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Hearst Castle While America is not known for its castles, there is at least one in the United States worth seeing; Hearst Castle. Hearst Castle was built over a 28-year-period. When you visit it, however, you’ll be asking yourself how it was constructed so quickly. This 165-room estate is meticulously created. It has hand-carved ceilings, beautifully woven tapestries, Renaissance paintings, hand-crafted wood flooring and museum-worthy antiques in every direction. It is truly overwhelming, and the biggest problem you’ll face is not knowing which way to look. The gardens are immaculate and you’ll find an exquisite running fountain around almost every corner. There are orange trees as well as exotic flowers in the entryways and beautifully constructed courtyards. Of course, the pools are probably the most famous part of the estate. The roman-inspired indoor pool has intricate 24k gold flecked mosaic tiles. The Greek statutes are made of real Carrara marble and the alabaster lamps create a feeling of soft moonlight. The unforgettable outdoor pool is the most photographed feature of the castle. This is where Hearst and all of his celebrity guests would play and swim (one can only imagine it in its heyday). The Greco-Roman Neptune pool is surrounded by impressive marble colonnades that soar into the sky above the ice blue pattered pool. It is hard not to want to jump in. It is my understanding that the park employees (It now belongs to the California Department of Parks and Recreation) can swim in the pool once every year. Ambitious brides can also book weddings at the Castle.
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