The Central Coast awaits, and with it, a spectacular weekend full of glamour and spirited activities. The Hearst Castle flings open its doors and arms to a fortunate flock of philanthropists and preservationists brought together to celebrate the magnificent treasures of this one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece. The Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to safeguarding California’s most visited historic site.
The Hearst Castle, formally known as La Cuesta Encantada, the Enchanted Hill, is one of the most famous estates in the United States. Conceived by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst after inheriting his family’s land in San Simeon, he commissioned Julia Morgan, California’s first licensed female architect. What began as a modest idea for a “bungalow” quickly expanded into a grand, Mediterranean Revival style estate. It provides the most spectacular backdrop for this celebration of friends and family high above the rocky Pacific coast.
Photo: Courtesy of Marc Wanamaker / Bison Archives
Anne Hearst McInerney, Hearst Castle Preservation Benefit Chairman, explains her devotion to her architectural heritage: “Revenues from Hearst Castle help to fund all of the beautiful and historic parks in the California State Parks system, so in need of funds right now. My grandfather was an exceptional collector and it’s an honor to help restore and preserve the over 50,000 works of art and antiquities at the Castle for the public to enjoy.”
The festivities kick off on Friday evening with the theme, Where the Wild Things Are, inspired by W.R. Heart’s love of exotic animals. In its adventurous heyday the property was home to one of the largest private zoos in the world. Lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, and many other species were housed both in architecturally designed enclosures as well as let to roam the property. W.R.’s guests were entranced and entertained by the magnificent menagerie. Present day attendees will be similarly inspired by the remaining zebras who still roam the property.
Following cocktail hour, guests will participate in a film screening in William Randolph Hearst’s private theatre before enjoying a lavish dinner in the Refectory under the Castle’s famed hand-carved Italian Renaissance ceiling. After dinner, guests will enjoy an opulent dessert buffet and dancing under the starlit night sky on the Castle’s iconic Main Terrace.
This year’s sparkling fete will honor Patricia Hearst, the noted philanthropist, actress and author. She has been involved with organizing and supporting benefit events and other fundraising activities for numerous nonprofit and charitable organizations, including Citymeals on Wheels, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Morris & Essex Kennel Club, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and is a long standing Board member of the Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation.
For what to wear to this lavish location, we went wild with the theme and found a pride of animal print gowns, in a variety of stalking styles. Gold metallic is a natural pairing and we found some marvelous accessories to complete the ensemble.
On the prowl
On Saturday, there are so many activities to choose that will take you all over the property from birdwatching, bike tour, trail rides, animal tracking, kayaking, to goat yoga — yes, goat yoga!
After lunch at the Bunk House, enjoy winetasting, a tour of Hearst Castle, and a swim at the Neptune Pool, the site of legendary swim and sun soirees with all of the stunning stars of the day.
Saturday Night is time to mosey up to the Hearst Ranch Dairy Barn where Western Attire is requested. Surrounding the castle is the Hearst Ranch Hearst Ranch 82,000-acre working cattle ranch, which is still privately owned by the Hearst Corporation. It is one of the largest single ranches on the California coast and is actively managed for sustainable beef production. The ranch is also significant for land conservation — a large portion of it is protected by conservation easements to prevent future development and preserve the coastal environment.
Hilary, a cowgirl at heart, knows how to do-si-do! “A bit of fringe, denim and turquoise are just the look for a night like this. And of course, you must sport a fabulous cowboy hat and boots, which pulls your look together from tip to toe ready for that line dance.”
Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark and a California State Park. Its architecture, art collection, and opulent history make it a unique cultural treasure that reflects the ambition and eccentricity of William Randolph Hearst and the pioneering talent of Julia Morgan.
According to Dan Falat, District Superintendent, San Luis Obispo Coast District, “In the spirit of William Randolph Hearst and Julia Morgan, the long-standing partnership between California State Parks and the Hearst Castle Preservation Foundation remains a true collaboration of success. The Foundation’s conservation support ensures that Hearst Castle’s world-renowned art collections can be enjoyed and inspire future generations to come.”
The Foundation’s mission is to help restore and preserve the Castle’s twenty five thousand artifacts, so that millions of visitors can continue to enjoy this unique state park as it provides financial support to the entire California State Park system.
