Main Entrance — Where Every Story Begins
There are places you visit… and places that stay with you.
Filoli is one of those rare places.
This year, I chose to celebrate my birthday there—not just for its beauty, but for what it represents: legacy.
What made the visit even more meaningful was experiencing it with a guide. We visited alongside KTSF 26 anchor JiaYu Jeng, and the difference was profound.
When you understand the stories behind a place, you don’t just see it—you feel it.
And that’s true not only for historic estates… but also for real estate itself.
The Sunken Garden — Devotion to Something Bigger
Standing in the Sunken Garden, one thought stayed with me
What are we devoted to?
Filoli’s motto says it all:
FI — Fight for a just cause
LO — Love your fellow man
LI — Live a good life
This philosophy came from William Bowers Bourn II, and you can feel it in every detail of the estate.
Originally, the Burns family envisioned this as a summer retreat after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
What began as a practical idea became a surprise wedding gift—and eventually, a lasting legacy.
By the numbers, Filoli is remarkable:
- 3 years to construct
- ~$8.5 million (2020 equivalent, excluding gardens)
- 54,000+ square feet
- 56 rooms, 15 bathrooms, 17 fireplaces
But numbers don’t create legacy—intent does.
In real estate, I’ve seen the same pattern over decades:
The homes that truly hold value are not just well-built—they are well thought out, cared for, and connected to something meaningful.
The Walking Path — Where History Meets the Present
Filoli continues to evolve with history.
In 2023, it hosted a global moment—bringing together
Joe Biden and
Xi Jinping.
That single event dramatically increased awareness, especially among Chinese and Chinese-American visitors.
It’s a reminder that recognition can elevate value—but foundation creates it.
Filoli has also appeared in Hollywood, most famously in Dynasty.
Again, the theme is the same: places with character continue to attract attention over time.
What This Means in Real Estate
Walking through Filoli, I kept thinking:
In today’s market, many people focus on timing, price, or trends.
But long-term value often comes from something deeper:
- Location with lasting appeal
- Thoughtful design and livability
- A story that connects people to the home
- Care and stewardship over time
The most successful homeowners I’ve worked with over the years didn’t just buy property.
They invested in something they believed in—and held it with purpose.
Just like Filoli.
What Inspired Me
This visit reminded me:
Legacy is built through devotion.
Devotion to your values
Devotion to your craft
Devotion to creating something that lasts
For me, in real estate, that has always meant asking:
What value can we bring that goes beyond the transaction?
Because in the end, the most meaningful homes—
like Filoli—
are not just places to live.
They are places that carry stories forward.
And that made it the perfect place to celebrate another year—
not just of life, but of continuing that purpose.