There is a hidden gem in Woodside, California. It is a mansion and full on English garden that goes on forever. The name of the mansion is “Filoli” which stands for
“Fight for a just cause. Love your fellow man. Live a good life.”
-W.B. Bourne -owner/builder.
Have you heard of the movie “The Bourne Identity”? I read that part of that movie was filmed in another house formerly owned by the Bourne family in the city of San Francisco. Dynasty, a night time soap opera in the 1980’s was partially filmed at Filoli.
The Ballroom
Staircase leading tot he second floor. Only the ground floor is accessible to the public because the family descendants still use the upper portion. The ground floor has many rooms, I didn’t want to give it all away, so that you will go and see what else there is to see!
This is the swimming pool. On the other side of the hedge is a reflection pond with Koi in it. The image of the tower reflecting in the pond is gorgeous but on this visit, they were having an artist exhibition and had a bunch of sticks in it that distorted the reflection. . You can kind of see the reflection of it in the swimming pool also.
There are 16 acres of gardens and hundreds of acres owned by the estate that have walking and hiking paths, all open to the public..
Hundreds of flower species in the cutting garden attract many different insects such as butterflies and bees. I also saw dragonflies at the ponds.
Colorful hedges and lavender in the background.
The Rose Garden
Cutting garden
The Aisle of the Yew Trees
If you ever have a couple of extra hours on your way to San Francisco, be sure to stop in here. It is so refreshing to walk in such a lovely garden.
Here is a link to their website: Filoli
just cause. Love your fellow man. Live a good life
