Filoli, A Grand European Country Estate in Our Own Backyard

Located in Woodside, south of highway 92 and and west of highway 280, The 654-acre Filoli estate is much more than the three seconds of fame it received as the opening scene from the 1980’s prime time soap opera Falcon Crest.  Filoli is a grand country estate with formal gardens that has been open for all to enjoy since 1975.  Its 36,000 square foot main house as well as its lovely formal gardens are open for guided and self guided tours during the open season which runs from mid February through the end of October.  In addition to its tours, Filoli offers nature hikes, orchard tours, flower cutting tours and several educational programs.  Filoli is also host to several “can’t miss” special events during the year.  The year ends at Filoli with the immensely popular Holiday Traditions at Filoli.

It does not matter the time of the year you go to Filoli, because its seems as if there are beautiful flowers blooming all year. The pictures below were taken on October 28, 2007.

Filoli is open from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Tuesday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Sundays.  For the budding horticulturalist there is a garden shop where you can purchase books, plants, seeds, and supplies.  If you need a break there is a cafe that serves soups, salads, and sandwiches etc.   The deserts are especially decadent.  On select Wednesdays there is a “reservation only” afternoon tea.  Admission to Filoli is $12 for adults, $5 for students (ages 5-17 or with student I.D.), and free for those under the age of 5.  Filoli is wheelchair accessible in both the house and gardens.