomorrow!