I’ve spent nearly my entire life in the Bay Area and had no clue that this beautiful location was nearby. Fioli Historic House and Gardens is roughly an hour from my home in Marin County. It’s situated on the peninsula, just south of San Francisco. Once a private residence, it now welcomes visitors to explore both the mansion and its grounds.
A couple of weeks ago, I visited with my friends, Jen and Cindy; you may recall them from the long-ago MAC Evolution Revolution launch. 🙂 We enjoyed tea at the cafe, wandered through the gardens, and caught up on life.
Sometimes it amazes me that I used to interact with these friends daily. It’s one of those enchanting aspects of my childhood and teenage years that I didn’t fully appreciate until later in life. Being able to say I spent almost each day of my formative years with great friends was such a treasure.
Anyway, back to the gardens! Everywhere you turn, there’s stunning beauty to behold.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit, make sure to check out the rose garden and read the names of the roses. They’re quite cheeky, LOL!
Are there any interesting houses with gardens like this where you live?
Your neighborhood beauty enthusiast,
Karen
Discovering Filoli House and Gardens: A Historical Treasure in Woodside
Set amid the lush hills of Woodside, California, Filoli House and Gardens is one of the most enchanting and well-preserved historical estates in the United States. With its rich heritage, exquisite architecture, and carefully curated gardens, Filoli provides a unique chance for visitors to step back in time and relive the opulence of early 20th-century estate life. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature admirer, or simply seeking a tranquil getaway, Filoli guarantees an unforgettable experience.
A Brief Overview of Filoli’s History
Filoli was constructed between 1915 and 1917 by William Bowers Bourn II, a notable San Francisco entrepreneur and proprietor of the Empire Mine, one of California’s wealthiest gold mines. The estate was envisioned as a serene retreat for Bourn and his wife, Agnes, to escape the chaos of urban life. The name “Filoli” comes from the first letters of Bourn’s personal motto: “Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life.”
The Bourns spared no effort in crafting their dream estate. They enlisted renowned architect Willis Polk to design the Georgian Revival-style mansion, which boasts 56 rooms and covers more than 36,000 square feet. The estate’s gardens were created by landscape artist Bruce Porter, who collaborated closely with the Bourns to design formal gardens that beautifully harmonized with the surrounding landscape.
In 1937, following the passing of William and Agnes Bourn, the estate was acquired by William P. Roth and his wife, Lurline Matson Roth, heirs to the Matson Navigation Company wealth. The Roth family continued to care for and enhance the property, adding new plantings and expanding the gardens. In 1975, Lurline Roth gifted Filoli to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the estate.
The Filoli Mansion: A Window to the Past
The grand Filoli Mansion serves as the heart of the estate, exemplifying stunning Georgian Revival architecture. Upon approaching the mansion, its regal façade captivates with its symmetrical design, brick exterior, and graceful columns. The interior is equally striking, featuring soaring ceilings, intricate woodwork, and luxurious furnishings.
Visitors have the opportunity to view numerous rooms that have been thoughtfully restored to showcase the lifestyle of the Bourn and Roth families. Highlights include the Ballroom, adorned with crystal chandeliers and expansive windows that provide breathtaking garden views, and the Drawing Room, where the families entertained guests. The Library, with its rich wood paneling and vast collection of literature, offers insight into the intellectual interests of the estate’s previous inhabitants.
Throughout the mansion, you’ll encounter a collection of period furniture, art, and decorative items that breathe life into the history of Filoli. The mansion also hosts rotating exhibits that delve into different facets of the estate’s past, as well as the broader social and cultural history of the early 20th century.
The Gardens: A Living Masterpiece
While the mansion is undeniably remarkable, the gardens are what truly distinguish Filoli. Encompassing 16 acres, the gardens are a living masterpiece, artfully crafted and maintained to highlight the splendor of nature in all its forms. The gardens feature a series of “garden rooms,” each radiating its unique character and plant selections.
One of the gardens’ most iconic spots is the Sunken Garden, a formal area centered around a reflecting pool, bordered by precisely trimmed hedges and vibrant flower beds. The Sunken Garden is a popular retreat for visitors seeking to unwind amidst the estate’s beauty.
Another feature not to miss is the Rose Garden, which bursts into an array of colors each spring as roses bloom in every hue imaginable. The Walled Garden, defined by its brick walls and espaliered fruit trees, provides a more intimate space for quiet reflection.
For those who appreciate indigenous flora, the Estate Trail leads through the natural landscape surrounding the formal gardens. The path winds through oak woodlands, meadows, and chaparral, offering stunning vistas of the San Francisco Peninsula and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Seasonally, the gardens transform, presenting visitors with compelling sights each time. In spring, the grounds burst with tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms, while summer showcases vibrant roses, dahlias, and hydrangeas. Autumn paints the scene with warm tones of fall foliage, and in winter, camellias and magnolias provide a much-needed pop of color.
Filoli’s Cultural and Educational Initiatives
In addition to its historical and natural allure, Filoli serves as a center for cultural activities and educational programs, offering yet another dimension to its rich offerings.
