Discover Filoli: A Historic Garden and Living Museum

Discover Filoli: A Historic Garden and Living Museum

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Birth of Philo Lee
3. William Bourne II: The Man Behind Philo Lee
4. Agnes Bourne and the Family Homes
5. The Vision for Philo Lee
6. The Name Philo Lee
7. The Design and Construction of Philo Lee
8. The Gardens of Philo Lee
9. The Bourne Family's Legacy
10. The Roth Family and the Preservation of Philo Lee
11. Philo Lee Today

Article: The Rich History of Philo Lee: A Glimpse into the Lives of Two Prominent Families

Philo Lee, spanning over 654 acres on the slopes of California's coastal range, is a historic beauty that has captivated visitors from around the world. Built in 1915 as the country estate of one of California's richest men, William Bourne II, Philo Lee stands today as one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century. With its fifty-six room Georgian-style mansion and 16 acres of formal English gardens, Philo Lee offers an enchanting glimpse into the lives of the Bourne and Roth families who once called this estate home.

1. Introduction

In this article, we will take a Journey through the rich history of Philo Lee, exploring the stories of the two families who played a significant role in its creation and preservation. From the birth of the idea to the design and construction of the mansion and gardens, we will Delve into the intriguing details of this remarkable estate.

2. The Birth of Philo Lee

It all started in 1915 when William Bourne II, inspired by his love for all things English, decided to build his dream country estate overlooking the Crystal Springs reservoir. The stunning landscape reminded William and his wife, Agnes, of Macross, a beautiful country estate in Ireland that they had previously purchased as a wedding gift for their daughter. With determination and a vision in mind, William purchased the land and officially broke ground for Philo Lee.

3. William Bourne II: The Man Behind Philo Lee

William Bourne II, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and gambling luck, played a significant role in the development of Philo Lee. Born into a mining family, William proved his relentless determination when he struck a rich vein of gold at the Empire goldmine, defying the advice of mining engineers. This success paved the way for William's prosperous ventures in the gas, electric, and Water utility industries. However, tragedy struck the Bourne family when William suffered multiple strokes, leaving him paralyzed and unable to speak.

4. Agnes Bourne and the Family Homes

Growing up on San Francisco's Knob Hill, Agnes Bourne shared William's love for English architecture and the landed gentry lifestyle. The Bourne family split their time between their lavish San Francisco home and a summer home near the Empire mine. Agnes played a crucial role in the development of Philo Lee's gardens, working closely with renowned artist and designer Bruce Porter to bring her vision to life.

5. The Vision for Philo Lee

William Bourne II's vision for Philo Lee was to Create a country estate where he could enjoy his retirement and live a good life. Inspired by the landscapes of England and the Crystal Springs reservoir, William carefully planned and oversaw every aspect of Philo Lee's development. The estate was designed as a Georgian Revival style English country house, with meticulous alignment between the mansion and the formal English gardens.

6. The Name Philo Lee

The origin of the name "Philo Lee" has long been a mystery. William Bourne left clues scattered around the property, but it wasn't until recently that the true significance of the name was unveiled. "Philo Lee" was derived from William's personal motto, reflecting his belief in fighting for a just cause, loving one's fellow man, and living a good life.

7. The Design and Construction of Philo Lee

The construction of Philo Lee took two years and over $425,000 to complete. Architect Willis Polk presented the Bourne family with 19 different drawings, settling on a design that closely resembled the final mansion. The meticulously aligned mansion and gardens were designed to harmonize with the natural landscape and provide stunning views of the surrounding areas.

8. The Gardens of Philo Lee

The gardens of Philo Lee are a sight to behold. Divided into two sections - the Georgian style near the house and the English Renaissance style to the south - the gardens feature intricate Patterns, stunning flower displays, and over a mile of hedges to create distinct garden rooms. Lurleen Matson Roth, the Second family to call Philo Lee home, continued the legacy of gardening excellence, adding her own touch with a vast collection of camellias.

9. The Bourne Family's Legacy

Despite facing personal tragedies, the Bourne family left a lasting legacy at Philo Lee. Their love for the estate was evident through their elaborate garden parties, elegant dinners, and even high-stakes poker games. The Bourne family's presence brought life and joy to Philo Lee, creating cherished memories and a Sense of community.

10. The Roth Family and the Preservation of Philo Lee

In 1937, Lurlene Matson Roth and her husband, William, purchased Philo Lee as a family home. During the Great Depression, many lavish estates were abandoned or demolished, but the Roths saw the importance of preserving Philo Lee. They continued the grand traditions set by the Bourne family, hosting parties and celebrations that further enriched the spirit of Philo Lee.

11. Philo Lee Today

In 1975, Lurlene Roth made the decision to donate Philo Lee to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, Philo Lee continues to enchant visitors from all walks of life. With over 60 staff members and nearly 1200 dedicated volunteers, the estate is meticulously maintained and offers educational programs, special events, and enchanting gardens for visitors to explore.

Phil Lee stands as a testament to the remarkable lives led by the Bourne and Roth families. It reminds us of the importance of preserving history and natural beauty for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. As You visit Philo Lee, let the rich stories of two prominent families guide your journey through this extraordinary estate.