A&E - America's Castles: Hearst Castle at San Simeon

At a time when most of America pinched pennies media mogul William Randolph Hearst commissioned one of the largest homes ever built. Centerpiece of an estate nearly half the size of Rhode Island the 165-room San Simeon overlooks the California countryside from a hilltop high above the Pacific. From the initial plans in 1918 to an all-access tour HEARST CASTLE is a fascinating look at this extraordinary mansion. Rare home movies show its construction rumored to have cost $30 million and offer a glimpse of Hearst's storybook life entertaining guests like Charlie Chaplin and Carole Lombard. See exquisite artworks including a priceless 14th century Madonna and Child and visit rooms that are off limits to the public. AMERICA'S CASTLES invites you to explore the home at the heart of a private kingdom San Simeon.