William Randolph Hearst inherited a large tract of California ranchland. A section near San Simeon was used by family and friends for camping. The area took on the name of Camp Hill. Not happy with a tent arrangement, Hearst spoke with architect Julia Morgan and suggested she design a little something.
Today the Hearst Castle is made up of four main sections, including this indoor roman pool, all totaling over 90,000 square feet. The indoor pool was modeled after a 3rd century Roman bath. One inch square tiles (smalti) cover the interior area. A majority of the tile are blue, orange and clear. The special clear tile are infused with gold and cast a shimmering glow when the sun enters the large end wall windows. The statues are carved from marble, representations of the wonderful artwork of the ancient Greek and Romans.