The History of Castlewood: Bay Area Country Club with Hearst Castle Ties

Did you know Castlewood Country Club has a connection to the iconic Hearst Castle?

If you’re un familiar with the Hearst Castle, it’s a stunning hilltop estate located near San Luis Obispo in California. You may even recognize the Hearst Castle pool from one of Lady Gaga’s music videos. The Hearst Castle was conceived by William Randolph Hearst, son of Phoebe and George Hearst, and designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan.

Phoebe & George Hearst first settled in the Pleasanton foothills and upon George’s passing in 1891, Phoebe began transforming the area into her opulent residence. She created a public gathering space - the Hacienda del Pozo de Verona - which was a 53 room mansion designed for hosting extravagant gatherings. Phoebe intentionally selected Julia Morgan, a female architect, to assist her with this project.

The Pleasanton foothills eventually transformed into Castlewood as we know it today, and the Hacienda went on to become the original Castlewood Clubhouse. In fact, you can still find elements from the clubhouse amongst Castlewood homes today. Just last week we showed clients a home with the original chandeliers! Today, Castlewood members enjoy the luxurious lifestyle envisioned by Phoebe Hearst, including golf, fine dining, social events, weddings, and more.

The Club at Castlewood is located in Pleasanton, CA. Watch the full video on the Club’s history here.