Nestled in Woodside, California, the Filoli Estate and Gardens is a gem in the heart of Silicon Valley, blending old world historical charm with modern day grace and beauty.
In Spring and Summer, the floral and horticultural layout is an orchestra of sensual visuals that reaches a crescendo, as we make our way to the mansion, enveloping our senses with the colorful symphony of beauty and grandeur.
The numbers:
Garden: 16 acres.
House: 54,256 sq. ft.
Estate: 654 acres.
The story: An American, William Bowers Bourn II, while studying in England, fell in love with the English gardens and the grand estates within them.
- Back in the USA and having made huge fortunes in gold, among other successful businesses, Bourn set about building the picturesque property of his dreams. Thus, Filoli was built under the creative eye of the architect, Wills Polk. The famed gardens were designed by Bruce Porter (a landscape designer) alongside Isabella Worn (horticulturist), Arthur Brown (architect) and Bourn.
- The property was later bought by the Roth family after the deaths of the Bourns. They expanded on the beauty of the gardens by adding the swimming pool, teahouse and more fine collections of plants.
Thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Roth, Filoli was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1975.
In Spring, strolling along the garden paths, Filoli is one of those places that mesmerizes us from the moment we step onto its grounds. With contrasting colors, shades blending, paths weaving seamlessly between the various botanical lovelies, the gardens beautifully stitch both Anglo-American and Italian influences into a stunning masterpiece.
Walking through the pathways that have mostly remained unchanged, there are many places where we could just stay still absorbing the beauty around and listening to the sounds of the birds hidden among the trees.
Best Time: Anytime. In Spring, the varieties of bulbs planted months earlier are now blooming all around you. The colors are stunning and flowers like the tulips and wisteria take my breath away! Daffodils abound providing a contrasting color to the greens around us. Meanwhile the cherry blossoms are in their element and is a dream to gaze upon, so pretty and delicate.
Photography: Springtime in Filoli is the perfect time to get those stunning pictures. The estate is also a popular place for wedding photography.
Birds: There are quite a few species of birds hidden among the trees, raptors soaring above or turkeys being stealthy, hidden among the grass.
Animals: We saw deer, but mountain lions are also known to be in the area though they are shy and try to stay away from humans.
Weather: Mild and comfortable.
TIP: Wearing a pair of good walking shoes, having a bottle of water and being prepared to spend the whole day taking in the sights is the way to go. Don’t rush your visit if you don’t need to. There are plenty of places with benches and chairs to rest your feet awhile.
There are many events that come along according to the season. During Spring, for example, we are invited to indulge in a scrumptious Spring Tea or to watch the sunset while relaxing among the floral surroundings during the Golden Hour. You can also enjoy crafting in Spring Flora Party, Tai-Chi and arts on Wellness Wednesdays, cultural and time period celebrations, etc.
Note: Special Events have specially priced tickets. You have to pay those prices to enjoy these particular events even if you are a member.
Summer brings a lot of fun events to Filoli such as Summer Nights, outdoor live music, hikes, horticulturists’ talks, food trucks, drinks at the Blue Bird Bar, etc.
Throughout the year, you can shop for unique gifts at The Clock Tower Shop, pop in at the Staghorn Potting Shed and dine at The Quail Café.
There are volunteering opportunities too with Filoli’s Service-Learning project.
As seasons change, so do some of the plants and arrangements. It is, therefore, a great place to escape to at any time of the year.
EXTRA: For Filoli in winter: Filoli in Winter – Simple World View
Filoli is a very family friendly place that will capture your attention with its vivid hues, wildlife, history and acres of well-maintained land beckoning you on a journey through time and seasons.
