San Simeon: The cloisters

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0IRkmqHa1OmzX8t5R8-x5yRhjhFg8o1UWjnCQ5mgYrKwg0oORUByd5TWAvpmGCVHDuFlXlpvXWJC7QsYaka7PPiNM0SpD2J8jkbqlXMzHj5fG52c9cUwwiEkreIpLrMPS-39DHzXpnE/s1600/san+simeon+view.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569684159355235458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0IRkmqHa1OmzX8t5R8-x5yRhjhFg8o1UWjnCQ5mgYrKwg0oORUByd5TWAvpmGCVHDuFlXlpvXWJC7QsYaka7PPiNM0SpD2J8jkbqlXMzHj5fG52c9cUwwiEkreIpLrMPS-39DHzXpnE/s400/san+simeon+view.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> While I continue to sort through hundreds of photos taken last week in Miami and Nassau, lets take a look back at San Simeon and <em>the cloisters</em>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaTh5u6HDHmmF7PJvyY7cBmaXrJ83hPIxiYxr0yeAfRFtl6uvDhUBdDliFWhrXXMgEbiNnE_p0Tatv0Fp7PbDt-zSq_5FZJ4hYwYL-073XxjCamLyfoK5xHUEWohnUZruR6RQgK4TsvQ/s1600/hallway.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569684153647046738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaTh5u6HDHmmF7PJvyY7cBmaXrJ83hPIxiYxr0yeAfRFtl6uvDhUBdDliFWhrXXMgEbiNnE_p0Tatv0Fp7PbDt-zSq_5FZJ4hYwYL-073XxjCamLyfoK5xHUEWohnUZruR6RQgK4TsvQ/s400/hallway.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Located on the second floor, this grouping of 4 guest bedrooms have hallways on either side which were originally left open to the elements. This way, when the windows were open on each side of the room, an ocean cross breeze would blow through. To help preserve the furnishings, the hallways have been enclosed with glass. <em>One of the hallways seen above</em><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17cCmxzmG4IBKhl0hxKy4ythnH0MUuyqAmxpAhXGwbjospsph6Z8ybD7X3PQt0-2gEl6xYsFY4veWusZ_jfTNhVTliQZsnJ87bcfweQy0cLdmBcgDAsxElK1II0vU9Va091Nr2Gy0cm0/s1600/california+view.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569684153930939202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17cCmxzmG4IBKhl0hxKy4ythnH0MUuyqAmxpAhXGwbjospsph6Z8ybD7X3PQt0-2gEl6xYsFY4veWusZ_jfTNhVTliQZsnJ87bcfweQy0cLdmBcgDAsxElK1II0vU9Va091Nr2Gy0cm0/s400/california+view.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The views, as throughout the house, are spectacular; of the ocean to one side and the mountains on the other.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkySX1G-dfYB2gz9UhNxcD_faUKRAecgX9DkRQx2dJhf1-sT5-o600El6j6H94PtYqsFHqYMhW_frHbkV1foHPjG8-P1tiaXzf2IbwiTZ9F22uEWG5p1WuZyItY1C67A1nD7bT_O2vijE/s1600/bedroom+1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569684007703471890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkySX1G-dfYB2gz9UhNxcD_faUKRAecgX9DkRQx2dJhf1-sT5-o600El6j6H94PtYqsFHqYMhW_frHbkV1foHPjG8-P1tiaXzf2IbwiTZ9F22uEWG5p1WuZyItY1C67A1nD7bT_O2vijE/s400/bedroom+1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The rooms have similar heavy 'antiqued' wood Spanish ceilings as throughout the estate, but these rooms have a pleasing intimacy to them.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExthAVu1mNx_3Mv_V94_oL9yxlC6zbzhz24IKfNcInbhybuOVNbNx_wqjTRVpmts9LEMnVTTjqtdKGvD2qXDxWvWAOjdkVIRD9_f5i4J41pYZW-Q2y28uB8TuFgawio9z-iWTx30Yd2o/s1600/bedroom+1+foot.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569683999895095042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExthAVu1mNx_3Mv_V94_oL9yxlC6zbzhz24IKfNcInbhybuOVNbNx_wqjTRVpmts9LEMnVTTjqtdKGvD2qXDxWvWAOjdkVIRD9_f5i4J41pYZW-Q2y28uB8TuFgawio9z-iWTx30Yd2o/s400/bedroom+1+foot.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> They're cozily furnished with armchairs and desks as well as the requisite beds; don't forget the Renaissance art too, of course!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBMLXZHiJ5EbwTw_yVQQ4HtTbIF6KbIOe-0WjCSJyKmwtf3OrIPHLmcB-NwqwKY06-fBN-RteXCnCj5CliuzB2aq3zrV8wRYO0NTPVLoI5kS_U0PtwGMhNTYRBt0Nf1ImLyuB668Be78/s1600/secretary+desk.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569683995055133842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBMLXZHiJ5EbwTw_yVQQ4HtTbIF6KbIOe-0WjCSJyKmwtf3OrIPHLmcB-NwqwKY06-fBN-RteXCnCj5CliuzB2aq3zrV8wRYO0NTPVLoI5kS_U0PtwGMhNTYRBt0Nf1ImLyuB668Be78/s400/secretary+desk.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I love this desk with all of the little drawers, but if I were a guest, I'd be afriad to unpack into it; You know you'd leave SOMETHING behind! Note the clerical vestment above the 2 twin beds (old fashioned, no? So Ricky and Lucy!)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWHEsEGqcWrAMLrybw1aGSbFY-SMm-C2BV2JSqEEbk1cs8WXZUbuT0Kg7fbC2JRfUz58AhdDxmwLA3_ySk4NO8V9XbcPUrOdAXK6q8CkXnCpn7DiUB76qCeIILK3OOOsKP6xfNeib-jI/s1600/bedroom+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569683986403865666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOWHEsEGqcWrAMLrybw1aGSbFY-SMm-C2BV2JSqEEbk1cs8WXZUbuT0Kg7fbC2JRfUz58AhdDxmwLA3_ySk4NO8V9XbcPUrOdAXK6q8CkXnCpn7DiUB76qCeIILK3OOOsKP6xfNeib-jI/s400/bedroom+2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Each room had a private bath which was, and still is, quite the luxury. Not the fanciest guest rooms on the estate but also not too shabby! I imagine on the hottest of days that breeze made them quite popular.</div><div><em>As with all of my San Simeon posts, written permission was kindly granted to post my interior photos of the estate on this blog only. Please respect that and do not copy. Thanks!</em></div></div></div></div></div></div>

San Simeon: The cloisters

While I continue to sort through hundreds of photos taken last week in Miami and Nassau, lets take a look back at San Simeon and the cloist...

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San Simeon gardens

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28ciGG3KZ6IgEslbZ4py2pUvP361n1f1Qh39L4Rm5btPgGbHm6bdRFQgbZ76c38BZCXXPlARZqReMHeYQS00aiKx3VgQUsh4DsWXeT8t0MRmuy7zX10cfDH96DXzZP_jctL0A-V9r1Iw/s1600/Bell+towers.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569685683594435490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28ciGG3KZ6IgEslbZ4py2pUvP361n1f1Qh39L4Rm5btPgGbHm6bdRFQgbZ76c38BZCXXPlARZqReMHeYQS00aiKx3VgQUsh4DsWXeT8t0MRmuy7zX10cfDH96DXzZP_jctL0A-V9r1Iw/s400/Bell+towers.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I hope you've been enjoying my series on San Simeon! I have been concentrating on the interiors as they're rarely seen and certainly less known than the exteriors. I plan on a post on the gardens at some point but that has obviously not been my focus. Needless to say, the exterior is as breathtaking, if not more so, than the interiors.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuLSDPARB1UjvHAkdaEvpU9Vzq3EBGWOJ8qPQJi9CYQO9Z3cWojPACGgpbmEsk2zNu2EZBbf5mtCwBLkFlobCZXb2i3vqhFUYOi45kHriVvHvDxgVP6PQCEAm3bxo3ZIaDQ4qPO04BJY/s1600/Princess+Leia.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569685676771068722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuLSDPARB1UjvHAkdaEvpU9Vzq3EBGWOJ8qPQJi9CYQO9Z3cWojPACGgpbmEsk2zNu2EZBbf5mtCwBLkFlobCZXb2i3vqhFUYOi45kHriVvHvDxgVP6PQCEAm3bxo3ZIaDQ4qPO04BJY/s400/Princess+Leia.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> After this trip to Miami I hope to have other house tours as well, including the equally over the top gorgeous Vizcaya. I just had to post the above photo from the gardens at San Simeon as the statue reminded me so much of Princess Leia! Happy Weekend!</div>

San Simeon gardens

I hope you've been enjoying my series on San Simeon! I have been concentrating on the interiors as they're rarely seen and certain...

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San Simeon: Hearst's library

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrARLzMNfItaUn5NZvuvkWerYhWtntG2zQb95DBvQmm3LP2Zk2YNjOL4XRXb7fjJ3eZrqnDWHoj-DZT4bESckvcsua8PLZlBTeDiinJfpZN1p699gVXKJrCDJWTWMsqyl716qODNQnL4/s1600/polychrome+ceiling.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569679736351123378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrARLzMNfItaUn5NZvuvkWerYhWtntG2zQb95DBvQmm3LP2Zk2YNjOL4XRXb7fjJ3eZrqnDWHoj-DZT4bESckvcsua8PLZlBTeDiinJfpZN1p699gVXKJrCDJWTWMsqyl716qODNQnL4/s400/polychrome+ceiling.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Located off the bedroom's sitting room in the<a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2011/02/san-simeon-master-bedrooms.html"> Gothic suite</a> is the private library. Here, Hearst kept his impressive personal book collection as well as conduct business meetings as his office was next door; the man and his work were never seperated!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tCsvdzLsZajhF1_qrei3j0jzMOBG2wF3DaGyyHB2j66D6Uct4Baol8Ia-laudpRBuCciZmXWM2g9B8LNcPK744mh874ooj8w_AT2RyBFD-OOpXYTuMb8afqFA5Ykz6OLa27vHdeNU94/s1600/entry.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569679729680714994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tCsvdzLsZajhF1_qrei3j0jzMOBG2wF3DaGyyHB2j66D6Uct4Baol8Ia-laudpRBuCciZmXWM2g9B8LNcPK744mh874ooj8w_AT2RyBFD-OOpXYTuMb8afqFA5Ykz6OLa27vHdeNU94/s400/entry.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> The focal point here is again the ceiling. Polychrome wood ribbed arches are seperated by Moroccan lanterns which are barely needed during the day with all of the light from the gothic transom windows. I think I could work here, don't you?</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM6CRboKyFOCmozKr_nlcDH8lwefGgRSgDqyy6WiPVW8EavOaaPZZjV0H4u8L9SB-yqKYsLAnWauySmvVr-lq7WDottzAf6Wh0PfmeVgvkPVwrQWkRAMkR7pD3hGhy90HKHNjBJSjubQ/s1600/library.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569679725441743634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM6CRboKyFOCmozKr_nlcDH8lwefGgRSgDqyy6WiPVW8EavOaaPZZjV0H4u8L9SB-yqKYsLAnWauySmvVr-lq7WDottzAf6Wh0PfmeVgvkPVwrQWkRAMkR7pD3hGhy90HKHNjBJSjubQ/s400/library.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><em>As with all of my San Simeon posts, written permission was kindly granted to post my interior photos of the estate on this blog only. Please respect that and do not copy. Thanks! </em></div></div>

San Simeon: Hearst's library

Located off the bedroom's sitting room in the Gothic suite is the private library. Here, Hearst kept his impressive personal book col...

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San Simeon: Master bedrooms

<div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG6Pfp40xR3cRdv5vGxsRTbHu64i8tLxygHk6R0laTO1EwuvC_tsRj_e9UpKxevt6I84GbYedTvVSs6ir8CBcexPoZIYWWOAAUt3a-GExxrqyD3xZaHrJe5NqUjTSZzi9hovp45GbQVw/s1600/medievel+ceiling.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569533328371775170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifG6Pfp40xR3cRdv5vGxsRTbHu64i8tLxygHk6R0laTO1EwuvC_tsRj_e9UpKxevt6I84GbYedTvVSs6ir8CBcexPoZIYWWOAAUt3a-GExxrqyD3xZaHrJe5NqUjTSZzi9hovp45GbQVw/s400/medievel+ceiling.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 332px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> While the rest of the Casa Grande at San Simeon is positively kingly, the private bedrooms of Hearst and his companion, Marion Davies, are cozy and intimate.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569527401506926722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP_aw6XAj71WQlyfuCDod5nB7uvqRjpEyMA_Y-WHixtBjyQufzOxZ_DH7RVF8MP2oUqc4grypB52T8h9oOwiuhfzUFqjUUMKbZh8ZN9NdgBbZkHG3X2aKFaGmhc_ZYDO2WOAa4914g0g/s400/family+photographs.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The bedrooms are located in what is known as the Gothic suite on the 3rd floor of the building. The ceiling of Hearst's bedroom is one of the many treasures in the castle and dates to the 14th century. It was removed from the <em>'House of the Jews'</em> at Teruel in Aragon, Spain.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569531068526180434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5DZipomrwuAh4ucqofGUAKKJ_efcTTCh2sOCT5XO_RXa8s5d1xUxJiHEBcTOZks8zbpmjYv-UuOiiFQfYUmiJf8_KYjtw554cs4iV0lPqA2WCGpGM3H6VyehtfQmkjb204T-vQ7PClE/s400/Hearst%2527s+bedroom.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Recently the painting was restored and the colors are vivid and bright, making the scenes they depict clear. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569531059701449138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RtXKGP-awIkvNriOWnCuyh42G51RcACchUWImdhjAcLsJfQeD1RRgULa_DYh5wmAdBlCEDDjUhYqqwAoV_jdlhtPkUG_AAW5gxNmOP-UsXX5XjcALVjODq690RjpqdApe0PaLiiC1Qk/s400/Hearst%2527s+bedroom+ceiling.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The artwork in the bedroom is fittingly personal to Hearst and includes a lot of family photographs as well as religious iconography, much of it dating to the Renaissance. One of the most valuable pieces of artwork in the estate is the small “Madonna and Child” by Duccio di Buoninsegna seen below, which was a gift to Hearst from one of his publishers.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569552545099185154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhh-falNPUz_4dbdRY4jOWIwpCj5sdCWq-5bnKM6cq0lwijh2YdTbI0oeJRj4NbKvg4MWIUeNfOiQqBxPD6sILXZQ93yYmrYYcy3Je2i0LDOvSvohqT2wxVmlPeviBIH5Rc_Bg5Bdcb8/s400/fringed+lamp.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Hearst's bath, while marble filled and ornate, is shockingly small. I love the 2 toned marble paneling. Notice the numerous gold taps at the sink, I was told some operate fresh water while others salt water.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569466949946952146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjzybm9iFi20mhwQeEdeVA1u1hQOoeVTwc6AwmtEGTkY-KpG674Qc2pqNAiQ6AC0hLb8jq544elsNhfz1KDQ-L0vZJTtTmqEWpJ09iA82HY4oCj8PJUHAJ4OBrZf7KOiZfCb1-oWqf_I/s400/bathroom.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 235px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The suite runs the length of the Casa Grande and is comprised of 2 master bedroom suites joined by a sitting room atop the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/san-simeon-assembly-room.html">Assembly room</a> and <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/san-simeon-library.html">library</a> as well as Hearst's private library and office above the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/san-simeon-refectory.html">refectory</a>. Below, you can see from Hearst's bedroom through the sitting room and into his Mistresses (Marion Davies) bedroom.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569527396877492546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrDxC-FX46tSYPZCbkElL17g7wCq_uhILY_-BrYHPzSA4GT7MyBGTcssflRwOYaSFGPQv80yPfZ87ce0RRWkYejWYGi6JMACsa6k7Nh9MZM3nW2JxVLow5u61FO7SP2UWlQ0g8uv7FgA/s400/enfilade.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Despite their long relationship of 30 odd years, Hearst never divorced his first wife but was devoted to Marion until his Death, in fact leaving the bulk of his estate to her (which she refused). Marion claimed upon her death bed that her niece, Patricia, was actually their love child, born in secrecy in Paris in 1923 (read more about Marion's fascinating story <a href="http://claroscureaux.blogspot.com/2009/01/three-faces-of-marion-davies.html">HERE</a>).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569542596257799874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjImeJmAMXr_1gQRFyju2seCwfw_LWiL7J46YDlt6FbnWhQORYd9O3OmNbMDQA6fvfd9mO31OVyiAhis9y08YAKPi2FnN0QzQC1yO1e0UXwXTPqXv5CLc0aLfFhWs_hdknHJBVrxYi9uY0/s400/marion+%2526+hearst.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Marion was an accomplished actress and entrepreneur in her own right. Despite their significant age difference, she claimed they were the perfect pair. Her life pretty much fell to shambles after his death but you can read more about that at the <a href="http://claroscureaux.blogspot.com/2009/01/three-faces-of-marion-davies.html">Claroscureaux</a> link above.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569542598828001186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZC_vXF6I0Zu6T1YMKHktO2D5uwxAg7lYa8mj0n1HOvzAJcQu3UGT7xrUgNInvQjgcg7CzeHzT5F_rSY0GD2YG7OBddNqiQvs9WbNZDdAqCxbkDHGmmzEWVOqBKLWduOeJ4T2WBh3Jl8/s400/marion+davies.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> The sitting room, below, was where they would spend the most time together, often with Marion sewing her own clothing and mending Hearst's. Domestic bliss in a small apartment high above the grand estate; I think there's something to that! I loved the arched paneled ceiling which lends a further aire of intimacy, like an ancient galleon.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569533803017226322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxa5466Q3ZTj2KOh9nwKzIp4ewHlDXYJSgJ1CoRrFtk0HUHKQVUg5WDEZHYiTKVCt69FjuG97-AswNHXGPhYhgMP5U84LHyJeCdkTGbC76XN7PAjZXH4cl04nR9UdOeroQ6ai0PexYho/s400/sitting+room.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The ceiling in Marion's bedroom was an intricate design of stars done in gold and blue. The lanterns were uplights, which explains the washed out patch, no camera flash was used!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569533324122356690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkmNXXlz1mfulCjIUmrvxY9fvNfjga4KyCsus9zRj4zqmWICmlnW_QVVwKDfv_PJY5gvV1W8ZWEcguVJDe9S9q28bLppudCQR51vMD5hoPwINhthDaYdfPDJGRrfYVtifKHGRA9Zow-Y/s400/her+ceiling.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div>The walls appear to me to be a venetian plaster, does anyone know? I love the clock light on Marion's desk below.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569527388401005266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbTp-m_4sWIJ8wDfnkpjkUfQocrZGRzVcMi3bEl49krK4ZsEDHHiJ2vraHo3qoukYv-bohQcIGEoFs5L23lEtyfB92ZtJ9OzqOi-xfW6sjqrgHZ4qSN7b_5jwQAxdIEozQtjaNTfJL3U/s400/desktop.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Marion probably had very little to do with the decoration of her bedroom, as the only feminine touch appears to be the pink jade lamps. Hearst's love of the heavy Renaissance Spanish style shines through.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569533804739137186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3V-3MAEA4zW2R7XQ9FE4rmF8gaoPEE5oe9z0Zp5h5CgYu2PaJMMtGFlfTNg4_7NrjCRInBh1cNxEl4H90aX7hKBGKA_GEbxL_xewQuwGn4Tm5pi_2DAfYWuVcPl3hgj3sCUhUmDjeAi4/s400/pink+jade.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Read more about the art of the estate at <a href="http://eklektx.com/art-of-hearst-castle/">Eklektx</a>.</div><div><em>As with all of my San Simeon posts, written permission was kindly granted to post my interior photos of the estate on this blog only. Please respect that and do not copy. Thanks!</em></div></div></div></div></div></div>

San Simeon: Master bedrooms

While the rest of the Casa Grande at San Simeon is positively kingly, the private bedrooms of Hearst and his companion, Marion Davies, are ...

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San Simeon: Doges Suite

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566718292521708850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uncUo78SmEMX7AiV-EoVV-G0Wx1qu9kmIKDuXDb2CfL9y1wAIe06fpxmKVXCF_oHgaZd8kCYKzmqgkp4g88vfE7vPZxjD_vEWXaBNKfHU0Jq7I-66lIlZ6qXoeV_OdgRJYrcXddU0as/s400/doges+palace+balcony.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />If someone were to ask me what my favorite room was at San Simeon, I would have to answer the sitting room in the Doges suite.The suite is so named as the balcony, seen above, is a replica of one at the Doge's palace in Venice - again with that view! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566718300233456386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpCB72_nxXcVqvZlg6nwkSdEr0I0juz9c4Z-6FJYda75kzv7Iw85cO5QzGEbY7a-GwAsKa9hP2fEkQHR2etWQVHQMiK5GZeJNqP2wWr6DEB2q7lRxop5zR9G-cIJGXigiZw8ouUNAcCM/s400/doges+suite.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Of the many show-stoppers in this room, the most important is the ceiling, 18th century Italian. The ceiling was acquired from the estate sale of architect Stanford White, folllowing his death, where he had had it installed as his townhouse living room ceiling.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566941309385896786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wksTAH1xizD9maSb6tI2YYnCOTh7zzhsnrY-lv08y3YagQmX_mSTyX43OGeH6-mv4qFOHwOCZsZRn0p-5NoHorwyqwGP0PtyxEAaymDJE8tlVYOvE68Xdtf0LwoYR0ckQ6zHQJUuDqc/s400/standford+white+ceiling.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The image above shows the ceiling in its' entirety. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566941311611510530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQEZuimkl1NrD9FRl8defPyhV6UUTMiNo7rW151B1dJe8cMuH2f0WdJ-DwLhyphenhyphenncKTiwy7sCgVwsw9zWqvmYBmWbwZzt_DNKh7LoNy4fqrJo90KJm1RTf_DWT8hyphenhyphen8oij1qguX6MT50cUc/s400/standford+white+dining+room.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />White purchased the ceiling from an Italian Palazzo and had it shipped to one of his many warehouses outside of New York, where his clients would pick and choose bits and pieces from his European travels for installation in their own projects - an early example of an upscale salvage store!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566941316184736994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGlCge_ABC0VD-1cm7UHMs6EA1irFuvpy_SSTXOKAxRBt7ImAAPGFuhRhKdATsj2DckjjIr-wM4ZN1efDnNZaV8JwtrHn8HS4Sfd7RtkPeJJxgCqaZnbiVxuBmJnQYJ3_i_Jxa4gs-wU/s400/stanford+white+living+room.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 349px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />This was similar to the approach Hearst took with his building of San Simeon, in fact much of what he purchased was not even used. The above 2 photos are of White's living and dining rooms.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566718289739754050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4YSU9pEn2d-UhnPpbLC1Mt8j-LSa9BPuA1yHd974DEkjFmz93q3qOL3ypSiN701sLxiKr-4sVDodO7Tz5CnhZdtiI3TAFhtutgXSbrjcZoJYpy_YvOggvs4je7GodKxcxo5D8DwmO-Y/s400/damask+walls.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I think I prefer this room because it's not a heavy Spanish style but rather more baroque Italian: light, colorful and fun.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhaSHMr3wynGyesK9BglIzjqGvRyXyi92iibca8QV9gsWbimLg8Rb8XoUt4GYtDzhR9b_by9AcPCEtbfE3yxH2k3XfJealuDgxxDTBWyQre-0UtuerblTVvC-t0a56bq-V4lMIvnG5Eg/s1600/Standford+White+ceiling.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566721781161296274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhaSHMr3wynGyesK9BglIzjqGvRyXyi92iibca8QV9gsWbimLg8Rb8XoUt4GYtDzhR9b_by9AcPCEtbfE3yxH2k3XfJealuDgxxDTBWyQre-0UtuerblTVvC-t0a56bq-V4lMIvnG5Eg/s400/Standford+White+ceiling.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> A close up of the restored Standford White ceiling. Now on with the tour!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566719262482390050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyKDthgY6ZXbPtX_cxoujmtLSrzS2YaqW5vXRwtrV7U2hTjY2TIdBxekKoNY0btu6ZH_TIPSqaQxRGpSv4qKoi1J9X-LB5pz5iPilTAnuN4_ZRZNJkcyv8-E1IGNmG6prcQwf-g0jxDk/s400/figural+lamps.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Every single item in the room is both useful but also strikingly gorgeous, my mantra!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566719258283996402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRExu1ivF4gZUQNydxSABYuAzMESWxPmSwnKkSvCbrYQxTygAtFBRPfDMYcFXFhr8eHvcV8hJ0hdaq-k7DjvWRHJ2dNYuC0L5s_EALom8qMaakYPJehJyRfkjeKnUIvLRtIK-QTLEAHs/s400/enfilade.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Two nearly identical bedrooms with private baths flank the sitting room in enfilade style.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566717129871845954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UOnmg66buo1bV_Svul13g3qzyId5PxMReDFJb5KkJPckcQ-2BxmvJdXn0OlfrouUX6SZ6hMz3Gh-7qxgdJW82RTh4nUUInB1eW4Jjq3mt9gYEtthCNbdQDVlWym4dIeXoo2zew8_U3w/s400/chaise+by+fireplace.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The bedroom ceilings are identical but, as we were told, one is an antique and the other is a replica to match. The lamp above on the right above is an antique Venetian gondalier's lantern.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566719266400602578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YupeBwpGiCjaOeaLV5Z0RZV4NQcybZs29c_R0zjdIHlq-at3TvWu21wsritoFpuZfSRP_iycQCKv6gn4p-GQLsDFXPqK5RfhnXr5VNmw2yoRLIkKaQgzKAw1XJBeTn-nI_ZbkJcLmZw/s400/overdoor.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I think these rooms are much more pleasant than other guest rooms at the estate due to the vibrant colors and worn wood finishes: a softer feeling.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCw0ypN6rjTszq3hVV-8o9_0e_UeY-7pQBu6L7rmraOFg1mSBzmf2KXVippOg_50LMbUl6XiJPytUEG9Qk-NUR0gmU4pRhgh_jq7jAWJA0WxExsHiGJP7y3in5v5SvKL2Xc7rETEY1o0/s1600/polychrome+ceiling.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566721620286247314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCw0ypN6rjTszq3hVV-8o9_0e_UeY-7pQBu6L7rmraOFg1mSBzmf2KXVippOg_50LMbUl6XiJPytUEG9Qk-NUR0gmU4pRhgh_jq7jAWJA0WxExsHiGJP7y3in5v5SvKL2Xc7rETEY1o0/s400/polychrome+ceiling.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The lamps throughout are all exquisite: some people have chair fetishes, mine is lamps. These little alabaster lamps were just adorable with the bell shades -also notice the silver sconces.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566717120649007202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWzBrxHe2zlt-eB2fjW60cEO5CQXooOXyK9MXjmLN2n6Kg1yHeAj6AsoSw50nMZqMRdDKOSEnkyrWlb7PFmYv6mpqDn5MVKFyAwAGc0lE80aznabfV5_7YbhJEaJ3Td3j4rC34LpHn8c/s400/alabaster+lamps.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Again the rooms are finished with suitcases and clothing from the 30s, a nice touch. I love the antique vestment above the bed.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566721621614768402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M8k3rbYgF_k1WB59Wn-3qLtN7ri8aGcwn89GnMZXu-dPr_h4L6w75h9ci56iK1qZ5NGexDgPYzrOKaIABgkn6SDIOeotz56ckmW5Yc81VXubn5PvCHzmw27puSKTfa7wG1to9KordP0/s400/spanish+bed.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />So tell me, would you prefer the Doge's suite or the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/san-simeon-tower-bedroom.html">tower bedroom</a>?<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566717135270706722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmOz0FDqWNKpp51SIzZaQuMWay_5LnNPfjQI_RfkRE-7-QodQ7ocGBKwMTCbeGjzfWu6W5zw5bogUuEtRPgcaT4LiaY-ynfh0eTFMiFk6Di0yxndDWsxWeiXdqeXCZ4UR1vE4p3BGsnY/s400/column+lamps.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Images of Standford White's townhouse and ceiling image from "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gilded-Mansions-Grand-Architecture-Society/dp/0393067548/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296154620&sr=8-1">Gilded Mansions: Grand architecture & high society</a>" by Wayne Craven.</div><div><em>As with all of my San Simeon posts, written permission was kindly granted to post my interior photos of the estate on this blog only. Please respect that and do not copy. Thanks!</em></div></div>

San Simeon: Doges Suite

If someone were to ask me what my favorite room was at San Simeon, I would have to answer the sitting room in the Doges suite.The suite is s...

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San Simeon: Tower bedroom

Located high above the Casa Grande is one of the favorite guest rooms at the ranch: the tower bedroom (just one of 58 in the main house). Located in one of the 2 bell towers, the bedroom is like a disney movie's princess bedroom and many of Hearst's most famous guests requested this room when visiting the ranch.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566359466622557570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUON3dlVhbjFka1887uymuo4m_IqBnEJV5awITCypk9CqMqPstc4Ym4dBcN6pA-RAly55vnroSTyinEePNN0o6RZUP_AzD3VMmsWutV4cva7IUK1OIR7BFqMqpQrabMQc49V_tBHDAn8/s400/stairhall.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Getting there isn't easy and includes a lot of steps up winding stairways. While the outside is clad in white stone, the interior is left with the bare poured concrete walls which I think look amazing, especially with antique lanterns to light the way!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566361036930074034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuihU8ZByvdqTDcA20kI07LrbysEUjEiJ3z8khgCQxwPXRscXN8QAp4r7ftaDBnaGMdy4yfq3amaTbCojX-z4LVmqTdwnEmk-kN3FtH5KmcbtFhKkNxOJe5N4bo47AtCR9pdZeO1A-vDA/s400/bell+tower.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Here we are at our destination, fit for a princess (or a harem!). <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566359463425934002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZN6dJeRHthzTRiVBgy1yM5Ns7RpiirwdIBj4VbQrZMyRfX6R3SZYRxwIBdics3U5Pi0GXGTSQwZ0Aa549gSHZ5S7KUnuqOATh6Ej8jKoZMLS722t69PcPwM8K0vWrYLjOUvUnfoWfmw/s400/tower+bedroom.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Of course, the ceiling is a gorgeous antique and the main feature of the room.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rHSUk-TozQu4NLT-O1hGwWjvwwHKQv7A49zSaGnqusE3P7ApaAQe0secvZRhl9CInWelcgBGUpqzSo5iOIisQXs7YZPVNgEH9CjUuKmZ5cLfD9Zi44FuM2gB7qrGDTIKOoUzFgShuJo/s1600/chandlier.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566359187224033282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rHSUk-TozQu4NLT-O1hGwWjvwwHKQv7A49zSaGnqusE3P7ApaAQe0secvZRhl9CInWelcgBGUpqzSo5iOIisQXs7YZPVNgEH9CjUuKmZ5cLfD9Zi44FuM2gB7qrGDTIKOoUzFgShuJo/s400/chandlier.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Romance is the theme, shown by....ahem...the mirror over the bed.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjOVzWbsIs2mA9rE3bBZg80xFb972oY2NIkRTu_SgOznoatv24-cexs6HfGkcma0ZZISzAElUbsG2m82KPn-0NaaQ9yTWbRw5IDoOQ1T1mpFb8aKiTGO_alGNbb9aOHiV46ZvF5KgfY8/s1600/mirror+above+bed.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566359185524165106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjOVzWbsIs2mA9rE3bBZg80xFb972oY2NIkRTu_SgOznoatv24-cexs6HfGkcma0ZZISzAElUbsG2m82KPn-0NaaQ9yTWbRw5IDoOQ1T1mpFb8aKiTGO_alGNbb9aOHiV46ZvF5KgfY8/s400/mirror+above+bed.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>Be careful what you wish for however, as a saint stands guard in one of the many windows!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRFhbLdiUR46fYYSJRmOQptGUuzjenFGe8uJvBnVgOqzgPjtuRBwUoUrrq3MH5m0lAdnVoFDLDkq9qdauPNGLJgZ0eDaPZ_h9VauiPfKPJQ7melK48sPRWtUepjf_Yjy-7tOuKFDawkk/s1600/gold+and+blue.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566359179495473666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRFhbLdiUR46fYYSJRmOQptGUuzjenFGe8uJvBnVgOqzgPjtuRBwUoUrrq3MH5m0lAdnVoFDLDkq9qdauPNGLJgZ0eDaPZ_h9VauiPfKPJQ7melK48sPRWtUepjf_Yjy-7tOuKFDawkk/s400/gold+and+blue.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 276px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> This jumble of rooms at the top of the mansion is a maze; without a guide you would surely be lost. I wonder how Hearst's guests managed? I've heard that wandering around the estate past curfew wasn't encouraged (in fact was discouraged with dogs let loose throughout the house) so getting lost wasn't an option in the evenings.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKASouahnX2kZ4gzzMCGiRiBOIo5L9kvNAkeNwSRQOwpIwgpe-TMOe2J43aVvcrD5VIs2Lio7h3kv8AXeIevvXWCiMABMgIZKVaOoTbzZKcSmlH_V_n6DSZtTMhYKWqu4H5vWmCIcZi4/s1600/ornate+ceiling.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566358808090242178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKASouahnX2kZ4gzzMCGiRiBOIo5L9kvNAkeNwSRQOwpIwgpe-TMOe2J43aVvcrD5VIs2Lio7h3kv8AXeIevvXWCiMABMgIZKVaOoTbzZKcSmlH_V_n6DSZtTMhYKWqu4H5vWmCIcZi4/s400/ornate+ceiling.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Each room hidden away in these attics hold as many treasures as the rooms below, with the benefit of a marvelous view.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlQnSf5fApmJuITnTg2-QKfBjVekXKjpkoZSoGY46-8GhqbEKJ8qIi65q5oup9ZysE9n4zXu9ntCxhIUQrFpcBEao2f0zrOgXoD5_1bUvlslDOkGFRO6OMGiW8TyguKMDSZlNQ1sjBn0/s1600/orientalist+painting.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566358801409698978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlQnSf5fApmJuITnTg2-QKfBjVekXKjpkoZSoGY46-8GhqbEKJ8qIi65q5oup9ZysE9n4zXu9ntCxhIUQrFpcBEao2f0zrOgXoD5_1bUvlslDOkGFRO6OMGiW8TyguKMDSZlNQ1sjBn0/s400/orientalist+painting.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><em>As with all of my San Simeon posts, written permission was kindly granted to post my interior photos of the estate on this blog only. Please respect that and do not copy. Thanks!</em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

San Simeon: Tower bedroom

Located high above the Casa Grande is one of the favorite guest rooms at the ranch: the tower bedroom (just one of 58 in the main house). L...

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San Simeon: Casa Del Sol

<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564481372403124562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQDkzX3q5yuCRq3nalbz7ubF2rb2dprRU_SlAyvZ1lxMAhu_r_QjzNBfZ-FXq2VIR8QgrVLc3VVbEcYSnGsAq-_dqTN7bUFIJXKLMcTrCCwGgMOvhkgV57R3k3fYF2WCq8sK-cmNumNU/s400/grillework.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />San Simeon was built as a hilltop village, not as a single mansion. While the main house, Casa Grande (which I've been featuring), is surely one of the largest houses in California, 3 other main guest houses dot the hilltop compound.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564769477881772354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYekfaBBksFJ7f8QxUnYdVx82qwxB006wCjFm7L1z9wX-eK3UXwre2vQR7Dv6E6rVKxX8XBhVaxqSy2Xdje5H559Ye9sIph81q33JldGwRmGi2QjPQ_O9xjqAvl8bT92dv6c4h9DcemE/s400/San+Simeon.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The main guest house with the most spectacular views (none of them are anything to scoff at) is the Casa Del Sol (or Cottage 'C'), so named because it faced the sunset. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564480038604632818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZf0Pexd9sPwWWec37RoICGuWmJocsNxzo1nUwcxBxsEgk5UBLnAmdUumF_t5LIUo80-Zj_VqbAs7ytBoODu2GWAw9kBkBnKb2MX_JhPpmiUGdLPwdgwedh6X8X2y3KuKR4IlLn7mmrEc/s400/tiled+doorway.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 331px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />These cottages were constructed and finished first as the main house took years to near completion. Hearst and his family chose this guesthouse as their first hilltop residence. I love these metal screens at the front doors.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564482152905988306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7f0WjuzjBUVm0fszVXfKy_94w7fAYodvXcNylWj7rDXmTsNYUToLLffOdFx0Y8CSwhQ4EqGUg8nUWATDpsuHnaNTqJODEe3oC1cBr15t5RtCPu9wRmiDaOZoRAEwNta-sEUrMG6JBncc/s400/column+base.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><div>The details rival that of the main house. The design is Spanish Revival, concentrating on architecture in southern Spain from the Renaissance and baroque periods; It's a glorious mish-mash.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564480463016955010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslqORmwJkUkyAIklbPM6XLcuEeqSDzlqwNU3qYIT9WL12VxutsiiLh44hApHK2Q7bWjbazna3RVedbAVKC0oJEQ7rZZIHjjpBcxMLeCCPDKbai7YS7l_4M1_dBHP81CRmVqGPwLb9n8w/s400/sarcophagus.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The plan of all of the cottages is a U shape with a courtyard entry so that the views are out towards the mountains and ocean. This ancient 'sculpture' (the polite word for it) lies between the 2 doors into the entryway. Similar statuary dots the estate.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564481366143916130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCNkDMfQvFf6wSyEiKGbT0zdiTUTtXCQphXZYbcpcrgyjIF34TyYlZHgQpUsGuAO3_ZFp7UFRsL4dya_kc6-_w41rcVB3biOVku2I0k54QdnPjSgGkXzYBJb335k4v04w0H_4JP1P78Y/s400/fretwork.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Some of the guest rooms had private entries. I love these fretwork doors!<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564480790475224882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoU3diR2sJvwxZN_GOsZznnwHh2Ywwgtfg63aIIDLn04Y6MMjdWS-jIFZKrjYcFzuEXHqnYjQzjbWn6EY8gokqVcZ5JiYDBSZ2j_cbyZQv1-VmC2iqyH_6gw_IcjC2FMwLb09nrKN-bKc/s400/portrait.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> The main sitting room is definitely grand, if not comfortable and filled with Spanish antiques.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564480453065661442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVQJwz_pG_PwsFXvIEwl84-_g9eBbCX9O2NcFQ61MWBEVsFLmEnavKiVz9g_Fvfeffu8Lw558bQeaBOc3nsexQnkC2OLYjuzDSBYlAuH9gblMlz-8YXiEDn741ggls7bsQuxbduXK0cU/s400/sitting+room.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The tile floors were probably great on a hot day. Now the buildings all have air conditioning.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564481364704943106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5ud3OruUZK0WMm1aWpx13W2yTkGD8yA2c8p2nFXyIeTv1B5vzTXRMttme4q_AkIH9P7T_-pqeq4RJwFDsWoSYecCuTqvOjwM1JvQ40fsrQ7O-40JvpsXmzXVBPCwx6HpmDki5TC54bY/s400/fireplace.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The decorative and reclaimed ceilings continue from the main house in all of the rooms of the guest cottages; they really steal the show!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564480779756319474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkw8BNPC3VMZOPS5_SllYF5CeoDXFlWJAsgbnJyiMS0MdwbvoGGUcAd3jYWGXwsiFSzf6xIv7UhEROyAVA0UA8siyUZgVtBfxtXYh9PprwMtLePyXvr3CkOUcmSXIA7fExnlntTKGm5I/s400/guest+bedroom+2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Julia ingeniusly selected uplight chandliers to draw attention to the ceilings. I love the way the light reflects off the gilding.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLORqF5fASriGVUyPNPHAIqzwQ2kRkaHP6DYjDoRxD-z8ftYtxbOEjaOQxWPnnk1z8QR8Y8I_pwwxs6G1is9vdChH5NYi6bk-DvxAFZRLt0WQlhDzzoDaSecDbLlmbl5e1r0h2CWM2dM/s1600/hatbox.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564480788277427074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLORqF5fASriGVUyPNPHAIqzwQ2kRkaHP6DYjDoRxD-z8ftYtxbOEjaOQxWPnnk1z8QR8Y8I_pwwxs6G1is9vdChH5NYi6bk-DvxAFZRLt0WQlhDzzoDaSecDbLlmbl5e1r0h2CWM2dM/s400/hatbox.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The rooms are decorated as if inhabited by guests with suitcases and clothing.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564482162801554850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhg-owoPxxzwWy2O3M-zAv05eUw7Z7nsoRX2oADOtDpbSeg-q2_wXLJN_VvRQOibpHQxm_TcMTxShjD9Z_PS5SI6r4YM2mW8hy6TixIV16D419u3cdRmJCWtkJtc2bEto1q_Mi-FPyko/s400/fabric+headboard.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I thought the fabric curtaining behind the bed was a nice soft touch in these relatively cold rooms.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564480056096459538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5zgbkRHHk92CE0H-iioVIUbrOI8z_QJuennfxfVwBW0Amdubk-UrKSgI56Xo3aATvMLnk5vbMwWi99_lhfeVjh7PgY4ilo_7QW2FQ1mU2KzdBO8rrJj4HxMtdLio7JKwvZLL9mt0HJM/s400/star+ceiling.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The main guest bedroom deviates from the yellow color scheme and is much cosier. The brilliant views and windows make up for the dark color.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564482157567965778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gfd0E2mXMqA3GEtRoM2HWGQjE2rXK8SU_PRay5es_QMdjguatNhf6Q6SFH4rYuvd07rJYmjzNpax83TGEUAy7qKWiDgEKJ9QOR7yWS4jMdSTutTQzXVhx7H7dXFJkATg47beeeQV_Lc/s400/couch+in+guestroom.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> I loved these recessed light fixtures, much prettier than a boring,typical can.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR4ris7_-yr3ChQRg6RdwxWTts9ZZCE8XUDIse_OXUdNa7sEYOoQH6PZDRWMhwTyoR92SZ-_nJ09mjDT2jFktisFc6wVpvH8hLVpNOBcYg21NsStRaDNN_28IxNHMsBebmMza2xZwh68/s1600/recessed+light.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564480473309299778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR4ris7_-yr3ChQRg6RdwxWTts9ZZCE8XUDIse_OXUdNa7sEYOoQH6PZDRWMhwTyoR92SZ-_nJ09mjDT2jFktisFc6wVpvH8hLVpNOBcYg21NsStRaDNN_28IxNHMsBebmMza2xZwh68/s400/recessed+light.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Of course, we can't forget that the emphasis here is really on the views. You can't beat them!<br /><div><div><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564480043350296338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMxX8LolJ5nzVUUPro8_c2cQQkPvq-X3NKcGX9zRGO7XCog-6-yTCBtDoXIgLq31XFQ5bVjWgako8uqF7QVVK1h6X7qaQPg00ulSD5g3pIYGk4SOCZAZmRXlW1J2mjgJ5P0jECbRj6uI/s400/the+view.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><em>As with all of my San Simeon posts, written permission was kindly granted to post my interior photos of the estate on this blog only. Please respect that and do not copy. Thanks! </em></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

San Simeon: Casa Del Sol

San Simeon was built as a hilltop village, not as a single mansion. While the main house, Casa Grande (which I've been featuring), is su...

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