Not technically a castle, but it's largely what folks call the ranch-turned-state
park of the publishing mogul William
Randolph Hearst. The estate once stood at 240,000 acres, and while
the buildings were an on-going project that never saw a completion (even
after Hearst's death), construction has since ceased, and the hilltop
mansion is now a preserved state park.
Sure, they say it's not really a castle, yet, here it is, right
on the entrance sign.
These grand steps lead up to a mere guest house, not even the main
house. Nice, eh?
Hearst did enjoy the pools, and this is the main one, themed with
Greek accents and art.
The oldest pieces on the estate are the Egyptian statues, dating
to be over 3,000 years old.
Throughout the estate are colorful, elaborate gardens, sprinkled
with marble works of art.
A view of the main house, as you approach, with its Mediterranean
exterior and tall bell tower.
