Top 10 Must See "Old Money" MANSIONS in CALIFORNIA
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- Опубліковано 6 чер 2024
- The architectural history of California is a captivating demonstration of evolution and innovation in modern design.
Shaped by the diverse cultural influences and natural landscapes that define this state.
From the early Spanish missions that dot the coastline - introducing European styles to the New World - to the Victorian elegance that flourished during the Gold Rush era - as we’ll see in a minute, California's architecture has always been a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.
In today’s episode, we’ll feature the must-see “Old Money” mansions that you can visit today featuring California’s architectural evolution through the centuries.
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction
1:05 #10 Filoli, Woodside
2:44 #9 Leland Stanford Mansion, Sacramento
4:14 #8 Bellosguardo
6:08 #7 Bidwell Mansion, Chico
7:50 #6 The Hollyhock House, Los Angeles
9:32 #5 Adamson House, Malibu
11:01 #4 Winchester Mystery House, San Jose
13:58 #3 Heritage Park Victorian Village, San Diego
16:13 #2 Doheny Greystone Mansion, Beverly Hills
18:18 #1 Hearst Castle, San Simeon
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Filoli - in the verdant embrace of Woodside, California - transcends the ordinary, becoming a historical canvas touched by William Bowers Bourn The Second - a notable figure in the gold mining industry.
Built in 1917, Filoli reflects an era of grandeur and far-reaching ambition.
Ownership eventually transferred to the Roths - a family deeply embedded in San Francisco's commercial sphere.
Next on our list, the Stanford Mansion in Sacramento, California, stands as a proud symbol of historical elegance and contemporary state significance.
This architectural gem - originally built in 1856 by Shelton C. Fogus - became the residence of Leland Stanford - a notable figure in California's gubernatorial history and the namesake of the legendary “Stanford University” - in 1861.
Initially a familial haven, the mansion resonated with the sounds of the Stanford family's life until 1872 - when it became the property of the State of California.
Bellosguardo - a majestic mansion in Santa Barbara, California - exudes the sophistication of French design.
This grand estate, built in 1931 - was the cherished retreat of the Clark family - whose wealth sprang from copper mining.
The Clarks - a family shrouded in enigma - maintained a veil of privacy around their home, seldom inviting outsiders within its realm.
Specifically, William Andrews Clark - a Montana senator and copper tycoon - led this reclusive family.
In Chico, California, the Bidwell Mansion emerges as a tribute to John and Annie Bidwell - renowned pioneers who significantly shaped California's early history.
This grand, three-story Italianate Victorian structure - with its 26 rooms - stands as a living museum, each room a window into the nineteenth century - replete with original furnishings and artifacts.
John Bidwell - whose journey spanned the roles of gold miner, merchant, farmer, and politician - played a crucial role in California's path to statehood and growth.
Next our on list, Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House - a striking icon in the realm of modern architecture - epitomizes his innovative design ethos with the hollyhock flower as its defining element.
Located in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, this masterpiece was initially conceived as a sanctuary for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall - and the structure represents a significant transition in Wright's own career - harmoniously integrating the Prairie style with the textile block designs characteristic of the nineteen twenties.
The Adamson House - a historic treasure in Malibu, California - epitomizes the transformation from a Native American hub to a symbol of luxury.
Once the domain of the Chumash people, this land reflects a centuries-old bond with nature - predating European influence.
The Chumash - adept in hunting, gathering, and fishing - lived in dome-shaped homes crafted from willow - embodying a lifestyle in sync with their environment.
The Victorian era - an epoch of architectural brilliance and creativity, has profoundly influenced the historical landscape.
In a concerted effort to safeguard this rich architectural heritage, various communities have initiated ambitious endeavors to restore and relocate Victorian buildings.
One such striking initiative is the establishment of the Heritage Park Victorian Village in San Diego, California.
The Greystone Mansion - a beacon of opulence and intrigue - is an iconic emblem of Los Angeles' rich history.
This palatial estate - originally known as the Doheny Mansion - stands as a tangible chronicle of oil's golden age - marked by both prosperity and sorrow.
COMMENT: Have you visited any of these must-see “old money” mansions in California - and which is your favorite?
As I had left an earlier comment, The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.
If you need photos I have a bunch of high quality photos to contribute to a video. If you need some video footage, I can use my iPhone if desired.
I've seen Filoli, Hearst Castle, and Greystone - all of them huge and impressive.
I lived up the street from the Hollyhock House for several years in the 1990s. It is my understanding that, although fascinating and unique in many ways, Ms. Barndall found the house cold, difficult to maintain and unlivable. She quickly donated it away. Just goes to prove, I guess, that even if you have one of the world's most famous architects designing your house, and even if it ends up a museum and a World Heritage Site, it may not be a place anyone can call home.
All of FLWrights houses of this period, in LA, are built like tombs, none are “livable”. This period of course followed the murder of his wife.
She battled with Wright through the whole building of the house. Wright ignored her wishes, much to her irritation. When it was finished, she walked through the place with mounting fury. She paid off Wright and donated it without ever living in it.
I had a great aunt and uncle that took me to Hearst castle many times back in the 60s .
I’m 64 now and frequent it on a regular basis to this day.
Filoli was used as the Carrington mansion on the 1980s TV series "Dynasty".
The Paul Williams designed Manor in Pasadena, better known as Wayne Manor in the tv series Batman, the Filoli- Dynasty mansion and the Letts-Hefner Playboy mansion.....now those 3 houses can never be beat.
The Wayne Manor house in Pasadena was owned by the Arm and Hammer family and it almost saw it's 100 th birthday but it burned down in 2017, I believe.
The man's name was Armand Hammer. He made a bundle in oil-related biz and bought Arm and Hammer.
Late in life, Lurlene Roth planned to sell Filoli; she learned the potential buyer didn't intend to maintain the gardens because it was cost prohibitive. Mrs. Roth took the house off of the market and donated it to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, instead. The Trust initially only offered tours of the gardens but when Warren Beatty filmed _Heaven Can Wait_ at the estate, it piqued public interest in the mansion. The pilot episode of _Dynasty_ was filmed there a few years later, several of the rooms were reproduced as sets for the remainder of the series. The films _Dying Young_ , _The Joy Luck Club_ , _The Game_ , _George of the Jungle_ , _Rent_ and _The Wedding Planner_ have all filmed there.
You missed the Green and Green Gamble House in Pasadena. I have seen the Hollyhock House, The Winchester Mansion, The Cuesta Encantada in San Simeon. Now I would like to see the Stanford Mansion. I lived near Greystone Mansion and have walked the grounds.
Perhaps this should be on the list...
At over 180 acres in San Marino, the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens is one of the greatest public estate venues of Southern California. San Marino is the old money neighborhood, just adjacent to Pasadena.
This estate boast a huge Succulent Garden over 100 years of age.
A beautiful Japanese Garden that had been visited by the Emperor of Japan.
The largest Chinese Garden outside of China, that is near completion after a decade plus. Over $175,000,000 was raised to build this garden. Chinese architects and artisans were hired as part of the project to deliver an authentic experience of China.
The Library collection is equally impressive of manuscripts, documents and books. A Gutenberg Bible is one example. Scholars complete for access to the Library. General Paton had smuggled documents and donated them to the Huntington. Those document are now at the Library of Congress.
Finally there are 2 permanent museum galleries. One of European Artist and the other of American works of art. Blue Boy is one of the Master Pieces. Blue Boy was purchase from the UK who needed to payoff debts of WWI. Blue Boy was at the time of sale the greatest amount ever paid for a work of art.
Used to work for the water company in SM so I have walked literally thousands of miles in that town Been in countless mansion there. Boarding the Library is a 5 acre estate that used to e owned by the writer Joseph Wambaugh. Later Cushman of Cushman Wakefield Commercial Realty owned it. I used to see him pulling out in the morning siring comfortably in the backseat of his classic old Rolls Royce being driven by his chauffeur.
I live in San Francsico and been to the Winchester House many times. Not once did I see any ghostly aberrations or seen anything out of the ordinary. It's easy to get turned around in the house with so many different rooms and doors going nowhere. But it is truly an experience if you've never been there.
The Carson Mansion in Eureka CA is the most photographed Victorian in the world and should be on this list.
Definitely, the Huntington library should’ve been added to this list. Frank Loyd Wright designed a number of houses in the Los Angeles area in the Mayen architectural style with the big concrete blocks. I have found them to be cold and kind of depressing. Most of them had major water issues. I do like the interior of Hollyhock. But thank you. Interesting video.
i may be in the minority but i never care for Frank Lloyd Wright's houses.
Being a lifelong Californian I of course have visited the Hearst Castle, but this video peaked my interest in several others that I have not visited and I will look into more detailed videos on each. Thank you for your well done video, loved it
Glad you enjoyed it, Vicki! :)
While I appreciate this foray into California's history, I feel it extremely remiss not to mention both the Huntington Library in San Marino and the Getty Villa in Malibu as extensive old money estates. They are both museums now and considered prime examples of old money philanthropy.
I've only seen Hearst Castle and the Heritage village in San Diego. But I did hear a fascinating audible book called Empty Mansions that told of Bellosquardo and the Clark family, particularly, Huguette Clark.
Great castles, mansions and homes! I would have loved to see more of the insides, but I understand this channel is more focused on the architecture. Wish I got around well enough to visit them all. I couldn’t choose a favorite, I loved them all!
More to come!
Please add The Carolands to your list of California estates. It was left unused for many years, so many of its features are in wonderful condition.
I saw Carolands in the 70s when it was used as a Decorator's Showcase. Huge place! But not very attractive or graceful. More like a hotel than a home. Another great mansion where the owner lived there only a short time, ironically.
Been to all but Filoli and since a landscape architect friend of mine just completed a reworking of the gardens it’s definitely on my list. As others mentioned, The Huntington Museum and Gardens are a must see.
I was a day security guard in 1979--excellent, fun and educational seasonal job I'll never forget!
Wow! Amazing architecture!! Stunning ❤
Hearst Castle is beautiful ❤❤
amazing!
I Love Filoli ( Carrington Home) ❤❤
Thanks for your time, I really enjoyed it! I'd never go near that W House, not even to visit.
I like the Huntington estate in Pasadena.
Filoli was featured prominently in the movie The Game. Excellent film!
I have seen the Winchester House 4 times. I have been to the Hollyhock House in Los Angeles and of course La Cuesta Encantada in San Simeon. I would love to see the Stanford Mansion
great!!!
Strictly speaking... Stanford University is named after Leland Stanford Junior. Not the father. He -- the father -- is best known as a railroad magnate. His gubernatorial stint was but for 2 years 1862 - 1863.
There's also a lovely home I think not too far from Griffith Park that was formerly owned by an old time Western actor of the silent films era, William S. Hart. Beautiful home high on a hill. The interior was all Western-themed. It was open for tours when I visited decades ago.
I've been to the Hearst Castle. I'm personally not a fan of opulence but the location is striking.
I’ve been to Hearst Castle & Fiolli House & gardens!!
There's a streak of eccentricity and eclecticism that runs through California to this very day, which is reflected in its architecture. Typical of the boom town, big money nature of some of the economies in the new world.
8 out of 10. Lived in Beverly Hills so every year did the design center exhibition at Greystone. Can't top San Simeon though. It ain't home but it's much!
I would love to visit the Winchester House some day - to just see for myself (I'm a bit of a psychic) what all the hub-bub is about!
Me comfortable in my single wide 50 year old trailer
The oceanfront properties in this video are lucky to be standing. Smithcliffs in Laguna Beach was subdivided into ordinary mcmansions. Laguna could not resist tearing up the old estate in the name of development. I say ordinary because the new large tract homes cannot hold a candle to what was once there.
Winchester is my favorite,I would love to get lost in house. Love! It!
Heart castle
They all are lovely expensive mansions
How ironic that Huguette Clark owned such a beautiful home - and never lived there!
Dynasty !
Favorite is Bellosguardo Winchester was a bit of a nut. Pity she lost her husband and child. Thank you for the fascinating coverage of history!
Hearst Castle many times through the last 60 years and the Winchester house in San Jose
All lovely to look at, but a sad testimony too of materialism gone to extremes. Did any of it actually buy genuine happiness? Perhaps, but their insatiable quest for stuff seems to indicate otherwise. Not knowing how I would conduct my own self with that much wealth I realize that I may well do the same. My humble but cozy little home though is as opulent to me as any of those buildings were to them.
RT: I'm the wealthiest person that is ever going to live. How much
I bought the state of California...
No big deal, I own the World
A link between the Chumash people's pleasant huts and the beautiful Adamson house? I'm not seeing one.
The Winchester house makes more sense as a Masonic maze, as one high order mason argues in a website about Mrs Winchester and the Masons. In wasting time talking about ghosts we miss the architectural marvel of the house.
You forgot the Getty Villa
I've often wondered how one could live in such opulence whilst aware of tenements and millions suffering in squalor they must be heartless
All the money in the world and no taste at all. That's America for you.
I find the majority of these buildings unremarkable by European standards and none of them screams "must see" to me 🤷♀
hello Pretty Wonderful Lady
Billionaire and All Lady
Billionaire. Whatever
happen you know ❤❤
I would not visit the Winchester house. That just looks like a monstrosity.
I'd like to visit that San Diego park with the smaller victorians.
I never set foot into California.
Thank you for that.
Your loss
Smart move, I wouldn’t go there
Surprised Oprah's shack didnt make the list.
From a time in the US when the rich were rich and the poor knew it.
It hasn't changed