Some 30 minutes from Morrow is San Simoen, A breathtaking seaside area, many acres of which, were purchased by the wealthy investor, George Hearst in 1865.

The Roman pool, a mixture of antique fragments and artisan created replicas.

George and his wife Phoebe had only one son, William Randolph Hearst, later to become a publishing tycoon & successful investor.
The Hearst family camped out in great style in the mediteranean climate hills, in 1920 when his mother finally passed away WR decided to build a permanent structure to call home.

A fountain containing original 3rd century Egyptian fragments.

He hired Julia Morgan a forward thinking architect, the two worked together for 28 years in order to create what we visited today.

The Assembly hall, where WJ received guests. The enormous 16th century french fireplace was removed from France, reassembled in New York before being bought and transported here, after an estate sale.

The refectory. Set with stoneware plates and condiments in their original store bought containers. WR liked to be reminded of his camping days on the hilltop.

Dinner guests included Cary Grant, Charlie Chaplin, Carole Lombard, The head of the Bank of Italy ( later to become bank of America ) and many more, including sports people and politicians.

One of the 3 " cottages " on the property.

WR was married to his wife Millicent with whom he had 5 children, he however had a girlfriend, Marian Davies.
WR & Millicent never divorced, but did separate 10 years after their final twin sons were born. Millicent did occasionally return to the home to host important events, such as a visit by Winston Churchill before his election to prime minister. This unusual arrangement was accepted, but most unusual in 1930's.

The big house, each of the turrets or bell towers, houses a bedroom behind the ornate screens. If you include the basement , the big house boasts 165 rooms and 65,500 sq feet.

The vast indoor pool, our last view of this awesome property, before our bus ride back to the visitors centre. We drove past relics of WR's private zoo, once boasting hundreds of different species, the non carnivores roaming freely over the hundreds of acres. Now only a herd of zebra hint at the diverse animals once seen.

Elephant Seals our next stop, the youngsters line the beach soaking up the sun and flicking sand on themselves, to act as sunscreen.

A walk along the fishing pier, at WR Hearst memorial beach.

Moonstone beach, we took a leasurely stroll along the boardwalk.

After a bath its off to Morrow beach, and a browse around the gift shops.

Dinner at the Harbour Hut Restaurant, Ian gobbled up some calamari, followed by fish n chips.

My special treat, Hallibut in lemon pepper and caper sauce, absolutely delicious.

Well dear reader, last night in this little slice of heaven..
See what tomorrow brings?

Goodnight xx