Perched atop a California hill more than a quarter mile above the Pacific Ocean, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Hearst Castle is a stunning tribute to the incredible wealth of one of the 20th century’s most important businessmen and his extravagant tastes. Named after newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, Hearst Castle is actually one mansion – Casa Grande – surrounded by three guesthouses, each larger than the average American home. Hearst himself spent time at the castle throughout its nearly 30-year construction, from 1919 until 1947. He died in 1951. It was first open to the public in 1958, and 700,000 people visit annually. It’s now owned and operated by the California State Park system.

Source: CNN