Filoli Historic House & Garden: A jewel of San Mateo County
San Mateo County, California – The beautiful Filoli Historic House & Garden is in the peaceful Santa Cruz Mountains, about 25 miles south of San Francisco. It is a real gem of San Mateo County, California. This 654-acre country estate, which is also called the Bourn-Roth Estate, has a beautiful 54,000-square-foot Georgian-style mansion, 16 acres of carefully maintained English Renaissance gardens, a huge 6.8-acre Gentleman’s Orchard, and huge areas of natural lands full of different ecosystems.
Read also: San Mateo County’s top 5 dining destinations: Where to eat and drink
Filoli was built in 1917 by William and Agnes Bourn, a wealthy couple from San Francisco. It shows how they wanted to create an estate that combined the grandeur of man-made structures with the natural beauty of its surroundings.
This beautiful estate was inspired by the Esperanto phrase “love of labor,” which is where the name “Filoli” comes from. After the Bourns died, they left their estate to the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a generous gift in 1975. The estate is now open to the public so that everyone can enjoy its beauty and historical significance.
Read also: Discover the charms of San Mateo County: A weekend getaway itinerary
A Garden of Eden in the United States
One of the most appealing things about Filoli is without a doubt the 16 acres of gardens. These gardens are a work of horticulture art. They were designed in the English Renaissance style and have a wide range of flowers, trees, and shrubs that are carefully placed to delight the senses.
People who come can stroll through the Japanese Garden, enjoy the fragrant beauty of the Rose Garden, or find peace under the tall trees of the Redwood Grove. Everyone who comes to the garden is taken on a journey through time and nature by each space.
Read also: Why Californians are leaving the state and move to other states like Florida and Texas?
A house stuck in time
Filoli’s beautiful mansion is its center. It’s a great example of Georgian-style architecture that radiates class and grandeur. The mansion has a beautiful collection of antique furniture and art that shows how the people who lived there before lived a very fancy life. Tours with docents go into more detail about the house and share stories and facts that bring Filoli’s history to life.
Read also: Start your California journey from San Mateo County and San Francisco
Nature’s beauty
Filoli includes hundreds of acres of natural land that are perfect for nature lovers. The gardens and mansion are well-kept, and the property is very grand. The hiking trails, meadows, and forests on the estate are a haven for people who want to get in touch with nature. The estate’s natural lands are a peaceful place to get away from the stress of everyday life, whether you’re hiking, biking, or watching birds.
A calendar packed full of magic
Filoli is even more appealing because it has a full schedule of events and programs. All year long, the estate is home to many events and activities for people of all ages and interests, such as concerts, art shows, and educational programs. These events not only honor the estate’s cultural and historical history, but they also help visitors feel like they are part of a community.
A place you have to see
Filoli is a popular tourist spot that gets over 600,000 visitors a year. The gardens are especially beautiful in the spring and summer, when they are full of color and scent. The estate is busiest in the afternoon, from noon to three o’clock, when lots of people want to see its beauty for themselves.
All are welcome to visit Filoli, which is located at 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA. Adults pay $28, seniors (65+) $25, kids (5–17) $15, and kids (4 and under) free. Every day from 10 AM to 5 PM, people can visit the gardens. The mansion, on the other hand, is only open for tours led by professionals. There is parking available for $10 per car, which makes it easy for visitors to see this beautiful estate.
Read also: California’s urban giants: a closer look at the state’s 10 largest cities in 2023
Filoli Historic House & Garden is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and history of San Mateo County. It has a unique mix of art, history, and nature. Anyone who walks through Filoli will have an unforgettable experience, whether they are drawn to the beauty of the Georgian mansion, the peace of the English Renaissance gardens, or the allure of the natural lands.