Filoli Historic House and Garden
Rarely is there a place that immediately transports you to another world once you step in it. Filoli is one of them. One the Bay Area's best kept secrets, it took me a few years to learn about this hidden gem.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the tech valley, Filoli quietly sits just half an hour away from San Francisco at Woodside. Nestled in a serene location surrounded by mountains and the Peninsula watershed, it has served as a stunning backdrop for multiple film locations and events.
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It offers several breathtaking venues, most of them in their 16-acre garden, perfect for weddings and other celebrations. My favorites include the Entry Courtyard with the impressive entrance to the historic house in the background. The outdoor Pool Pavilion elegantly framed with a handsome allée of yews. And last but not least is the Ballroom. The incredible paintings, gold trimmings, majestic fireplace and crystal chandeliers lend an old world European charm that sets the stage for an enchanting reception.
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I was initially attracted to the idea of featuring Filoli as a wedding location mostly for the lush gardens as this powerfully infuses any celebration with good yang (or growth) energy. But as I walked through the historic house, I found myself pleasantly surprised stumbling upon one feng shui element after another.
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Lovely oriental ginger jars (commonly used as wealth vases) were scattered throughout the home. Got a glimpse of several intricate Chinese screens, the last of which was an enormous one from the early 19th century that depicted 100 children at play within a palace garden, a traditional motif usually associated with weddings to ensure fertility.
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You could easily spend an entire day touring Filoli. I suggest that you buy your tickets in advance and plan to arrive in the morning when they open their doors so you can leisurely enjoy the space without the crowds. They have a cafe should you get hungry and also make sure to visit their garden shop.
This place truly is magical. As I left the estate, I noticed a sign that explained its name. It read: William Bourne, the first owner of the estate, named it Filoli which stands for: "FIght for a just cause, LOve your fellow man, LIve a good life."
That, in and of itself, is good feng shui.
Marge
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