Looking for Magic for the Holidays? Look No Further
For the first time in 100 years, Filoli opens its doors to guests through December 23, 2017. The historic estate in Woodside, California is a perfectly glamorous place to celebrate this season’s festivities including special holiday teas, visits and photos with Santa, strolls among the lit-up Sunken Garden, holiday-themed classes, and shopping galore in the exquisitely-decorated locations throughout the property and the garden wine bar.
The picturesque and stunningly grand Filoli estate, designed by Willis Polk in 1915 for William Bowers Bourn, has served as the magical background setting for more than 20 films and television shows, including The Joy Luck Club, The Game, The Wedding Planner, and Heaven Can Wait. It served as the palatial home to the oil-wealthy fictional Carrington family’s juicy saga on “Dynasty,” the iconic nighttime blockbuster serial soap opera. For those who missed the series, a visit to the Carrington’s estate circa 1981 via the DVD box set would give an opportunity to glimpse Linda Evans, John Forsythe, and Joan Collins, the lead stars on this eight-year mega hit run on ABC TV.
Filoli’s multimillion-dollar mansion’s famous front courtyard, the grand staircase, and portico which were featured in the opening sequence for each “Dynasty” episode are now decorated for the holidays by dazzling ornaments and sparkling lights. With all the magic and glamour of this holiday season, you too can be on the imaginary set of the rich and famous and partake in the festivities that coincide with Filoli’s centennial.
Filoli is recognized as one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century. Located 30 miles south of San Francisco, the 654-acre property includes a 36,000 square-foot residence furnished with an extensive collection of 17th and 18th century English antiques and 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens that showcase an exquisite horticultural collection.
Established as a private residence in 1917 and opened to the public in 1976 to promote cultural and horticultural endeavors, Filoli is a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
For the detailed information about Holiday Festivities at Filoli visit www.filoli.org. Happy Holidays!
Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.
