WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST'S ESTATE... may sit high above San Simeon, with views that are so sweeping the home could practically trademark the word "sweeping," but it is not so remote as we sometimes think it to be. The recent Chimney Fire grew quite close to the landmark, prompting staff to cancel tours and shutter the popular destination over a number of days. But as of Aug. 30 evacuation orders in nearby communities began to lift and the majority of the fire reached containment, thanks to the supreme efforts of the responders battling the blazes. And for the first time in a number of days, Hearst Castle opened, again, welcoming late-summer visitors ahead of the busy Labor Day Weekend. Yes, as of...
MONDAY, AUG. 29... "The Enchanted Hill" is again welcoming people eager to eye the publishing magnate's tapestries, statues, and paintings, as well as those two amazing pools (big props to the nearly supernaturally beautiful Neptune and Roman Pools). Of course, the estate's long Hollywood history also comes into play during the tours, and guests often inquire as to whether the likes of Charlie Chaplin or Gary Cooper came to call (the answer is yes). Architect Julia Morgan was the visionary behind the grand, ocean-viewing, everywhere-viewing spot, a place that will soon celebrate its first 100 years. Many fans, those devoted people who enjoy returning again and again, are ready to say hello to Hearst Castle, especially following along on social media as the National Historic Landmark (and California Historic Landmark) shuttered for an "unprecedented" nine days in the face of the sizable wildfire. Want to find your next tour? Your San Simeon idyll awaits.
