What Happened to William Hearst's Hacienda Mansion?

We’ve all heard of spoiled children, but can you imagine a child building a house without their parents permission?
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Photos from: David M. Habben, Sara Holmes Boutelle Papers, Hearst Foundations
Music form Epidemic Sound

[@monkeygraborange]

When you’re wealthy they call you an “eclectic collector,” when you’re not wealthy they call you a “hoarder.”

[@Dina52328]

My mom is not wealthy so she’s an “eclectic collector” lol 😆 😝. My sisters would get a kick out of that. We’ve been telling mom for years to get rid of the hoarding but for her it’s a hoard of antiques and hidden treasures. Sigh 🤦‍♀️

[@Terri_MacKay]

Just like...when you're wealthy they call you "eccentric", when you're not they call you "crazy".

[@anthonypopola5773]

Most hoarders live in filth, unlike collectors……

[@kotysuefawcett6538]

Or essentric! 👍🤗✌️

[@andrewtru2633]

Hoarders hoard trash. These people hoarded priceless artifacts.

[@grondhero]

Imagine your parents giving you an allowance so great you could build your own mansion. Imagine your parenting skills when you are gone long enough that your kid can build a house in your absence.

[@elizabethmoore2853]

He was in his thirties.

[@steveschramko2386]

I grew up in the shadow of the hacienda...spent many hours playing there as a child, running up and down the hallways, the stairs, roofs, patios, gardens (landscaped by Luther Burbank) etc. I was there the night it burned to the ground. I felt like a part of myself died that night. My life rose in the flames, ascending like an incense into the night sky. Architecturally, it was actually quite a unified composition...a combinations of Spanish revival and pueblo styles. It was, in fact, a preliminary study for San Simeon...where much of the artwork that once adorned it now resides.

[@grondhero]

"I was there the night it burned to the ground. ... My life rose in the flames, ascending like an incense into the night sky." So, you started the fire? 🔥

[@AshLilburne]

@@grondhero/videos I was going to say the same thing

[@detcordxxxi]

@@grondhero perhaps it was his dramatic "flare" that set the building alight.

[@iron-iw2ij]

Wow amazing

[@andrewpugh9322]

You're telling me she's the reason I had to sit through Parent-Teacher Conferences every year?

[@quasar9233]

Andrew LOL🤣

[@Derek.Duquesne]

So she was mad that her son built the house instead of an orphanage. Then proceeded to redo the house and live there herself.

[@ashishpatel350]

yeah because she was the spoiled one. she never made any money it was her husband's .

[@jenniferjones3408]

Thought the rooms looked like a cluttered mess.

[@Derek.Duquesne]

You're not the only one.

[@davidjeffersjeffers7918]

We lived a mile or so north on Foothill Road, when Castlewood Country Club burned down. Rather frightening, we thought the whole neighborhood might go up that night. The rolling hills were covered in oak trees with pastures in the valley back then. The actual "town" of Pleasanton was some distance away. The entire area has been developed since then and today is another endless urban sprawl.

[@Alejoninla]

a wealthy friend of mine always tells me: "money buys you only comfort, never taste or happiness, my dear!" I am like...only rich people say that! lol

[@Gizathecat2]

I think both mother and son were hoarders. Hearst Castle is a wild museum of hoarder proportions.

[@LJB103]

Don't forget all of Hearst's purchases that he never got around to using in his homes and were sold off after his death by Gimbels.

[@lemorab1]

Thank you for this video. I never knew that Phoebe Hearst owned a mansion in P-Town. I only knew about her house in north Berkeley, which still stands. W. R. Hearst owned a ranch in Paso Robles, which he stayed at while overseeing the construction of San Simeon in the 1920's, and sold it to the U.S. government in 1940. It is now part of Fort Hunter-Liggett, a minor military base. I stayed there 15 years ago. They may still rent out rooms. The kitchen was closed because a colonel or general set himself on fire when the kitchen stove blew up, but he insisted on cooking himself scrambled eggs anyway (he had been warned.) It may be refurbished by now. I hope so. If you can stay there, do so. It is worth it. They may be serving meals again.

[@brianstanziale3595]

Anyone else find it funny that she didn’t just turn it into an orphanage but instead she spent time and money making her own mansion?.. 😂

[@AshLilburne]

Yeah like im picturing all the orphans turning up and just laughing at her like "ohhhh mrs hurst.. you expect us to live in this dump of a place??"

[@carolynnixon7095]

So many mansions full of art were lost to fire. Makes me curious to know when conscious efforts were begun to prevent loss by fire.

[@stretch9952]

Albert Schweinfurth was highly regarded by his contemporaries. I believe he died before he reached forty. He was only slightly older than Julia Morgan. The two were likely acquainted with each others work. I find the house fascinating and regret it no longer exists.

[@scrapiron1952]

I would have loved to see the original. My three favorite types of architecture! And the eclectic furnishings are sweet! Not to mention the wood work! Wow!👍👍💕🇺🇸

[@kemosabegt350geuss6]

This answered the question of why Phoebe left much of her wealth to her niece and not her son.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

Seeing those interiors: Oh, yes. Now I remember why I'm working toward minimalism. The outside in both forms: really not for me. Still, I say good for Mrs. Hearst for creating a house that was her own and for her wonderful philanthropic work.

[@mstsp9546]

It is fun to know the stories about these places. I liked the "different" look as well. Thank you, always a pleasure to relax and smile at these videos.

[@josephlloyd9636]

I throughly enjoy your videos, its awesome how you find & bring these amazing photos & history to life again in such a lovely way! Thank you for all your efforts! 👍🏆🌟

[@dale731]

I was at another Julia Morgan-designed home at the Castlewood Country Club about 40 years ago. It was obviously a Morgan house because of the Art Deco theme and statuary by the pool. Keep up the good work. I enjoy your videos.

[@christysmith2807]

It is an architectural travesty.

[@roberthenleynola]

I think it's going to give me nightmares.

[@timschultz7597]

The cluttered rooms remind me of Cracker Barrel.

[@redsand848evo]

He was a huge part of the town I grew up in. Our library is named after her and he had a large mercantile building on Main St that burned down a long, long time ago.

[@rubycasey2713]

I always enjoy this house videos.

[@123pb]

"mercantile building" haven't heard that term in decades

[@redsand848evo]

That's what I recall it was, Hearst Mercantile. He bought the mine from the original founders, the Manuel Bros. TJ Grier was the first real "manager" of the operation. Had a mansion in what I'd call the heart of the mining and not some place I'd want to be haha.

[@BOBBERtheKID]

Is that Anaconda?

[@donovanreimer2324]

Terrific video. Succinct and yet so much detail. Interesting from beginning to end.

[@t.b.1596]

All I can think about is how disrespectful William was to his Mother. I feel she should have torn it down and built the orphanage and then set up a fund for the children instead of her spoiled child! I would have been furious!!!

[@geoffreyselvage1673]

Beautiful find Ken.

[@Bmwdressage]

Omg that’s the most beautiful house I’ve seen on this amazing channel. Those interiors 😍😍

[@sashaconrad3939]

I liked Phoebe’s style.

[@megansfo]

Interesting! I've been to that country club as a teenager, when my uncle who was a member took us there. That would have been in the mid to late 60's. I hadn't thought about that in 50 years at least!

[@quickclipsbyjmj]

Of all the wealthy families who built America, are there any that still own the lavish properties from their original owners?

[@straybullitt]

The King Ranch in Texas is still owned by descendants of the original owner. About 60 of them. The original mansion still stands, although I don't recall if anyone is using it as a residence.

[@iratecomputeruser4160]

Thanks for the history. The area where the house once stood in Pleasanton is called Hacienda Drive. Nearby is a BART station.

[@dergluckliche4973]

*Castlewood Drive Hacienda Drive (and the namesake Hacienda Business Park), though paying homage to the former house, is miles away, as is the BART station.

[@marksherrill9337]

Doesn’t look like a house, but wouldn’t tear it down either. She was correct to salvage the expense and workmanship.

[@asteverino8569]

I did like the eclectic style, especially the interior! One should decorate and display things on walls, as one sees fit, yes? Otherwise, why didn't she convert it to her original idea of an orphanage? I understand she did devote time, energy and money to education.

[@user-mq9dn2hn2v]

Its not hard to imagine, this kinda scenarios are realistic still today.

[@reneemb4319]

Wow! I never heard of this mansion!

[@buzzkincaid5521]

I am impressed with both WRH , and his mother’s versions , they were so much alike, they had a problem seeing each other in themselves

[@rich40701]

One word, conglom! That's my word for hot mess.

[@m.woodsrobinson9244]

Great story, but that house was hideous!

[@ittonohara5327]

It is not uncommon nowadays, that children that age and older do not ask their parents for permission to built a house. When mother was not looking, Hearst did built his own house on a property his mother had designed for an orphanage home. When mother found out, she was furious, took it away from her son, and lived in that home for herself. Why did she not hand it over for orphanage purposes. Or let her son live in that house he had built for himself. Even more so since she did not like it at all- And then making such a fuzz of how this house could be saved. The house looked great to me before Phebe acted on it. A library without books. This woman is completely nuts. Hearst was at least 27 years old, when he did that after the death of his father. After the death of his mother, that had hi jacked his hacienda from him, he did built another spanish home. He was 54 years old then and could not take permission of his mother anymore, even if he had wanted to. The mother died of the spanish flu.

[@kissingcandy1]

So did the orphans get a home?

[@chanceDdog2009]

Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen Texas is not as majestic as any of the mansions on this channel. But it's a very interesting house . Build in an area that few people know about.. I hope one day this channel can cover the humble Mansion. ... The best description I can give the home.

[@ashishpatel350]

so the spoiled one was the wife that married a rich guy while trying to steal her sons inheritance.

[@sexytexanbabe4105]

Tacky!

[@AshLilburne]

I'm sure the orphans wouldn't have minded that much how it looked..

[@ldaxxx1]

W. R. Hearst was the spoiled brat of all time. He never did an ounce of work in his life, although he liked to call himself a "publisher" - the work was done by people he hired. He treated his wife badly and openly flaunted his affair with Marion Davies. He threw away his entire fortune and at one point in the Great Depression Marion had to bail him out because he was such an incompetent manager.

[@debbyripperger5865]

Love her style.

[@bscottb8]

About as architecturally engaging as the Branch Davidian complex in Waco, Texas.

[@darrendavis4731]

Of course she hired Julia Morgan. The Architect who had a small office and no staff.

[@lizlittle1641]

I think she should have paid more attention to her son. Then she would have had her orphanage.

[@MattyBlades]

He was 30 years old

[@dearbrad1996]

Just because you're rich don't mean you got class

[@marksletters]

DAM-usk …. yep, that’s the word !!

[@Mercy-uq6lp]

MISS GOING TO HEARTS CASTLE ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheTimeDetective42]

Thanks for the wonderful videos, however it's impossible to give a 'modern day equivalent' and if you do you should show the formula you used.

[@j1st633]

First comment! Great channel.

[@janetcarey6954]

Familiar with the current location and facility. I think the original house was gaudy but when one has the kind of money back then, to each their own.

[@spongebob2.035]

Yeah, her home was built on stolen land from our suyyakma(family) and decorated with the stolen belongings from our people too. She "allowed" our last remaining families to stay on as hired help instead of kicking them off the land they occupied. Such a philanthropist she was...so generous, right? "Muwekma Rising"

[@nancychavez5952]

Why didnt the mom just use it for the orphans

[@lisaharrod8386]

Phoebe was smart, clever, creative, and philanthropic about everything except her son. She should have cut him loose early on. The, "Hacienda " was amazing...what a waste of imagination. It would have made a marvelous art and cultural museum. Country Clubs are elitist wastes of space and countryside.

[@davidwall951]

A perfect example of more money than taste!

[@califdad4]

I kind of like it, but I enjoy Santa Fe style homes

[@robinhumphrey2692]

Liked the video. Not crazy about the house, though. ;)

[@Kristenhas3cats]

this story is hilarious

[@thomasnuedling9167]

I like it 👍😁

[@karenshaffer1265]

What happened to the house? Did miss that.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Didn’t it burn down, except for the music room? Was that a different house?

[@honorladone8682]

What does it matter at this point in time?

[@peterlarsen7779]

TBH, I have seen far more interesting and aesthetically pleasing haciendas built by people of "normal" means. The architect W.R.H. contracted could not have been particularly gifted.... IMHO...

[@nailadee]

Wasn’t Patti Hearst his daughter? If so, then he found out what it was like to have a head strong spoilt child.

[@dergluckliche4973]

Granddaughter

[@DetlefBrands]

What about the orphanage

[@jimwiskus8862]

Probably wouldn’t have torn it.

[@lorettashields7263]

It makes me sad , that it wasn’t an orphanage. If I owned the country club today, I would go to near by orphanages and take care of boys and girls with needs and special needs; great foods, movies, clothes, And tech them proper social skills. BY THE GRACE OF GOD.❤

[@annskaggs4475]

Orphanages do not exist today….

[@A-K_Rambler]

Research Stipend!

[@DaleRussell2]

Gaudy at best. Interesting video though. Thanks! 👍

[@jennifs6868]

all of the art was lost?

[@carolynstewart8465]

Conspicuous consumption😢

[@lisadolan689]

Not a hoarder just cashed up with no taste

[@wendywarrior2264]

I think neither of them had style. I thought it ugly. Maybe because the pics are in black & white.

[@ydne]

Sounds like a woman jealous of her son's original thinking, as she had been drilled into the standard of the day enough to have made it okay that she was the one who won the ultimate prize. That was what all women are raised to hopefully do - marry money.

[@kristyallen8937]

Opinions of people who are long dead are rather speculative….

[@vickilindberg6336]

Eclectic? Mess.

[@linjaysha]

Chaotic, cluttered, messy!

[@olderolderman4603]

George stole mines in mexico didn't buy them .

[@asylumlover]

FIRE OR NO, I DON'T KNOW WHETHER TO CALL THIS STORY JUST PLAIN TRAGIC, JUST PLAIN STUPID, JUST PLAIN WEIRD, OR SOME COMBINATION OF ALL OF THE ABOVE???????????????.

[@craykanne]

just another obscenely wealthy Victorian nightmare.

[@craykanne]

Then original architect must have gone to the Oh My God I Just Got A Million Dollar Commission So Lets See How Butt Ugly I Can Make It School of Architectural Design.

[@jackiea3222]

She was just as selfish. She could have turned it into an orphanage but no, she spent millions more to make it hers. It was ugly.

[@mariakettlehut7399]

Overindulged interior. Not a fan

[@stevenmiller5832]

How gawdy like Mara lago

[@williammurray8060]

Mar - A - Lago is beautiful. A good investment. Paid 10 mil. for it.

[@salty6pence672]

Oh those wacky billionaires, some things never change.

[@yournightmare9999]

From outside house looks like a chernobyl nuclear power plant. Or nuclear power plant from chernobyl take design from this house.

[@georgensal]

The exterior is ok, but the decoration is non existing, it was just putting all over the place whatever she bought... native-american baskets on the rafters along with old tapestries and period furniture? maybe in person and in color it might make sense, but in these pictures, most rooms look awful....

[@LJB103]

From the looks of the photos, the fire performed a useful service. What god-awful jumbles of junk in those rooms!

[@Wanamaker1946]

It was a dump. It showed what money can’t do.

[@Sofus.]

The country club looks cheap in comparison, although the old buildings were messy much nicer in comparison. 🪴