Hearst Castle, story and pictures

It all started in the mid 1920's when William Randolph Hearst started building the Hearst Castle. There was and is nothing like it in America.
Every inch of the castle dripped with ornate detail -- with carved wood ceilings, fantastic and rare pieces of art, even the beds were antique, furnishings elaborate, tennis court, pools, outdoor free roaming zoo, just nothing like it. Celebrities and personalities, political, literary, etc. visited by INVITATION ONLY. The road up to the castle winds up a hill for what seems like forever. Try to imagine dining at the long "Ranch" table (Hearst referred to the Castle as his Ranch). William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies hosted all who came. The State of California has made it a state park and now you don't need an invitation. Plan a trip to the Central Coast of California, San Simeon and see for yourself.