The name Filoli is an acronym created by William Bourn II from the first two letters of his personal motto: 'FIght for a just cause, LOve your fellow man, LIve a good life.'
The estate served as a filming location for the 1978 film 'Heaven Can Wait' and the television series 'Dynasty'.
The formal gardens feature a collection of over 2,000 rose bushes.
The mansion was constructed with a reinforced concrete structure to withstand potential seismic activity from the nearby San Andreas Fault.
The estate was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1975.
The property includes a massive ballroom with walls decorated in gold leaf.
Filoli is a 654-acre estate in Woodside, California, featuring a Georgian Revival-style mansion and 16 acres of formal English Renaissance-style gardens. The site sits on the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains along the San Andreas Fault. It was built between 1915 and 1917 for William Bourn II and his wife, Agnes. The estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as an educational center for horticulture and nature appreciation. Visitors can access approximately 1.5 miles of the estate's nature trails which offer views of the surrounding redwood forest. The formal gardens are divided into several themed sections, including a sunken garden and a walled garden, which are maintained to showcase seasonal plant displays. The mansion preserves the original architectural details and furnishings from the early 20th century.
The view of the mansion from the center of the sunken garden axis.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes as the estate covers significant ground with gravel paths and inclines.
Check the official website for seasonal bloom schedules to see peak displays of tulips in spring or dahlias in late summer.
Bring a reusable water bottle, as the climate in Woodside can be significantly warmer than the nearby coastal areas.
Do not attempt to explore the perimeter trails in flip-flops or open-toed shoes due to uneven terrain and potential poison oak.
Open year-round except for major holidays; check the website for occasional closures during private events or film productions.
No picnicking inside the formal gardens; food is permitted only in designated areas. Professional photography requires prior arrangements.
