Worlds Best Homes

Inside William Randolph Hearst's 'Western White House' in California

The neoclassical property was designed by the state's first woman architect – and includes a library inspired by the Oval Office

The Western Whitehouse, owned by William Randolph Hearst in California
(Image credit: Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty)

'The 'Western White House,' and former home of William Randolph Hearst, is currently on the market for $25 million. 

Alongside its striking similarities with the Oval Office, the Georgian Colonial was also redesigned in 1930 by California's first woman architect, Julia Morgan, the first woman admitted to the Beaux-Arts de Paris architecture program. 

The Hearst family also commissioned her to design the home following her work on Hearst Castle – similarly one of the world's best homes.  

The Western Whitehouse, owned by William Randolph Hearst in California

(Image credit: Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty)

William Randolph Hearst was a newspaper publisher and politician who is best associated with his role at Hearst Communications, America's largest newspaper chain and media company. Hearst presently owns several reputable titles, including Cosmopolitan, Esquire, and the San Francisco Chronicle – in the city where the Western White House is located. 

The 24-room home is a trove of interior inspiration – beginning most prominently with its grand entryway ideas. Here, an ornate fireplace and large chandelier set the tone for the luxury that is to come throughout the rest of the home. 

The Western Whitehouse, owned by William Randolph Hearst in California

(Image credit: Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty)

Beyond the entryway, the neutral-toned living space offers a host of living room ideas – from its statement houseplants that bring the manicured grounds inside – to the curved sofa that pays homage to one of the biggest interior design trends of the year. 

The Western Whitehouse, owned by William Randolph Hearst in California

(Image credit: Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty)

Similarly, the kitchen maintains the subtle-toned palette and exhibits a range of white kitchen ideas with its crisp cabinetry and a large kitchen island that creates a contrast with its brass marble hues.  

The Western Whitehouse, owned by William Randolph Hearst in California

(Image credit: Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty)

Perhaps the most iconic part of the property, the Oval Office-inspired library, combines traditional and contemporary American design with its wood-paneling and fashionable gray color scheme. 

And, beyond the library, the Western White House includes a range of amenities, including a fitness center, media room, home theater, and a wine cellar. 

The Western Whitehouse, owned by William Randolph Hearst in California

(Image credit: Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty)

The soft color palette also continues throughout the 11 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms – many of which overlook the lush 2.9-acres that stretch beyond the window. The estate exhibits a range of timeless garden ideas from its statue-studded pool to the ivy arches, columns, and rose garden that replicate the White House further.  

The Western Whitehouse, owned by William Randolph Hearst in California

(Image credit: Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty)

Jennifer Gilson of Sotheby's International Realty currently holds the listing for $25 million.  

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.