Top 10 Must See "Old Money" MANSIONS in CALIFORNIA

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 feat Fe the mustsee old money mansions that you can visit today featuring California's architectural Evolution through the centuries these Grand residences born from The Fortunes of industrial tycoons movie stars and Tech Mogul have granted us a landscape dotted with structures that are as dynamic as the geography of California itself with that said join us as we bring you on The Grand Tour and describe the top 10 must SE of old money mansions in California that you can visit today Fi in The Verdant Embrace of Woodside California transcends the ordinary becoming a historical canvas touched by William Bowers born II a notable figure in the gold mining industry built in 1917 fi reflects an era of grandeur and far-reaching ambition ownership eventually transferred to the roths a family deeply embeded embed in San Francisco's commercial sphere F's name an acronym specifically stands for a life philosophy fight for a just cause love your fellow man and live a good life covering a remarkable 16 Acres its English Renaissance Gardens are a visual Feast inviting public admiration these Gardens originally envisioned by Agnes Bourne and later enhanced by the roths present a harmonious blend of Nature's Splendor enriched with playful fountains and Majestic sculptures the Georgian Country House a creation of acclaimed architect Willis poke stands as an architectural Jewel housing a magnificent ballroom and this estate weaves A Narrative of artistic vision and cultural significance a place where history and Aesthetics converge its Gardens and structures serve as a living Chronicle of style ambition and Grace a true reflection of the transformative power of architecture and Landscaping therefore from its thought-provoking name to the Botanical Brilliance of its Gardens fi captures the essence of artistic Mastery and historical depth offering an immersive experience in architectural Beauty and natural Elegance 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 bogus became the residents 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 over subsequent years the Mansion underwent a profound transformation a comprehensive restoration effort culmina in 2005 painstakingly returned the building to its 19th century Grandeur this ambitious Endeavor driven by Passion and precision sought to recapture the mansion's historical Essence meticulously chosen Victorian furnishings and deor speak silently of past Elegance with restorers utilizing historical photographs and documents to blend past and present seamlessly today the Stanford Manion stands as a vibrant piece of living history with its walls adorned with EOS of Californian culture and the vibrancy of present day state activities offering a unique glimpse into the Golden State's Heritage Bellis guad 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 sprad 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 his daughters Andre and huget Clark inherited his legacy but Andre's early death left huget as the sole aess huget also known for her unique lifestyle and reclusiveness favored New York City for her residents but held a deep affection for her various Estates including Bellos gualo interestingly hugette spent her last 20 years in a hospital despite being in good health a choice that left many bewildered then her passing in 2011 at 104 left behind a $300 million estate her will suggesting bellosguardo become a museum or artistic Center sparked controversy among distri relatives questioning her mental state at the wills drafting but Bardo itself is an architectural Jewel it sits a top a hill offering breathtaking views of the Pacific and the interior features a stately entrance hall a magnificent Ballroom a library rich in knowledge and a dining room fit for Grand Gatherings of up to 40 people the Mansion also housed a renowned art collection including works by Monet Renoir and dear each piece a reflection of the Clark family's refined taste and Legacy 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 19th century complete 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 his wealth accumulated in the Gold Rush era was invested in advancing the state's agricultural sector and enhancing Public Services his wife Annie equally formidable made her Mark as a philanthropist Civic leader advocate for women wom's rights and a champion for temperance and the integration of Native American communities and the mansion from 1868 to 1918 transcended its role as a mere dwelling it was the epicenter of Chico's social and political life its spaces resonating with the discussions and mert of distinguished guests and the guest list was illustrious featuring president and Mrs Rutherford B Hayes General William teamer Sherman and naturalist John mure making it a hub for influential figures of the time this architectural Jewel therefore is not just a house but a living Chronicle of a pivotal era a space where history's Echoes still resonate offering a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped a state and by extension a nation next our on list Frank Lloyd writes Holly Hawk house a striking icon in the realm of modern architecture epitomizes his innovative design ethos with the Holly Hawk flower as its defining element located in East Hollywood Los Angeles California this masterpiece was initially conceived as a sanctuary for oil ARS aen Barnsdall and the structure represents a significant transition in wri's own career harmoniously integrating the prairie style with the textile block designs characteristic of the 1920s it therefore stands as a prime example of Mayan Revival architecture a genre that gained prominence in the early 20th century mirroring the Allure and magnificence of ancient Mayan structures enshrined in the UNESCO world heritage list the Hol Hawk house symbolizes the Advent of California modernism showcasing right's pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of modern architecture in the state The house's pioneering design and aesthetic daring Have Been instrumental in inspiring the modern California architectural movement and the sign ific of the building is widely acknowledged it was declared a historic cultural Monument by the city of Los Angeles in 1963 added to the National register of historic places in 1971 and elevated to National Historic Landmark status in 2007 in 2019 it achieved the prestigious distinction of being the first UNESCO world heritage site in Los Angeles joining an exclusive collection of Rights Works recognized with this honor 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 syn with their environment renowned for their sustainable use of resources and Maritime proess they were a community deeply connected to the sea with robust tooles facilitating fishing and trade architecturally The Adamson House stands as a prime example of Spanish colonial revival a style that captured the imagination of the early 20th century its design prominently features Malibu's iconic tile work a Cornerstone of this architectural movement these Exquisite tiles a signature of the estate Adorn fountains floors and walls creating a mosaic of vibrant colors and intricate patterns Additionally the influence of Mediterranean Revival architecture is apparent in its smooth stucco and the classic red tile roofs adding to its historical and aesthetic Allure the house is not just an architectural Marvel but also a cultural Beacon encapsulating the rich history and transformation of Malibu in the heart of San Jose California the Winchester Mystery House emerges as a legendary architectural Enigma intertwined with the Legacy and sorrow of Sarah Winchester the bereaved wife of William wart Winchester of the renowned Winchester repeating Arms Company Sarah's Life overshadowed by the profound loss of her husband and child found an outlet in the creation of this perplexing architectural Marvel her existence shrouded in Secrets was marked by a blend of tragedy and Dee rooted Superstition rumors abound of her conviction that the spirits of those Fallen to the Winchester rifle haunted her driving her to continually build and rebuild her home as a means to escape the clutches of death therefore this architectural Marvel stands as a physical manifestation of Sarah Winchester's distinct Vision its interior is a bewildering array of peculiar designs staircase spes that lead nowhere doors opening onto brick walls and windows peering into adjacent spaces all conceived to disorient any lingering Spirits this house under constant construction for an astounding 38 years expanded into a vast estate featuring 160 rooms 2,000 doors 10,000 windows and numerous stairways fireplaces bathrooms and kitchens in fact it is believed that this mazike design was Sarah's tactic to perplex the ghosts that she felt were pursuing her and the Allure of the Winchester Mystery House stretches into the supernatural touted as one of the globe's most haunted sites it is a place where visitors and staff report chilling encounters sounds of unexplained footsteps the soft Whispers of invisible entities and ghostly organ music from the Grand Ballroom fill the air experiences range from subtle spectral caresses to aggressive unseen forces the house a reputed hotbed of paranormal phenomena Witnesses unexplained movements of door knobs mysterious floating orbs and walls that seem to exude other worldly substances and the Winchester House has drawn numerous psychics each recounting their own Supernatural experiences Sylvia Brown a famous psychic medium conducted a seance within its confines claiming to validate the curse that in snake Sarah Winchester reportedly she shared visions of Sarah's lingering Spirit and the Restless Souls of Civil War soldiers and in another notable Seance in 1975 psychic Jean borgan in Sarah's final resting room claimed to have undergone a profound transformation briefly channeling Sarah's appearance and anguish the Victorian era ER 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 this 7.8 acre County Park adjacent to the historic area of Oldtown serves as a guardian of San Diego's Victorian architectural gems the park is a celebration of styles from Italian 8 to stick East Lake Queen Anne and classic Revival each home a story carefully relocated and restored through the joint efforts of San Diego County and the Save Our Heritage organization the Inception of Heritage Park Victorian Village was a proactive step against the Relentless tide of post World War II Urban expansion which loomed over these historical structures it symbolizes a Confluence of public and private dedication pooling resources to safeguard and breathe new life into these buildings and among its collection the sinless cottage stands out built in 1896 for Eugene sis an associate of renowned horticulturist Kate sessions this humble abode reflects the living conditions of the working class in the 1880s and then the Christian house erected in 1889 by harfield Timberlake Christian flaunts a late Victorian design replete with diverse chimneys shingles a corner Tower and an embracing Veranda next the italianate bushy head house constructed in 1887 by Edward Wilkerson bushy head combines double doors with glass panels and Tall bay windows under a low pitched roof additionally the park houses the city's inaugural synagogue the Temple Beth Israel now a picturesque venue for weddings receptions and Bar Mitzvah its expansive lawn a verant canvas is open for public enjoyment and event bookings offering a serene escape within the city's Dynamic Rhythm the Graystone Mansion a beacon of opulence and Intrigue is an iconic emblem of Los Angeles's Rich history this palacial estate originally known as The doen Mansion stands as a tangible Chronicle of oil Golden Age marked by both prosperity and sorrow its foundations are deeply rooted in The Narrative of the doany family whose oil Dynasty sculpted a significant chapter in American industrial history Edward L Doheny a luminary in the oil sector catalyzed a transformative ERA with the inaugural successful oil well in Los Angeles in 1892 his partnership with Charles Canfield sparked an oil boom reshaping California with a proliferation of Wells then during the Roaring 1920s Doan's Financial triumphs elevated him among America's affluent echelons in an extravagant expression of familial love he tasked architect Gordon calman with creating a Regal Haven for his son Edward l doany Jr and his kin perched on the outskirts of Beverly Hills this Mansion once the largest in Los Angeles is shrouded in Tales of Grandeur and mystery the home completed in 1928 with an exorbitant cost of $3.1 million even back then was presented to Doan Jr for a nominal $10 the 46,000 ft Tor style edifice encompassing 55 rooms exudes the lavishness of its era however its walls also Whisper of tragedy in 1929 the Mansion became the backdrop of a gripping societal Enigma when Doan Junior was discovered deceased with a gunshot wound alongside his secretary Hugh Plunkett this event remains one of Los Angeles's most captivating Unsolved Mysteries helping to add to this mysterious Allure of this legendary mansion and the last home on our list should come as no surprise to Native Californians the illustrious media billionaire William Randolph hurst's ambition and vision gave rise to Hurst Castle an architectural wonder that exemplifies American opulence and Grandeur hurst's European travels in his youth sparked a desire to replicate the Majesty of the castles he admired a dream that took shape through his 28-year collaboration with the renowned architect Julia Morgan more than a mere construction Hurst Castle was a vibrant Hub hosting the elite from Hollywood politics and sports spanning 8 Acres Hurst Castle boasts the 115 room lacassa Grand surrounded by guest houses pools and exquisitely designed Gardens and within its walls Hurst amassed an Eclectic art collection ranging from American and European masterpieces to ancient artifacts this collection not only beautified the castle but also overflowed into additional properties and storage facilities additionally the Castle's artistic diversity with highlights like the gothic study in hurst's private Suite showcases an array of historic and cultural treasures and of course the restored Neptune pool a jewel of the estate dazzles with its turquoise Allure furthermore functioning as a museum within a state park the Hurst Castle has earned recognition as both a national and California historical landmark and now we'd like to see you in the comments have you visited any of these mustsee old money mansions in California and which is your favorite we look forward to hearing your thoughts and thanks again for joining us for another episode cheers until next time

Channel: Old Money Mansions

Views: 110,860

Keywords: old money, mansions, old money mansions, arch digest, real estate, city life, architecture, architectural digest, most beautiful buildings, Art Nouveau, architectural history, american mansions, mansions of california, california mansions, los angeles, california travel guide, fioli, Leland Stanford Mansion, Bellosguardo, Bidwell Mansion, The Hollyhock House, Adamson House, Winchester Mystery House, Heritage Park Victorian Village, Doheny Greystone Mansion, Hearst Castle

Id: 7qeBFKQwHxs

Length: 20min 11sec (1211 seconds)

Published: Sun Dec 03 2023