This is a second posting of Day 13 and there will be a third. So much to see!
We entered the house from a side door. Our tour took us first into the Assembly Room, where guests would gather before dinner. It appeared that Hearst had tried to fill every square inch of space with art including 16th century tapestries, Gothic and Renaissance furniture and Greek pottery. Even the ceilings were ornate. It was hard to take it all in. Our tour did not describe any of the artifacts but left them for our own perusal.
Next we went to the dining room, which could seat 24. The flags have no special meaning and are just for decoration.
Beyond that was the “morning room,” which was never used in the morning but usually at 10 pm for socializing after dinner. Although the hey-day of the Castle was in the 20s and prohibition was in effect, drinks were still served — usually gin, scotch and rum.
The fourth room was the Billiards Room
and finally the theater. It was common after dinner for guests to watch a movie. In the 1920s, this was still considered a new and popular entertainment.
I thought the holes cut into the fabric in the back for lights and projector were amusing.
Our tour ended there and we were free to wander the grounds indefinitely. We walked to the other side of the main building,
along the Esplanade, which is highlighted with palm and citrus trees, boxwood hedges and Coast Live Oaks, which are native to the area.
We saw the 3 cottages built nearby, which are equally elaborate, to house guests.
The views everywhere were spectacular.
To catch the bus back to the visitor center, one is treated to a final treasure and I have to put it and the rest of the day in a third posting.
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