Just a scenic drive from San Francisco lies Filoli – a historic estate where Californian grandeur meets global influences! 🌍 Built between 1915-1917 for industrialist William Bowers Bourn II, this sprawling Woodside property blends English Renaissance architecture with California Mission-style gardens, creating a cultural mashup that’s literally rooted in history. 🌺
Fun fact: The name ‘Filoli’ comes from Bourn’s personal motto – ‘Fight, Love, Live’ – which pretty much sums up the vibe of this place (minus the fighting, unless you count battling traffic on Highway 280 😉). Once a private playground for mining tycoons, it’s now a public paradise where you can:
👗 Channel your inner Bridgerton character in the Georgian Revival mansion
📸 Snap Instagram-worthy shots among 16 acres of formal gardens
🔍 Spot design influences from Mediterranean to East Asian styles
Pro tip for travelers: Filoli’s seasonal flower displays are *chef’s kiss* – especially the tulip bloom that’ll make you feel like you’ve teleported to the Netherlands! 🌷
