Filoli Review

Read our San Jose and Silicon Valley sights reviews. Or post your own.

Filoli

Fodor's Review:

One of the few great country houses in California that remains intact is Filoli. Built between 1915 and 1917 for wealthy San Franciscan William B. Bourn II, it was designed by Willis Polk in a Georgian-revival style, with redbrick walls and a tile roof. The name is Bourn's acronym for "fight, love, live." Alongside the house are 16 acres of formal gardens, which include a sunken garden and a teahouse in the Italian Renaissance style. Guided tours leave several times daily (reservations essential) but during open hours you can tour yourself around at any time. (Note that while the park is open until 3:30, you must arrive before 2:30 to be admitted.) From June through September Filoli is the site of a series of Sunday afternoon jazz concerts, and in December the mansion is festively decorated for a series of holiday events including afternoon teas and Christmas concerts.

  • Cost: $12
  • Open: Mid-Feb.-Oct., Tues.-Sat. 10-3:30, Sun. 11-3:30
Find more sights in San Jose and Silicon Valley »

Member Reviews and Ratings

Be the first to review this property

Get Advice From Other Travelers

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip



Get the Fodor's Newsletter

For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Read the current issue. Browse previous issues.




Copyright © 2009 Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House, Inc.