Filoli Historic House & Garden Tickets and Information
What is Filoli Historic House & Garden
- Filoli Historic House and Estate is a beautiful countryside estate just 30 miles outside San Francisco, so it's a peaceful retreat a short distance from the city.
- You can enjoy the house with its historically accurate contents and explore the beautifully manicured gardens and woodlands that surround it and form the estate.
What to see and do at Filoli Historic Estate
Unlike many attractions in San Francisco, Filoli offers space, tranquility, and a slower pace, so it's ideal for:
- Families looking for open space and outdoor activities
- Garden lovers and photographers
- History and architecture enthusiasts
- Anyone wanting a relaxing day trip from San Francisco
Is Filoli Historic House Worth Visiting
Yes, Filoli Historic House and Estate offers one of the best day trips from San Francisco and is definitely worth visiting. The historical country estate is in Woodside in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The property was built in a Georgian Revival architectural style in 1915 by William Bowers Bourn II, who was a prominent businessman in San Francisco and it was to be used as a "country place" for him and his family.
The estate spans over 654 acres and it blends opulent living, artistic landscaping, and historical significance, and offers visitors a glimpse into the Gilded Age of California's industrial boom.
It includes a beautiful 16-acre formal garden, the grand country manor, a nature reserve and extensive hiking trails. It has been owned and preserved by the National Trust for Historic Preservation since 1975 and is a popular destination for history lovers, garden enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquil outdoor experiences and an escape from the city.
The house was empty when the family handed it to the trust as most of the furniture and collection had been sold at auction or taken by the family. However, the family then donated other pieces which the trust has used to decorate the property and furnish it in an original style, and the family continues to donate.
Highlights
- The House: Filoli House is 54,256 square feet and has 56 rooms made up of 15 bathrooms, 14 staff bedrooms and 10 main bedrooms, amongst others. The property has ornate details, elegant interiors, luxurious furnishings, and original artwork from the early 20th century. You can take a self-guided or guided tour to explore the rooms, including the Ballroom, Dining Room, and the Billiard Room.
- The Gardens: The formal gardens are one of the estate's most celebrated features. They were designed by Bruce Porter and include terraces, lawns, fountains, and manicured flower beds. They have different sections like the Sunken Garden, Walled Garden, and Rose Garden that offer seasonal beauty, including thousands of blooming tulips and daffodils in spring! The Walled Garden is particularly beautiful. It's about an acre in size and is surrounded by a 10-foot high brick wall and has hedges, which separate it into smaller sections including ornamental garden rooms. The area is also home to beautiful crab apple and cherry trees.
- Nature Preserve: The estate is surrounded by 654 acres of land which has six different ecosystems including oak woodlands, redwood groves, and grasslands with several miles of trails that allow you to explore the natural landscape of the estate. It’s a perfect location for bird watching and photography!