My first time in Filoli was a magical experience. If you love country style homes and beautiful manicured gardens, this is one place to travel to in the Bay Area. The estate is located in Woodside, California and is surrounded by a lot of greenery near the Crystal Springs Reservoir. The site is both a California Historical Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can read more about it’s history here and where it stands today.
The country house is very big and you will be able to tour around many different areas of the house. These rooms include the main Ballroom, dining room, and reception room. Other rooms include the library, drawing room, and kitchen. The interior is always being updated as noted by one of the tour guides.
The best part is the garden and there are many sections you will be able to walk through. These sections include The Chartres Garden, Reflecting pool and former carriage house, The Sunken Garden, and much more.
There is also an open section up above for parties and weddings. I would recommend that this place is a really nice place to celebrate your special time because you can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding outdoor area.
My first time in Filoli will definitely not be my last. Over the years and seasons, there will definitely be some changes. I look forward to the new updates in the country house and the beautiful garden displays throughout the seasons. There is also a membership and magazine available to stay updated of this beautiful place in the Peninsula of the Bay Area.
Please share your photos, stories, experiences, and news about Filoli in the comments area, looking forward to hearing and viewing them.
“My idea is to devote the afterglow of my life,
William Bowers Bourn II, 1912
this is the next 40 or 50 years or so, in personal
supervision of [Filoli’s] developement.
There, I hope to grow young.”
