Bellosguardo Estate Tour

Very interesting information and beautiful house and grounds. Highly recommended if you are interested in the Guilded Age, the book “Empty Mansions,” or if you want something unexpected to see and do in the Santa Barbara area.

Gayle and Brian were great tour guides. Very knowledgeable about the history of the estate, and kept the tour entertaining. Nice way to afternoon in Santa Barbara.

The inside of this estate is very nice as well as the grounds, and the tour guides were very knowledgeable. Too bad we couldn't take photos inside. Although I did enjoy the tour, I think it was way overpriced at $100 pp. Hearst Castle is just as nice, if not nicer, and the cost to tour the castle is significantly less than Bellosguardo.

Open the door to the Gilded Age through Bellosguardo-a perfectly preserved example of early twentieth century entrepreneurial spirit. The Clark family is a far too little known American story which is encapsulated in this estate-well worth the visit

It’s a pricey tour but well worth it, especially for readers of Empty Mansions. But even without that background the visit would be impressive. The grounds and view are beyond beautiful and the inside of the house quite remarkable both in terms of architecture and furnishings. Our guide Tom was excellent. To think that people used to live that way … and for only one month a year.

Bellaguarda is one of the most beautiful houses I’ve ever toured. From the moment you step onto the grounds, it feels like you’ve been transported to a French château. The symmetry of the architecture, the curved doors, the wood paneling imported directly from France — every detail is extraordinary. What’s even more remarkable is how beautifully the house has been preserved over the past 75 years, feeling less like a museum and more like the family simply stepped out for the afternoon. The guides were wonderful, bringing the home to life with stories of the father, mother and daughters and helping you truly picture how each room was used. The history is as rich as the interiors. Between the stunning artwork, the meticulously maintained grounds, and the architectural details around every corner, Bellaguarda is an absolute gem. Don’t miss it.

Wonderful tour and an amazing property. Our guide was very informative and spent extra time showing us the beauty and detail of the estate.

I had read both "Empty Mansions" and "The Phantom of 5th Avenue" previously and our visti to Bellosguardo exceeded my expectations! Not only is it one of the most spectacular locations on the entire California coast, but the story behind this preserved estate is priceless. Our guide (Sue) was fantastic and engaging. Oersonally, the chance to see so much of Mrs. Clark's artwork was special. Well worth the trip!

We greatly enjoyed the tour. The guide, who has been managing the facility since Huguette Clark passed away, has an intimate knowledge of the history of the family and estate. I recommend reading "Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune" by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr. if you can, before you go.

Absolutely gorgeous mansion and fantastic tour experience!