Filmmakers Catherine Ryan and Gary Weimberg's fascinating PBS-aired documentary chronicles the history of Carolands, a seemingly doomed project that spanned the entire 20th century and only found its permanent purpose in the 21st. The story begins with Harriett Pullman, daughter of George Pullman and heiress to the latter's vast railroad fortune, who acquired her money while relatively young, married American Frank Carolan, and settled in the San Francisco area at a time when wealthy industrialists were building mansions. The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 sent those rich families farther away, to Hillsborough, a community designed to keep common folk out (e.g., no sidewalks were allowed). Here, Harriett decided to build the grandest mansion of all, a 98-room chateau called Carolands, designed by Beaux Arts architect Ernest Sanson. With its completion delayed by World War I and various other obstacles, Carolands cost Harriett nearly her entire fortune yet never came close to realizing her dream that it would become a destination for America's aristocracy. After changing hands several times and sliding into ruin during lengthy periods of neglect, Carolands finally came into the possession of its current owners, a foundation that hosts fundraisers there. Rich in historical detail, The Heiress and Her Chateau is the story of an elusive dream, not only for Harriett but also others who fell in love with both Sanson's artistry and the heiress's obsession. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
The Heiress and Her Chateau: Carolands of California
(2014) 56 min. DVD: $99.99. Luna Productions. PPR. ISBN: 978-1-63443-435-5. Volume 30, Issue 2
The Heiress and Her Chateau: Carolands of California
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