Looking for Magic for the Holidays?

The Grand Filoli Estate is Ready to Welcome You.

By Lina Broydo

You don’t have to be President of the United States or the President of China to visit the stunning Filoli estate in Woodside, CA which President Biden and President Xi Jinping did in conjunction with the recent 2023 International APEC Conference in San Francisco. You too can enjoy this magnificent estate with only a 30 minutes drive south from the City by the Bay. Splendidly decorated for the holidays it’s a perfect place for the picturesque and festive celebration with your family and friends. Sorry, but your favorite pets are not allowed.

This stunning country estate takes you back in time. For the first time Filoli opened its doors to guests in 1976. 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 glamor 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 history.

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.