Rediscovering Filoli

The Filoli Estate is an early 20th Century American mansion that sits at the bottom of the hill from my house, near the Crystal Springs Reservoir. But in spite of it's proximity I hadn't been there in years, not since I wrote about it for the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Finding myself with a few free hours the other morning, I decided it was time to rediscover Filoli.

The 36,000 square foot home was designed by architect Willis Polk, and is in a style the PR folks for the estate call "Modified English Georgian Country House." Only the first floor is open to the public, and the self guided tour includes the ballroom (which Esme and Emil designated the princess dancing room), library, flower room, trophy room, dining room, and a kitchen that could accommodate a legion of cooking and serving staff for parties.  

There is currently a very cool temporary installation at the entrance of the main house: a vertical succulent garden which also serves as a dovecote. It was a highlight of our visit, making me want to replicate it at home.

But the estate is probably most well known for its formal gardens, which make me feel like I should be wearing a Jane Austin-era dress, or maybe a 1920s day gown as I wander around.  What is it about a walled garden that creates such a romantic atmosphere?

Unfortunately, the estate has become more commercial since the last time I was there. Now the room that adjoins the kitchen of the main house is an extension of the gift store, giving me the feeling that the store aspect to the estate is slowly growing and taking over the historic aspect like a weed, but oh well. I guess it does take a lot of money to run the place.

Filoli's 12th Annual Botanical Art Exhibit is currently on display through Aug. 1, and that is reason enough to make this the time to get acquainted - or reacquainted - with Filoli. While the exhibit isn't extensive, being housed in the Admission and Visitor's Center, it is impressive for it's quality. The detail and artistry in these original botanical drawings is stunning. It's a juried event, and is recognized as one of the finest examples of botanical art available.

And of course, you can buy botanical art prints and note cards to take home. Maybe Filoli, a name which comes from the original estate owner's credo "Fight for a just cause, Love your fellow man, and Live a good life," should become Filolise, with the addendum: "Sell your fellow man whatever you can."

But all joking aside, the Filoli Estate is a national treasure. It's located at 86 Cañada Road in Woodside. Admission: Adults: $15, Seniors: $12, Students and Children: $5, Children 4 and under: Free. 

The estate is open:
Tuesday - Saturday:
10:00 am–3:30 pm
(last admission 2:30 pm)
Sunday:
11:00 am–3:30 pm
(last admission 2:30 pm)

For more information, visit their website.