Last updated: 4/7/2012
86 Canada Road
Woodside, CA 94062
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Anne Taylor
phone: 650-364-8300
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Christina Syrett
phone:
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Located 30 miles south of San Francisco, Filoli is an historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century. Whether enjoying its beauty or pursuing its educational opportunities, we invite you to explore this cherished community resource.
Designed by Willis Polk and noted for its elegant interiors, the House is an interpretive museum exhibit for an extensive collection of 17th and 18th century English antiques. Special rooms of interest include the Butler's Pantry and Kitchen with the walk-in safe, the wood paneled library and the 1925 Ernest Peixotto paintings in the Ballroom
Exquisitely beautiful and ever-changing, the gardens of Filoli offer visitors the chance to learn about the estate's renowned horticulture practices or to simply enjoy the serenity for which they were designed.
The Filoli Libraries and Florilegium provide valuable resources for the study of horticulture, botany, the arts, local history and more. We are proud to make our collections available to the community.
The Filoli Nature Preserve occupies most of the acreage beyond the House, Garden, orchard and parking area. It is an outstanding area for nature education, offering a variety of ecosystems within a compact area including mixed forests, redwood stands, chaparral, riparian, pond and cultivated grasslands.
Filoli offers a wonderful array of special events and exhibits throughout the year, including our traditional Mother's Day Flower Show, Jazz at Filoli (six Sunday afternoon concerts), Holiday Traditions and our always popular monthly Afternoon Tea at Filoli.
Additionally, the Gallery at Filoli will present an interesting series of art and decorative art exhibits in 2011. Mark your calendar and plan your visits.
Experience this lovely tradition in the relaxing and gracious ambiance of Filoli. Enjoy delicious sandwiches, seasonal salads, scones with fresh lemon curd and pastries presented on linen tablecloths. Tea is served in our beautiful collection of china teacups, donated through the years by Filoli members and volunteers.
Our Mission: Filoli is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation and stewardship of the cultural traditions and natural history of this country estate for public education and enjoyment
Filoli was built for Mr. and Mrs. William Bowers Bourn, prominent San Franciscans whose chief source of wealth was the Empire Mine, a hard-rock gold mine in Grass Valley, California. Mr. Bourn was also owner and president of the Spring Valley Water Company whose property comprised Crystal Springs Lake and the surrounding lands, areas that are now part of the San Francisco Water Department. He selected the southern end of Crystal Springs Lake as the site for his estate
Construction of Filoli began in 1915 and the Bourns moved into the House in 1917. Bruce Porter, a talented painter, sculptor, muralist, landscape designer and art critic was enlisted to help the Bourns plan the layout of the extensive formal garden that was built between 1917 and 1929. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bourn died in 1936.
A prime example of the California eclectic style, Filoli provides an inspiring vision of a new Eden, with bountiful land, plentiful resources and an emphasis on self-sufficiency. Built more than sixty years after the California Gold Rush that inspired massive migration to Northern California, and ten years after the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire in San Francisco, Filoli represented a desire to create a magnificent and enduring country estate.
Filoli inspires continued education and supports personal growth and enjoyment by offering programs for adults, children and families. Topics such as history, horticulture, art, botanical art, decorative arts, floral design, nature and preservation are taught by knowledgeable instructors.
See our website to explore from the following areas:
Adult Programs
Children and Families
Garden Internships
Teachers and School Programs
Libraries
The Sterling Library is located in the upstairs sitting room over the study. Originally conceived by Filoli Center as a research library in horticulture and garden design, the Library's mission has been expanded to include decorative arts and other topics directly related to Filoli. Outstanding collections in these areas make the Sterling Library an excellent source for professionals as well as dedicated amateurs. Fireside Chats, a wonderful Filoli member benefit, take place in the Sterling Library. Open by appointment.
The Friend's Library, a circulating library for members of Friends of Filoi, is located in one of the family bedrooms. This library is an excellent source of material on gardens, horticulture, garden history, history of the area and decorative arts. Many books encourage travel to the famous gardens of the world. This library also has an outstanding collection of in-house DVDs and videos of Filoli and the two families for whom it was home, and copies of films made on the property. Open to members of Filoli by appointment
Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members
Appointment required: No
Filoli is available for private lunches, meetings, educational seminars and other similar events. Reservations can be made six months in advance, space permitting. Rental fees include admission during open hours, parking and other ammenities. Filoli is NOT available for fundraisers, auctions (live or silent), political events, parties, celebrations, weddings or commitment ceremonies.
Our exquisite Gardens and historic House are famous worldwide. To enhance an already fabulous day in the country, dine with us at the Café at Filoli. Nestled in the woods, our beautiful conservatory-style room offers a peaceful setting and memorable cuisine. The Café boasts a high-quality luncheon menu, complete with some standards and many imaginative combinations, which will reward your palate. Our menu will always surprise you with daily additions and a constant rotation of spectacular desserts. We offer a full coffee and espresso bar to satisfy your coffee requests. The pleasure is ours to serve you and your enjoyment is our top priority.
We offer a variety of tours to help enrich your Filoli experience. All tours are free with the price of admission. Prepaid advanced reservations are recommended, especially during April and May.
The Filoli Garden Shop is located under the beautiful clock tower in the Carriage House next to the entrance to the Sunken Garden. Our shop is filled with cheerful seasonal and Filoli-inspired merchandise, clothing and furniture throughout the year. You can also find a variety of plants, garden decor and accessories located in the courtyard adjacent to the Shop.
Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Restaurant
Group Tours
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