If I Were A Rich Man

First, let me say I have always loved the music from "Fiddler on the Roof."   But that's not what this is about.   Every time I drive to our coast, I am in awe of the beauty of the landscape.   I am also in awe of the fact that so much of it is private land, fenced off, unspoiled, often times with a few cattle grazing.   It is a treasure.   And it is a treasure that George Hearst was able to purchase in 1865, initially 40,000 acres which eventually grew to 250,000 acres.   The history of the land and the castle are interesting and rich with celebrities of the times.   I never considered going to the tours, thinking it would be "touristy" and not worth my time.   But a few years ago we visited the castle and went on one of the tours.   It was so interesting to see the opulence of the time and the beauty of the grounds.   Besides being wealthy landowners, the Hearst family lived around our area and were quite generous with donations to projects such as the restoration of the San Miguel Mission after an earthquake.   George and Phoebe Hearst both passed away within the past year or so, but the mark they left on our county will live on.   If you are ever in this area and have the time, I would suggest taking one of the tours of Hearst Castle in San Simeon.   It really would be worth it.

http://www.hearstcastle.org/history-art/castle

If I were a rich man, I would definitely buy up as much of this land as possible.   And then let the animals roam and graze and enjoy their lives here.


Comments

Green Monkey said…
what a wonderful thought! no hunting allowed! and what a beautiful picture! gorgeous...
Mary Ann said…
Your picture is beautiful but your words are even more so... sometimes we forget to think of the people who have made it possible for us to enjoy such beauty!
Gone Country said…
What gorgeous views!

Their story is similar to the Vanderbilts in North Carolina who bought lots of land and built a beautiful mansion for friends & family to dwell and visit. I love the Biltmore Estate and I know I would enjoy this place too. I need to add this to my list of places to see!
Daryl said…
me too .. and i would have lots of dogs and cats
Tabor said…
Oh me too! What gorgeous country. I would want it all in my greed. I have not taken the tour but maybe some day if I am ever on that side of the country. I now know what the cost is to get rich and do not enjoy it as much as I used to.
Nancy said…
We visited the Hurst castle and grounds several years ago and what beautiful country.....and the surround country side.....

Your quote really makes me stop and think about how commercial our country has become. It's wonderful to know that we still have lots of land for the people and animals to enjoy.....
Lin said…
Me too. All I want is space...lots and lots of space.

That is a lovely photo. Wish I was there right about now.
Lynne said…
Beautiful wide open space . . . gorgeous the freedom!
Anonymous said…
It is very reminiscent of North Yorkshire, England where my hubby is from and I just love it there, as I'm sure I would whenever I get to visit your area and up the coast into Oregon.
What a beautiful photo. Looks like a very special place. If I were rich I'd definitely buy up more land and let animals roam freely. Sounds like a perfect life to me :)

PS - Thanks for visiting my blog!
This N That said…
Beautiful picture..I wish you were a rich man....
Snooks said…
This are is truly beautiful. Love, love, love the coast. Especially that area. We have done a tour there at the Hearst Castle. So amazing and truly stunning.

@ 3Beeze Homestead

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