Bellosguardo Estate Tour
Description
A small group tour of the Clark Estate whose owners last stayed there in 1953. The home — virtually shut off to all but the property's caretakers until 2014 — is in immaculate condition with all its original furnishings and artwork.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Guests will be introduced to the art, history, myths, and magic of the ADA-accessible portions of the main residence, designed by Reginald Johnson.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(28)
Wonderful guide that told the story of the property with passion and empathy for the previous owners.
Very interesting history and beautiful home and grounds. The antiques and hand carved woodwork was amazing!
We have long wondered what was on top of the hill there and we were thrilled when the house and grounds finally opened up to the public. It's absolutely gorgeous! These small group tours of ten allow for you to see what's being described and hear the guide well. The history of the site, current house, contents and occupants is an interesting story well told. Our guide was thorough and lively and we weren't rushed through. Yes, it's pricey but estates like these need money for upkeep and we happily support it. No photos allowed inside but the gardens and views are up for grabs.
I realize they are just getting the tours going and they have a lot to do, but only viewing the downstairs was somewhat of a letdown. The library, music room, dining room and art studio were fascinating, but I really wanted to see at least one bedroom and bathroom. Also, there is apparently a limousine and a Cadillac in her garage, and that would have also been nice to see. If it's all too much for a single tour, then they should consider splitting up the tours like Hearst Castle. Overall it was good, and I plan to go back in the future.
Good guides, an impressive estate on the outside, even more impressive on the inside, which you must have seen.
This is a national treasure owned by the richest man in the United States after being born in a log cabin. It is a must see and it is a must read - the book about the family entitled Empty Mansions.
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
