The Majesty of Filoli
Past passions bloom into a beautiful present
Just south of San Francisco lies an enchanting 654-acre estate in the town of Woodside where a gorgeous country house sits amidst 16 acres of formal gardens –– Filoli is one of the finest remaining country estates in America, an idyllic setting for weddings and milestone celebrations. With magnificent views of the redwood foothills, the estate welcomes the most discerning guest at nine event spaces. The Ballroom has dramatic 22-foot ceilings and crystal chandelier copies of the those hanging in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.
The eclectic design enjoyed at Filoli represents a fleeting moment in history during California’s Golden Age where the rules didn’t apply anywhere, even in places like ballrooms and mansions. Instead, an exuberance showcasing creativity and freedom of expression reigned.
Built a decade after the 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed San Francisco, the Bourn family designed and built the estate and also created the formal gardens.
After the death of the Bourn’s, the Roth family who were owners of the San Francisco Matson Navigation Company acquired the estate. Under Mrs. Roth, the gardens gained international recognition. After her death, she passed it on to an endowment, ensuring the estate would be cared for and open to the public.
Filoli comes from the personal credo of Cambridge-educated builder Mr. William Bowers Bourn II––“Fight for a just cause, love your fellow man, live a good life.”
The first two letters of each tenant of the credo forms the word Filoli.
As the story goes, Bourn II longed for something more of the gentile and less of the Wild West. His father, William Bowers Bourn I, had accumulated a good deal of wealth during the Gold Rush, but when the gold mine ran dry after his death due to a shotgun wound, Bourn II decided to dig deeper at the mine and scored big. Never taking “no” for an answer, he was a legendary overcomer. When the family’s Empire Mine closed in the mid-1950s, it had become one of the largest, richest and longest-operating gold mines with more than eight billion dollars in gold production. Other of his many interests included building the Greystone Winery in St. Helena, one of the largest stone wineries in the world. He also had a love of international travel.
In the early twenties, Mrs. Bourn II began the Hillsborough Garden Club and had a passion for opening her house to her friends for tea and was served in the Reception Room in the winter and on the Dining Room Terrace in summer.
Enjoy the genteel, regal feeling here at the annual summer flower show, a showcase of exquisite floral arrangements and exhibits by professional floral designers as well as amateurs in the Bay Area. Seasonal events include seasonal hikes and harvests, musical concerts, art exhibitions, holiday parties and private events. Lavish afternoon teas accompanied by a live harpist are set with a unique collection of china cups. Delicacies feature scones and tea sandwiches served with Filoli’s own butter, with elegantly plated desserts and pastries. The selection of teas vary each month. Afternoon tea includes all-day admission to the Filoli, a perfect way to celebrate special occasions like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.
A functioning estate for over a century.
Visitors can experience the workings of it on the mile-loop Estate Trail, where guests can straddle the infamous San Andreas fault, where the Pacific and American tectonic plates collide.
The 54,000 square-foot country house—its location chosen for privacy and beauty––includes many architectural and interior design inspirations and employed a variety of architects, designers, decorators, landscape designers, horticulturists, and artists. The modified 17th and 18th-century Georgian English country house with 43 rooms adds a California touch with the use of Spanish mission roof tiles.
The design for this country home began before WWI and continued through the twenties culminating in the family cemetery due to the tragic, untimely death of the Bourns’ adult daughter Maud after she acquired pneumonia on the passage from her home in Ireland to New York City on her way to see her ailing father.
Elegant features abound at the home, what is now an interpretive museum exhibit of 17th and 18th century English antiques. Highlights of the home include the walk-in safe, wood-paneled library and Peixotto paintings in the Ballroom.
After suffering several debilitating strokes at the Empire Mine, Mr. William Bowers Bourn II enjoyed trips to the High Place on top of the Yew Allée where he would admire stunning views of Crystal Springs Lake. Mr. Bourn frequently took pleasure in strolling the natural trails in existence today at Filoli. The Bourn’s held many lavish parties on the estate including the last called the “The Drunks Dinner” held in celebration of the repeal of the 18th Amendment and the end of Prohibition.
Enjoy a visit to Filoli and spend a day stepping back in time, enjoying tea in the shadow of those who came before.
Lose yourself in nature and the gardens taking pleasure where past passions continue to bloom into a beautiful present at one of the most unique properties in California, if not the world.
