Swim for a Cause This Summer in Hearst Castle’s Iconic Swimming Pools
The Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle is 104 feet long, 58 feet wide, and 95 feet wide at the alcove.
The former home of newspaper publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, Hearst Castle is a National Historic Landmark located on California’s Central Coast. The expansive estate, which includes lush garden grounds and an elaborate wine cellar, is also home to two famous swimming pools—the Neptune Pool and the Roman Pool—both of which have served as the setting for lively parties, social gatherings, and more.
In June, Hearst Castle’s 36-year-old nonprofit organization, The Foundation at Hearst Castle, announced that its members will have the opportunity to swim in the pools at Hearst Castle, as well as attend intimate dinner and movie events. Pool swims are only open to Foundation members with a donation of $950/person.
Following the Neptune Pool’s grand reopening last October, four swim events are scheduled for 2019 (July 6, Aug. 4 and 24, and Sept. 21) and are limited to 40 guests each. The special experience will include a brief in-person deep dive into the building, restoration, and history that surrounds the Neptune Pool.
Other notable aspects of the Neptune Pool include the oil-burning heating system, the Vermont marble that lines the basin, gutters, and alcove, and four Italian relief sculptures on the sides of the colonnades.
Besides the chance to jump into the Neptune Pool, members will have the opportunity to swim in the ornate, indoor Roman Pool—a meticulously detailed, majestic pool that is modeled after ancient Roman baths. Tiled from ceiling to floor, and featuring marble copies of eight ancient Greek and Roman deities and athletes, Roman Pool events will be limited to 20 guests.
Each pool experience begins with a scenic ride up to the Enchanted Hill. Then, guests may splash around in a world-class museum while enjoying tunes from Hearst’s heyday, a variety of incredible savory and sweet treats, plus the Central Coast’s finest wines and craft brews. In addition, members are invited to intimate sit-down dinners followed by a film in the Hearst Castle Theater.
“Part of our fundraising strategy is to offer exclusive events that allow our members to experience Hearst Castle in a way that authentically replicates living history,” says Executive Director Michael Young. “We want to show what is was like to be a guest of William Randolph Hearst.”
The Neptune Pool is 3.5 feet deep at the west end, 10 feet at the drains, and holds 345,000 gallons of water.
All events are members-only. Membership starts at $500/year or as little as $42/month. Pool and movie experiences require an additional donation. Membership with The Foundation at Hearst Castle not only supports the preservation of Hearst Castle and inspirational youth programs, but provides members with greater benefits and unique access to William Randolph Hearst’s former hilltop residence.
For more information or to become a member, visit the Foundation’s website and follow them on Instagram: @foundationathearstcastle
[Images courtesy of Hearst Castle]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk