Perched on the central California coast and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle remains one of America's most extravagant and fascinating landmarks. Conceived by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and designed by architect Julia Morgan, this complex reflects the ambitions, wealth and vision of the early 20th century. With its Mediterranean-style architecture, art collections, gardens and iconic pools, it has become a cultural icon and world-famous tourist destination.
William Randolph Hearst's dream William Randolph Hearst, a powerful newspaper magnate, inherited vast tracts of land in San Simeon, California. In the early 1910s he envisioned creating a retreat that would rival the grand European residences. He did not want a simple country home, but a complex that would showcase his wealth, taste and influence. In 1919, Hearst partnered with Julia Morgan, one of the most prominent architects of her time. What began as a project for a modest hilltop home ended up becoming a monumental complex of mansions, guest houses, gardens and pools, known as La Cuesta Encantada.