Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Woodside, Filoli Estate stands as a testament to the grandeur and elegance of the early 20th century. This sprawling estate, with its finely manicured gardens, opulent mansion, and rich history, invites you on a journey through time and beauty. As you step onto its grounds, you’ll enter an era of sophistication and refinement, where every detail exudes luxury and charm.
Filoli Estate
86 Cañada Road
Woodside, CA 94062
(650) 364-8300
www.filoli.org
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
Brief History of Filoli
Before you explore the wonders of Filoli, it’s essential to understand its rich history. The estate’s story dates back to 1915, when William Bowers Bourn II, a prominent San Francisco businessman, and his wife, Agnes Moody, purchased the land. Their vision? To create a country estate that rivaled the grandeur of European estates. As a result, you’ll quickly realize that they achieved that goal.
What is Filoli?
“Filoli” derives from the phrase “Fight, Love, Live,” symbolizing the Bourn family’s motto. In more detail, the motto is Fight for a Just Cause, Love Your Fellow Man, and Live a Good Life. Construction of the estate began in 1915 and continued until 1917, when the magnificent Georgian Revival mansion was completed. The Bourns spared no expense in designing their dream home, enlisting the expertise of renowned architects and landscape designers of the time.
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The Roth Family Purchase and Donation
In 1937, the estate was purchased by the Roth family, who meticulously maintained its beauty and expanded its gardens. By 1975, the Filoli estate was generously donated by Lurline Roth to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. What’s more, it opened to the public that same year. This allowed visitors worldwide to marvel at its splendor and immerse themselves in its rich history. Today, the 654-acre property is a California Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The main property of the Georgian revival-style mansion and English Renaissance gardens covers 16 acres.
The Mansion: A Glimpse into Elegance
Your journey at Filoli begins with a visit to the mansion, a masterpiece of architectural brilliance. As you approach the grand entrance, the imposing façade adorned with intricate detailing and towering columns leaves you in awe. Step inside, and the luxury of a bygone era greets you. In all, the mansion covers nearly 55,000 square feet, with 56 rooms, 17 fireplaces and 15 bathrooms. Of those rooms, 10 are main bedrooms, and 14 are staff bedrooms.
Self-Guided Tour
The mansion’s interior is a feast for the senses, with each room exuding its unique charm and character, from the lavish drawing rooms adorned with priceless artworks and antique furnishings to the majestic ballroom. This is where echoes of grandeur still linger, and every corner seems to have an intimate story. Also, while you’re exploring the interior, make sure to visit the kitchen area and the grand ballroom.
Guided Tour
If you prefer, you can take a guided tour of the mansion, where knowledgeable docents can provide information on the Bourn and Roth families and offer insights into the architectural significance of each room. Take the chance to explore the magnificent gardens visible from the mansion’s windows as they beckon you to step outside and immerse yourself in their beauty. These 15-minute guided tours are held at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily and are included with your paid admission. However, a paid 90-minute tour is also available, and you can make reservations online.
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The Gardens: A Botanical Wonderland
A visit to Filoli would only be complete with exploring its world-renowned gardens. Indeed, the gardens showcase a breathtaking array of plant species with stunning colors. Designed by renowned landscape architect Isabella Worn, the gardens are a masterpiece of horticultural artistry, with meticulously manicured lawns and vibrant flower beds. As you stroll through these lush gardens, you will notice that many visitors will take pictures here.
Highlights of the Garden
An excellent spot to begin your garden exploration is through the Sunken Garden with its Reflecting Pool. Here, you can enjoy colorful blooms and lush greenery that create a mesmerizing tapestry of colors and textures. During the springtime, you’ll see camellias, magnolias, irises, wisterias, and much more. You’ll find a gift shop, the Walled Garden, and the gorgeous Pool Pavilion as you continue. In addition, there are rose gardens, with peak blooms in June, a Garden Orchard, and an enormous Meadow. If time permits, you can also get a broader look at the property by embarking on the estate’s one-mile trail.
Special Events and Programs
Throughout the year, Filoli hosts various special events and programs that allow visitors to experience the estate in unique and memorable ways. From garden tours and art exhibitions to musical performances and educational workshops, Filoli always has something new to discover. If you are passionate about gardening, the estate offers a range of horticultural workshops and classes led by expert gardeners. Here, you can learn most everything from floral arranging to organic gardening techniques.
Visiting During the Holiday Season
If you’re visiting during the holiday season, don’t miss the chance to experience Filoli’s famous Christmas at Filoli event. At this event, the mansion and gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland adorned with festive decorations and twinkling lights.
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How to Get to Filoli
About 25 miles south of San Francisco, Filoli is easily accessible by car or rideshare. The easiest route for you to take from San Francisco is via Highway 280 South towards Daly City. From Highway 280, past the City of Hillsborough, you would then take exit 34. This leads you onto California Highway 35 towards California Highway 92/Half Moon Bay/Bunker Hill Drive. From Highway 35, you would turn left onto Highway 92 and a slight right on Cañada Road. While on Cañada Road, you will see signs leading to the entrance to Filoli. Alternatively, you can take Highway 101 South towards San Jose from San Francisco. Shortly after you pass the City of San Mateo, you would take Highway 92 West and leave on Cañada Road. Of course, using a mobile navigation app like Google Maps or Waze can make your road trip that much easier.
Parking
There is ample free parking onsite, with a central lot and an additional lot close by. However, it can get quite busy on weekends, so planning is essential for your visit. Of course, accessible parking is also available and very close to the new visitor entrance. If you plan to visit with a group, you should carpool to Filoli as parking can fill up. Please also remember that many visitors will arrive at the peak hours between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. As you head towards the estate, follow the signs leading to the new entrance. You will find a ticket booth at this entrance where you can scan or purchase tickets. You can also download a copy of the estate’s map before arrival.
Tickets
Tickets are available online and at the ticket window at the main entrance. While walk-ins are welcome, you should purchase your tickets online. After all, tickets will often sell out on weekends, even a week in advance or longer. General admission for adults is $38 and $36 for visitors 65 years or older. In addition, general admission for students/teachers and military members is $34 and $28 for children ages 5-17. There is free admission for children ages four or younger.
Dining and Shopping
Filoli offers casual dining at Quail Café and shopping at the Clock Tower Shop. At the Café, you can order fresh salads, fruit, gourmet sandwiches, and a variety of drinks. Quail Café and restrooms are in the Visitor Center, which was the previous main entrance. The Clock Tower Shop is located just a short walk from the Café, within the Gardens section. You can purchase Filoli-grown plants, souvenirs, books, and other unique gift items at the shop.
Picnic Area
If you want to bring outside food, it must be eaten at the picnic area near the Visitor Center and main parking lot. Also, you should know that outside alcohol is not allowed within the entire Filoli property.
Practical Information
Before you embark on your Filoli adventure, here are a few practical tips to enhance your visit:
- Parking: Filoli offers ample parking facilities for visitors. Upon arrival, you’ll find designated parking areas conveniently located near the entrance to the estate.
- Hours of Operation: Filoli is typically open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, it’s always a good idea to check the official website for any changes in operating hours or closures.
- Admission: Admission fees vary depending on the type of ticket you purchase, with discounts available for older visitors, students, and children. Filoli members enjoy free admission and other exclusive benefits. Please buy tickets in advance if you plan to visit for the weekend.
- Guided Tours: While exploring Filoli on your own is undoubtedly enjoyable, guided tours led by knowledgeable docents are worth your consideration. After all, they can offer a deeper insight into the estate’s history, significance, and occupants. Moreover, these tours can provide detailed information on some essential features you might miss on a self-guided tour. Two guided tours are available daily and are included in your admission price.
- Photography: Photography is permitted in most areas of Filoli, including the gardens and outdoor spaces. However, tripods and professional photography equipment may require special permission.
- Accessibility: Filoli strives to make its facilities accessible to all visitors. Furthermore, wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the mansion and gardens are equipped with ramps and paved pathways for easy navigation.
(credit: Filoli)
Filoli in Pop Culture
Despite being open to the public since 1975, Filoli was only widely known in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, that all changed in 1981 when the mansion appeared in the opening credits of the ABC television series “Dynasty.” By its second season, “Dynasty” was one of the most popular television shows of its time. What’s more, it was the top show on television in 1985 and eventually ran for nine seasons. Years later, CBS presented the television special “Dynasty Reunion: Catfights & Caviar”. More recently, in 2021, the estate held a Dynasty theme night in recognition of the TV show’s 40th anniversary. Of course, Filoli has appeared on other television shows, including A&E network’s “Guide to Historic Homes of America.”
In Movies
Even before “Dynasty,” Filoli was used as the mansion in the famous 1978 film “Heaven Can Wait” starring Warren Beatty. The movie went on to earn nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Among the other movies that were filmed at Filoli were “The Game,” “The Wedding Planner,” “The Joy Luck Club,” and “Rent.”
Conclusion
As you conclude your journey through Filoli Estate, you’ll carry memories of a truly enchanting experience. Whether marveling at the grandeur of the mansion or the exquisite gardens or immersing yourself in the estate’s rich history, Filoli captivates the imagination and leaves a lasting impression. So come, indulge your senses, and embark on a journey through time and beauty at Filoli Estate in Woodside, California.
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About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and is a Bay Area Travel Writers (BATW) member.
