Close to the Crystal Springs Reservoir, with a western backdrop
formed by the looming Coast Range, the magnificent Filoli estate
reposes at the end of a country lane. Even a short stroll on the
lush, serene property makes it hard to believe this exquisite
manor, with its well-manicured grounds, is but a short hop from
busy Highway 280, about 12 miles south of San Mateo, in the refined
community of Woodside.
Close to the Crystal Springs Reservoir, with a western backdrop formed by the looming Coast Range, the magnificent Filoli estate reposes at the end of a country lane. Even a short stroll on the lush, serene property makes it hard to believe this exquisite manor, with its well-manicured grounds, is but a short hop from busy Highway 280, about 12 miles south of San Mateo, in the refined community of Woodside.
Here, from mid-February until the end of October, the public is invited to visit and explore the wonders of over 200,000 plantings, which flourish seasonally in extensive, formal gardens. Dedicated caretakers maintain the elegant grounds as closely as possible to the gardens’ original design plans. The estate’s centerpiece, a modified Georgian-style mansion, commands 600-plus acres of a posh, terraced gardens. With precision planning, Filoli’s plantings and colors change shade with the seasons. Especially in spring, visitors will find a delightful pastel confectionery of blooming plants and lush foliage.
The oldest portion of the gardens was laid out between 1917-1921. The outdoors planting and floral theme is carried into the mansion itself, where in virtually every room formally arranged flowers and greenery from the gardens are displayed at peak freshness.
During the months when the house and grounds are open to the public, tours of the property show off the formal part of the outdoors, where 16 acres are laid out in landscaped design. Intricate brick walkways, wrought iron gates, and walls separate the garden areas, some framed by rhododendron, azalea, lanes of Irish Yews, groupings of colorful Japanese Maple, cypress, beech and cherry trees. Scents of rose, lilac, jasmine and daphne waft through the air, enhancing and blending in with the vivacious color display where purple wisteria, creamy white magnolia blossoms, rosy peonies, and clematis combine in floral splendor. In season, banks of camellia burst forth in shades red, white, and pink.
The gardens are maintained by 14 full-time horticulturalists plus the efforts of 100 volunteers and student interns.
If the manse seems strikingly familiar, that’s because it was portrayed in the 1980s television series “Dynasty,” when portions of the Filoli estate appeared in the series’ pilot. And with its elegant drive and appealing columned entry, one can imagine why the elegant mansion was a focus of comings and goings for the dysfunctional Carrington family.
On a visit to the home’s interior today, either on a docent-led or self-guided tour, the interior looks as if the owner’s just gone out on an errand and will return in a trice. The 36,000 square foot home was built between 1915 and 1917 by William Bowers Bourn II, a wealthy San Franciscan who owned the Empire Gold Mine in Grass Valley. When completed, Bourn named his new estate “Filoli,” a combination of the first two letters of Fight, Love and Live, made up from his favorite credo, “Fight for a just cause, love your fellow man, live a good life.” The home’s design resembles an estate he had purchased in Ireland’s County Kerry in the Lakes of Killarney area.
The Bourns lived well and graciously here, tended by a household of servants. From the appealing dining and entertaining areas, to the sweeping, polished grand ballroom, the decor is stunning. Replicas of Versailles chandeliers and softly colored murals blend with the exquisite color theme. Details even extend to the huge kitchen where the household staff oversaw the details of fine living. One of the interesting side notes on the tour is the massive kitchen range, originally built for the galley of an ocean liner. It was installed by the home’s second owner, Lurline Roth. Throughout the living areas of the home, fine porcelains, Oriental carpets, crystal chandeliers, sterling silver service, oil paintings, and a blend of antique furnishings are well-displayed in expansive rooms with 17-foot high-ceilings.
Mr. and Mrs. William P. Roth purchased the home in 1937 following the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Bourn. Mrs. Roth was the former Lurline Matson, whose father owned the Matson Navigation Company. The Matson liner, Lurline, was named for her. Along with her sister ship, the Monterey, the Lurline was once famous for its San Francisco to Hawaii voyages.
Not all of this estate’s grounds are formal plots, and visitors will find much delight in walking the trails or taking a nature hike on the property’s undeveloped wooded acreage.
Inside the spacious Visitor Center, visitors can enjoy a short film presentation for a pre-tour orientation to the property. A small cafe operates Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30-3:30 and Sunday 11-3:30. The Garden Shop is open Tuesday-Saturday 10-3:30 and Sunday 12-3:30. Special events take place throughout the open season, with a special Mothers Day offering May 11-14; the Filoli Jazz Series June-October, scheduled Afternoon Teas during the warm months, plus fall and holiday events late in the year. Details and schedule are available on-line at www.filoli.org.
GETTING THERE: Filoli is located off Highway 280 in Woodside. From the Hollister-Gilroy area, take Highway 101 north to Highway 280. From Highway 280, past the Woodside exit, take the Edgewood Road exit, heading west to Cañada Road. Follow signs the short distance to the Filoli entrance gate. The house and gardens are open from mid-February until October 28. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10-3:30; Sun., 11-3:30. Self-guided tours Tues.-Sun.; docent-led tours of the house and grounds (reservations required) Tues.-Sat. Admission for either docent-led or self-guided tours: Adults, $12; Students $5, children age 5 and under, free. Filoli is located at Cañada Road, Woodside; for more information, telephone 650-364-8300 or visit the website at: www.filoli.org.
