At once a gracious host and a demanding task master, a married man that openly carried on with his Hollywood lover, a publisher, politician and an avid art collector, William Randolph Hearst spent some of his happiest days at what is now known as Hearst Castle.

“Camp Hill” is what the Hearst family called the many thousands of acres overlooking the diamond sparkles of the Pacific Ocean – an affectionate name for a wide open space the family used for casual camping retreats – though they “roughed it in style” with a canvas tent compound. Upon his mother’s death he inherited the land and an estimated $11 million and began one man’s visionary quest. It is reported that in 1919 Hearst contacted well known San Francisco architect Julia Morgan, whom had done work for his mother, and said this: “Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping out in the open at the ranch in San Simeon and I would like to build a little something”. That “little something” turned into a 28 year love affair with "La Cuesta Encantada" - The Enchanted Hill.

Working only weekends and often side by side with Hearst, Julia Morgan oversaw the design, building and art acquisitions of Hearst Castle. And the results are nothing less than spectacular – the buildings rival the greatest castles of Europe. The hilltop estate, equaling nearly 91,000 square feet, is comprised of three fabulous guest houses, the main house – Casa Grande, the indoor Roman Pool and the show-stopping Neptune Pool.

In the 1920’s and 30’s Hearst Castle was the premier gathering place for the Hollywood elite. Notables such as Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Carole Lombard (who it is said was a wicked billiard shark – often innocently challenging the men to a game and then unveiling her extreme skill), Hedda Hopper, Howard Hughes and more – many more. Their days were filled with wholesome activities at “the ranch” including horseback riding, picnicking, swimming and playing tennis. Mr. Hearst did not approve of lazing about and expected his guests to get up in the morning and partake of the fresh air and activities that his hospitality offered. The afternoons were a time when guests could relax and prepare for the evening festivities. Early evening guests began to filter downstairs, meeting in one of the great salons off the dining hall called the Assembly Room. When dinner was served the guests were ushered into the vast dining hall and seated next to Hearst in order of their arrival at the Castle – the latest guests were seated closest. As the guest’s seat got closer to the end of the table so did their stay. Misuse of alcohol was not tolerated and an over-imbibing guest was most likely to find their bags packed and ready to go the next morning.

In 1947 Hearst and his lover, Marion Davies, left "La Cuesta Encantada" – still a work in progress – due to pressing health issues that could not be attended to in the (still) remote area. Hearst passed away in 1951 and Hearst Castle was deeded to the State of California in 1957.

In my next article on this national gem we’ll explore more amazing stories of Hearst Castle.