Tickets for the tours of Bellosguardo, the mysterious estate on the bluff above East Beach, sold out immediately, but more tours will be announced in coming months, so sign up as a supporter on the Bellosguardo Foundation’s website to receive updates.
If you were lucky enough to snag a spot, here’s what to expect…. An email explains that the tour runs 90 minutes, with the following rules: no one under 14; no non-service animals; no food or drink except water; and no indoor photography. Also, you can’t walk to the property—you have to drive a car, ride a bike, or take an Uber.
The driveway is one-way, and for some reason you’re directed to enter via the exit, which means you sneak up on the estate from behind instead of getting the grand, ocean-view arrival that architect Reginald Johnson surely intended. The parking area has a novel view of Cabrillo Boulevard.
Our tour was the first one, and as a result, it only had six guests, along with three docents (one from the Santa Barbara Historical Museum). After we oohed and aahed over the motor court—which surely inspired the one at 491 Pimiento Lane*—we were given a bit of back story about the house. The short version: Anna Clark, widow of copper baron William Andrews Clark, built it in 1933 as a vacation home but didn’t use it much. After she died, her daughter Huguette never visited but refused to sell (including to the former Shah of Iran and Ty Warner, according to the guides). Her wish was that it become a center for the arts after her death. (*Update 12/21: Jo says that 491 Pimiento Lane’s motor court was actually inspired by Casa del Herrero.)
For now, the tour is limited to the ground-floor public rooms, because the elevator hasn’t been fixed yet and allowing people to use the stairs when no other access is possible apparently violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. (If ever a piece of legislation needed tweaking….). Upstairs will be open someday, according to the guides, although from what I gathered, the foundation plans on offering various sub-tours, the better to get guests to go more than once.
Personally, I was satisfied with the public rooms. The carved wood paneling, in particular, is ravishing: it was taken from centuries-old European walls for the Clarks’ over-the-top New York City mansion, and then, after that was sold, moved out west to Santa Barbara. And unlike a lot of folks online, I don’t think the $100 ticket price is extreme—but then I have a thing for seeing new places, especially prominent ones that have been off-limits.
At most grand-old-house tours, the point is to experience how people lived in a given period and/or celebrate a great life. Bellosguardo, however, was occupied for a total of maybe 18 months, and Huguette Clark was a recluse who didn’t do anything notable besides paint; while she was a fine artist, her work hardly warrants a dedicated museum. Without any other arts programming besides a room of Clark’s paintings, Bellosguardo is all about the craftsmanship of the house and the antiques inside it.
After an hour, we ventured outside to explore the area around the house.
Sure, the house is magnificent, but the grounds are drop-dead spectacular. For my money, the 23-acre property makes the most sense as a civilized park—limit the amount of visitors, if you must—because the land is being wasted if it’s only enjoyed by a handful of people trickling in for a tour of the house.
The guides led us to a rose garden without roses, a lotus pond without lotuses, a tennis court gone to seed…. The grounds want restoration and will probably get it over time, but again, why bother if so few people can enjoy them? Why not make it a beautiful, living place rather than a zombie bauble?
The garden had marvelous character, even if not much is living there besides kiwi plants, of all things. Love the wooden gates….
I’m not sure whether the outbuildings were meant to be included on the tour; the organizers seem to be figuring out some things as they go. Our group was delighted by two side-by-side structures: the carriage house from the Graham family estate that preceded Bellosguardo and a remarkably stylish lathe house.
We got to peek inside the carriage house, currently used for storage and as a workshop, but the no-photo rule applied.
As the tour wound down, we moseyed along a road back to the house. The case for converting the estate into a park only grew more compelling. To anyone thinking of turning his or her estate into a museum: being important now is no guarantee that anyone will care about you in 50 or 100 years.
The structure below is Andrée’s Cottage, a playhouse named for Huguette’s sister, Andrée, who died in her teens. The bird refuge across the street is named for her; the Clarks donated the money to make it happen.
We got to exit via the scenic route, pausing to snap photos along the way….
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Hugette’s story is so bizarre. So lonely and sad to me. Empty Mansions is a fabulous read and reveals so much about her story and her wealth. Another Gilded Age tragic tale.
Celeste, I recently missed reading the book and I felt exactly the same way you do.
I don’t think it’s bizarre at all. Hugette’s father taught her to be wary of gold digging strangers. After her sister, dad, mom died, she basically withdrew from life. Her dolls (yes weird) always brought her comfort, but IMO cats & dogs would have been more rewarding companions for her.
I agree with your comment, Julie. I, also, do not find Huegette’s reclusive life bizarre, considering her father’s advice, and I’m happy for her that she found comfort in her doll collection.
How utterly and heartbreakingly sad; this property was left to basically rot all these years and the foundation set up to make this place available to our twon does nothing but collect money and sell her dolls, or so it seems.
I drive by there often in the evenings and have seen cars come and go, this was before the tours opened, and wonder why the lights upstairs were on – what is really going on? I wonder but will wait for my turn at a tour at what was once a gem in our midst.
Perhaps the foundation should connect with the folks at Lotusland or Casa de Herrera or someplace similar to see how to make this accessible and restore the former glory.
Bravo! Excellent idea! These people have had years in dealing with historical properties. You don’t just want to open it up as a “civilized” public park. It needs to be preserved.
Their hands might be tied by Hugette’s will.
In the late 80’s, my cousin was one of the groundskeepers. I’m bummed I was a silly teenager then and didn’t realize how cool this property was. I only met him at the entrance, I should have driven up. I missed out!!
“Her wish was that it become a center for the arts after her death.” So why isn’t this happening? Our http://www.LatinxArtsProject.org board would be happy to help with this – – and in an inclusive manner! Leslie A. Westbrook
TYVM for taking the tour and sharing here! Wow! It’s surely a bit heartbreaking to see the grounds in such poor shape. What’s been going on there all these decades? And to now open it to the “public” – without even cleaning out that tennis court or powerwashing the brick walks? Just makes me scratch my head about what condition the inside of the buildings are in. Again – I thought this place has had keepers? Seems like all that’s been there is an inexpensive and fast “mow and blow” service.
Love the story, and thank you for sharing the many pictures! You mentioned that the inspiration for the motor court at 491 Pimento must have come from Bellosguardo….the motor court at 491 was inspired by Casa del Herrero many years ago, when the 491 property was first developed. The black stones were a popular paver back in the day and still make a dramatic impression. I like your idea of using the estate for more than a museum. Think about Huntington Gardens, for example, where the entire estate and out buildings work together for a variety of educational and cultural experiences. We have a ” jewel” we need to recognize and value.
Thanks for the great photos! I love going on house and garden tours, but I didn’t want to support an organization that has made so little progress (and is so opaque) to meet the intentions of Huguette’s will. I felt like I would be supporting the salary of that guy currently in charge instead of the skilled laborers need to restore the place.
Had the terms of the Clark gift to the city permitted the sale of Bellosguardo to the highest bidder the city could have avoided the work & expense of making the property compliant with a multitude of regulations and instead have established an arts endowment in perpetuity.
Stephen, you have it backwards. She did not leave Bellosguardo to the city, but to a private foundation. The city has incurred no expense. The foundation has applied to the city for permission to open for public tours.
We know you made plenty of money off her death and are just covering for those who are dishonoring her wishes to mine their own pockets.
So True ~ he couldn’t even get the major facts right about her $6Billion Fortune. Just asked the public for stories. When Mort Zuckerman was on the Mclauglin Group tv show, John asked him “who’s richest in your set?” & MZ replied “ I would say Huguette Clark, because hers is all cash!”
Huguette Clark’s will states that the Bellosguardo Foundation’s primary purpose is “fostering and promoting the arts, for the benefit of the public.” Now, after eight years of doing nothing, they’re offering those “lucky enough to snag a spot” a limited tour of the grounds for $100 a pop?
Her will also directs the foundation to make grants that support arts organizations. I’ve checked the last seven years of public filings, and the total amount of grants made is ZERO.
The late Ms. Clark would surely be unhappy with the leadership of her foundation. Until the current president and his cronies on the board are replaced, I won’t be supporting it.
Santa Barbara has a critical need for Visiting Artist Housing, all kinds of artists, actors, designers, directors, stage crafts, musicians. Why not the place?
If it purposes is in support of the Arts, Housing for Artists would meet an urgent need. Theaters and Arts Organizations and comply with the mission
I recently visited Clarksdale AZ, the town established by Sen. Clark for his workers in his Jerome Az. copper mine. Nearby Cottonwood has a marvelous and extensive Copper Museum. This lead me to the book Empty Mansions and the story of Huguette Clark and Bellosguardo. Im very interested in a tour when they become available. Im a graduate of UC Santa Barbara.
If entering the property from the driveway closest to the beach, there is a cluster of small buildings at beach level, below the estate driveway. Are these structures associated with the Clark estate? If so, what is/was its purpose?
Yes, the Clark beach house and cabanas are part of the Bellosguardo property. They were used at times by Clark family, friends, and staff.
Thanks Bill! Would love to know more about these structures. I don’t believe I read about them in your book.
I am interested in learning about future tours.
To be in the loop about future tours, go to https://www.bellosguardo.org/visit, click on “become a supporter,” and fill out the form.
We (my friend and I) went to one of the tours of the estate as well. We didn’t get tosee the outer strustures, jus the ground floor of the main building and the adjacent grounds.
I just wanted to second the opinion that the estate should be turned into a park. It is such a waste to have it available for the handful of people only!
We have friends visiting in early August and we are wondering how and if we can obtain tickets?
Richard Enloe
To be in the loop about future tours, go to https://www.bellosguardo.org/visit, click on “become a supporter,” and fill out the form.
Where and how can I get tickets for late June???
I recently visited Clarksdale AZ, the town established by Sen. Clark for his workers in his Jerome Az. copper mine. Nearby Cottonwood has a marvelous and extensive Copper Museum. This lead me to the book Empty Mansions and the story of Huguette Clark and Bellosguardo. Im very interested in a tour when they become available. Im a graduate of UC Santa Barbara.
Jeez they didn’t even replace a few rose bushes? What have they been doing for the past 10 years??? What a grift.
She maintained the rose garden for her friend, despite the major difficulties in growing roses next to the ocean. She had them covered every night, which was a bother to the ghastly griping caretaker, who she fired in 2007. After she left the final time that year he yanked them all out! They were very sweet old fashioned roses in marvelous colours. Everyone should pray that sweet Huguette will finally get some Justice after all this wicked selfish mendacity.
Who did she maintain the rose garden for.
Looks like a beautiful place, can’t wait to see it. My daughter
Is fascinated by both the story about and the pictures of Bello Seguado and we are looking forward to seeing it.
Im
The entire thing is so tragic ~ Huguette came every Summer up until her last visit in 2007, that’s when she fired Jon Douglas for ignoring her instructions. She always stopped there on her way to & from Hawaii where she went every Winter – that was her favourite house, across the street from Doris Duke’s Shangri-la, which she sold in 2007. She was the sole owner of Madison Square Gardens since the ‘20’s, and, owned the entire building at 905 5th Avenue – where she owned both penthouses & the front half of th 8th floor. She left her true Will with the IRS (for safety = she thought) because she didn’t trust her lawyers, and she re-signed it every year in front of them for over 30 years to prove her intent on leaving everything to her friend (who knew her & her Mother since he was a baby) for whom she maintained all her properties. IRS ignored her instructions & confiscated most of her Fortune, which dreadful Dina Merrill estimated at “around $6Billion”. After her stroke in 2008 left her unable to communicate the crooked lawyers brought Douglas back & refused to let her old friend onto the property, saying “tough! She can’t do anything about it now!” The Foundation was their idea, she had other, grander & benevolent plans for all her properties. Truly Tragic!!
This post is riddled with falsehoods and inaccuracies: Huguette had not visited Bellosguardo since the 1950s. She did not own Madison Square Garden, nor did she winter in Hawaii or own a home there. And so on…
Bettye you are so completely wrong dear! Huguette most certainly came every Summer up until 2007 & absolutely did own the house in Hawaii where she went every Winter. She did own Madison Square Gardens & the entire building at 905 5th Avenue. Why should you pretend to know? These are the facts. As before when Mort Zuckerman was on the McLauglin Group show Johnnasked him “who’s richest in your set?” Zuckerman replied “I would say Huguette Clark because hers is all cash.” Her Fortune was estimated at “around six Billion” by Dina Merrill. The IRS ignored her Will & confiscated most of her Estate, the lawyers pilfered much of the rest of it!
Tad, what is your source for your assertion that Huguette Clark owned Madison Square Garden? If you Google “Huguette Clark Madison Square Garden,” there’s only one place on the entire internet where such a claim is made: this thread on SitelineSB.
Moreover, she did not own the entire building at 907 (*not* 905) Fifth Avenue; she owned all of the eighth floor and half of the 12th.
Also, from my (admittedly not extensive) research, Ms. Clark entered Doctors Hospital on March 26, 1991 for treatment of basal cell cancers on her face and never left until she died on May 24th, 2011, making it highly unlikely she was visiting here as recently as 2007 (most sources say she never returned to Bellosguardo after the 1950s).
Finally, while Huguette was indeed a frequent visitor to Hawaii, at least in her late teens/early twenties when she even took surfing lessons, I’ve been unable to locate any evidence that she ever owned a home there.
So, again, sources please?
Oh – she absolutely did own MSG – since the ‘20’s. Did own the entire building at 905 5th & both penthouses + front half of 8th floor – her Mothers apartment. She hired the founder of Santa Barbara Solstice Michael Gonzalez to take care of her Art is why his name was on 12E. She loved her house in Hawaii, her favourite – ‘30’s Hawaiian style! I visited her there in the eighties, many times at Bellosguardo from 1977 to 2007, and at her penthouses in 1983. She also rebuilt her house outside Denver in 1994 and still had the apartment in Paris where she grew up. They couldn’t go back there after her Sister died – “too painful, all her school Art hanging on the walls,,,”. Everyone who knew her knew she was the richest girl in America for many decades, and they included all the people at the Top ~ like Dina, Zuckerman, and tragically, th IRS who ignored her True Will she was decades long verifying. She fired Jon Douglas in 2007 for ignoring her specific instructions, the crooked lawyers brought him back after her stroke saying”tough, she can’t do anything about it now!” and then the California lawyer gets himself on the board of this bogus Foundation. Her Mother, Sister, and cousin are buried across the wall in the cemetery, where she told me “there are two spaces left, one for me & one for you.” They are in an almost straight line from the barn at the cemetery edge. Instead they stuck her in the Bronx w/ his first family ~ whom she had nothing to do with as she said they had been really mean to her & worse to her Mother. These are the True Facts as some of her real friends & of course GOD know!
Tad darling–sources please. You clearly have inside information that NOBODY can corroborate.
She also owned Clark’s Shoes & was proud of her “cobblers upstate”. Her last visitor at Bellosguardo was Gore Vidal in 2007 ~ he had a stroke in the limousine on the way up the driveway & never got out of the car, she had to send him home. Surprising more locals haven’t stuck up for her ~ everyone knew when she was in town every Summer because the front gate was open & you could drive up to the phone, if admitted the second gate would swing open.
Tad, your slandering of Jon Douglas is offensive.
Jon Douglas is offensive! He testified under oath he’d never met Huguette, when she had introduced me to him there in 1977 & he ignored her instructions. He is as guilty as her lawyers for disrespecting her intentions & thwarting her noble benevolent wishes for her properties, which she maintained all those decades for me. She fired him when she found out in 2007 & after her stroke left her unable to communicate the rooked lawyers brought him back ~ to facilitate their sinister agenda. Guilty!
Tad,
Do you have any credible sources to back up any of your claims?
They are highly contradictory to all published facts regarding Huguette?
I would be very interested to learn more. Do you have pictures of your many interactions with her and visits to her properties.
The two books are just full of lies & assumptions. The cousin had already written the history of the family she said, he was the only one she admired because he had made his own fortune. Then the author tacked on his collection of hearsay & the lawyers/caretakers bogus smokescreen of misinformation. While she did rent a room at the hospital & started sleeping there at night for safety (after what happened in 8W) when she was in town, she was picked up every day by Mr Gonzalez and was at home ~ they actually lived in the house they built on the roof to have higher ceilings, it was very Taos style minimalist as popularized by Georgia O’Keefe. That is why she was on the books at the hospital (who also lied) for so long. She spent every Summer in Santa Barbara & every Winter in Hawaii up until 2007. She was sad to see the Miramar had closed. It was because her Sister caught something fatal across the street at “the bird toilet” that they spent all the money to beautify the bird lagoon. She said Andree’ was the dynamo & focus of the family ~ “we were all sure she would be the first female President of the USA” ~ that’s why they were so devastated. She showed me where the hidden safe is in the house & how to open it, then she took me to a place on the property & said “we buried a tonne of gold here just in case,,, now only you & I know where it is.” The air charter, limousine service, and security company could all show her being there up till 2007. They generated their own electricity onsite, down by the cabana was a giant tuning fork thing that made it. Everyone should press the IRS to produce her True Will ~ she had such noble benevolent intentions for her properties, especially after the Miracle both she & rotten jon douglas witnessed in the cemetery in 1977 – a brilliant Light that became an Angel with her Mothers face! That’s when she retreated from the world to focus on the Spritual, so she could be an Angel too like Anna! May the Truth be unveiled after all this wretched mendacity . . .
In 1979 my parents were caretaker on the Clarke Estate. I got ready for my wedding day the house full of family much going on. The estate was always taken care of the inside the main house everything covered in white. We are a large family many happy times. We had easter hunts,blowing bubbles,bbq s everything is always cleaned up all 10 grandkids with tons of outdoors space. Seeing that there now selling tickets for tours
Hi Tad,
You have made several, seemingly outlandish, claims. Some are very interesting if true, however, you haven’t provided any evidence to corroborate them. Your alternate history is moderately entertaining to read though.
Methinks that “Tad” is a keyboard krank desperately trying to entertain us. There is NOTHING in it “Tad’s” suppositions that can be proved. Perhaps we need to get Hadassah Peri to chime in.
I agree Bettye, about Tad and Hadassah. Hadassah would be a great source and I bet could shed a lot of light about Huguette. Maybe she’ll share some day.
~ okay if you don’t want to believe the Truth! Yet you’ll all believe anything written in a book. At least GOD knows that every word I’ve said is accurate. You can certainly check with all the sources mentioned. Maybe get a psychic ~ though you’ll find that Huguette still doesn’t want to be bothered, even on the Astral plane! Every super rich person in New York knows it’s all 100% True.
Not trying to entertain anyone hunty, but to enlighten you as I fight for Justice for my oldest friend ~ have known Huguette & her Mother since I was a baby. Have provided a dozen sources to verify, yet you armchair observers want easy to find instant answers online. That is the whole reason behind corporate holdings – to shield the owners identity. It is what everyone uses in Hawaii to hide where they live. This was an organized attempt by lawyers, accountant, employees & hospital to obfuscate the True Intentions of this brilliant woman, which were of the most noble & benevolent nature for the benefit of Humanity. She certainly didn’t keep everyone out of her Mothers house just to open it as a tourist attraction with no purpose, except greed.
I’m going on a tour of Bellosguardo next week. Where is the safe and gold buried?