I’ve been meaning to share these images with you all for almost two months now. I have shown a few of them as individual posts but I just haven’t had the time, up until now, to go through and process all the images.
This is Filoli Gardens located in Woodside, CA. Filoli was built in 1915 for Mr. and Mrs. William Bowers Bourn, prominent San Franciscans whose wealth was acquired during the gold rush period in Northern California. Mr. Bourn arrived at the unusual name Filoli by combining the first two letters from the key words of his credo: “Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life.” I think I would have liked this guy.
Filoli is composed of an extraordinarily beautiful mansion, some guest and service quarters (I would imagine was the original purpose) and breath-taking gardens. If this mansion looks familiar to you, it is probably because you may recognize it from the many TV shows and movies it has been featured in (here). And at the risk of dating myself, this was the mansion in the opening scene of the very popular 1980’s TV show Dynasty.
If you used to watch Dynasty, remember the infamous “pond” scene between Alexis and Krystal? This pond below was the scene of the crime. Somehow I’m guessing they had stunt doubles as I can’t really see Joan Collins or Linda Evans diving into this algae filled pond.
There are many small structures located throughout the grounds of which I am not sure what they were originally used for, but here are some of the images of these buildings and the beautiful detail that has gone into every aspect of this property.
Today the property is open for tours of the mansion and grounds, they host tea luncheons, jazz concerts and many other events. As beautiful as the mansion is, it is the gorgeous gardens that draw most tourists to this location.
I have to be honest, I’m quite jealous of this little guy that gets to live here rent free!
This is a gorgeous location and I’m sure to go back soon as they are constantly changing the gardens with the seasons. Enjoy your Friday!
There are a few more additional images in the slide show if you care to see them.
SKEdazzles 
Thank you for sharing these photos they are amazing and we did watch the TV shows you mention and its nice to know they were real places and not studio made … Love the photos and certainly love the location
Thanks! Sometimes you watch a show or a movie and think it’s a beautiful place, so it’s fun to find out where something has been filmed…for me anyway. 🙂
I agree too many times I assume its somehow made up in a studio, great to see.
Loved this riot of colours!
You should see it in person, it’s stunning.
Beautiful images, the flowers are lovely! Nice architecture too in the midst of the trees. That is one picturesque garden.
It truly is a stunning property. Thanks for stopping by.
beautiful photos, thank you for sharing them!
Thank you, Cyndi, for stopping by.
Wow, a fabulous place! Your pictures just plain old rock… 😉
You’re so sweet ~ thank you so much!
😉
What gorgeous photographs! Reminds me of Hillwood in DC but the gardens are grander. Thanks for taking me out to sunny CA
Glad you could come! I’m just sharing the beauty. 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous! I would love to do a tour of this mansion if I am ever in the vicinity.
And you should, it really is beautiful.
Beautiful shots, every one!
Thank you. 🙂
Just beautiful! And yes, I was a big Dynasty fan back in the day and remember the pool scene!
Geez, that show seems like it was forever ago! 🙂
Wow. Such a great place, and your photos showcased it well.
Thanks, Gracie.
What a Beautiful, Breathtaking Place – loving your photos – thanks so much for sharing! Have a Wonderful Weekend:)
It really is a lovely place. I don’t ever get tired of it.
what a beautiful photographs… and place… you did great set. Thank you, have a nice weekend, with my love, nia
Thank you, Nia. Have a wonderful weekend.
Great series of photos Susan! I especially like the fifth one from the top. The tree over the brick building really frames it nicely!
Thank you. Yes that tree frames it perfectly. 🙂
Whew. Except for the fabulous architecture, stunning plants, lizards, and sheer enormity, this could be my house & yard! Thanks for sharing this with us.
ha! Yeah, mine too, except dog hair, foot prints and wall marks! Boggles my mind that this was actually someone’s residence at one time.
By golly! That is one GORGEOUS place! STUNNING, stunning images.
THanks, yes, it’s a beautiful place and there is always something different to see each time you go there.
Photographers’ heaven. Glad you were there to take these wonderful photos. 😀
I was smiling all the way until I see that little guy haha but he’s a nice addition to the collection!