Sep 2, 2008

Habersham to Expand Hearst Castle Collection

TOCCOA, GA – Habersham will showcase the newest additions to its new Hearst Castle Collection during the October 20-26, 2008 International Home Furnishing Market in High Point, NC.

Making its debut during the April 2008 High Point Market, the new collection received an enthusiastic response from upscale furniture retailers and interior designers who found the dramatic architectural influences and striking interior design styling of the legendary California estate reinterpreted in grand scale case goods and elegant accent furnishings. The newest additions will be on display in Habersham’s High Point showroom, Market Square, 142.

Hearst Castle was once the private home of publisher William Randolph Hearst and is now a California State Park. The collaboration between Habersham and the Hearst Castle Collection draws its inspiration from one of the most spirited, productive and long lasting architectural and interior design projects in American history. Media magnate Hearst and Julia Morgan, the first prominent woman architect in America, collaborated for 28 years on the creation of Hearst Castle.

Fall 2008 High Point Market highlights include:
Inserito Sideboard – This dramatic design was inspired by a 16th century Brescian inlaid cabinet located in the Castle’s Assembly Room where Hearst and Marion Davies appeared each evening to welcome dinner guests. Capturing the spirit of hospitality and grandeur of the room itself, this hand-decorated piece reflects the inlaid pattern of the cabinet that inspired it. Shown in Habersham’s Saddle Brown finish with a black rub accent. The piece includes two drawers and one adjustable wood shelf behind each pair of doors.
San Simeon Sofa Table – Named for the scenic coastal California town and home of Hearst Castle, this stately occasional piece is sure to bring a rich statement into today’s home. In addition to the dramatic coastline, this piece also takes its inspiration from the many Italianesque antiques that Hearst picked up on his travels. From the sleek turning accents on the table’s sturdy legs to the meticulous detailing along its front and side, it bespeaks European Casual elegance.
Phoebe Sofa Table – Named for Hearst’s mother, Phoebe, who first cultivated her then young son’s renowned love of antiques when she took him on a year-long voyage through Europe, this sofa table reflects the design accents and influences found on many pieces throughout the Castle. Like its namesake, the table is a true study in feminine sophistication and style. Shown in Habersham’s Sandemar Multicolor finish, this piece is also available in countless other hand-styled and finish options.
Encantada Display Cabinet with glass – Sturdy but sophisticated, this display cabinet was inspired by an early 16th century Italian credenza found in the Castle’s East Room. The design includes two drawers and one adjustable glass shelf behind each set of doors. Shown in a Saddle Brown finish, this design is also available with mirrored rather than glass on the door fronts. Also available in any of Habersham’s rich finish options. 


Casa Del Monte Nightstand – This delightful design takes its inspiration from a 16th century Tuscan chest found in the right front bedroom of the Casa del Monte guest house – where guests like David Niven or Gary Cooper would have stayed and enjoyed the view from the “House Of the Mountains.” Offering 3 drawers and 1 pull out shelf for easy convenience, this design is available in any Habersham finish option.

William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951) was one of the most influential forces in the history of American journalism. He also became a movie producer, voracious collector and grand builder. Julia Morgan (1872-1957), a prolific and innovative California architect, paved the way for women in architecture. As the first woman ever to earn a certificate of architecture from the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, she designed more than 700 buildings. Working together from 1919 through 1947, Hearst and Morgan created the 165-room Hearst Castle. Also known as San Simeon and La Cuesta Encantada (The Enchanted Hill), the magnificent estate is on 250,000 acres overlooking the spectacular California coast at San Simeon Bay, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Host to California’s original celebrity café society, Hearst Castle was always referred to by William Randolph Hearst as “the ranch.” No stuffy, formal East Coast society mansion, San Simeon is truly a quintessential twentieth century American country home. 
”We felt that Habersham was the ideal manufacturer to represent the Hearst Castle Collection’s furniture category,” explains Hoyt Fields, Museum Director, Hearst Castle. “The hand-styled finishes and meticulous detailing of Habersham’s grand-scale designs and accent furnishings truly reflect the legendary style, sophistication and spirit of the Castle and offer the perfect complement to the other artisan quality home accents in the growing collection.” The Hearst Castle Collection is the registered brand name encompassing artisan quality, luxury licensed home furnishings, gifts and accessories inspired by Hearst Castle: Royalties from sales of licensed designs go directly to the preservation of Hearst Castle. Overlooking the spectacular California coast, Hearst Castle has been visited by over 36 million people since it opened to the public as a California State Historical Monument and California State Park in 1958.

Other Hearst Castle Collection licensees include The Art Group, Austin Sculpture, Barclay Butera, Castilian, Pindler & Pindler, Minka, Tilevera and Soko. Fine design and craftsmanship, produced solely by upscale artisan manufacturers, will continue the legacy of Morgan and Hearst’s collaboration while contributing to the conservation and preservation of Hearst Castle, as well as furthering its educational and interpretive mission. For more information, visit www.hearstcastlecollection.com



Now celebrating more than 35 years in business, Toccoa, Georgia-based Habersham Furniture Company is a leading manufacturer of hand-painted and styled showpiece reproductions and original furniture designs. The Habersham line features more than 600-plus pieces in 30-plus finishes, including trumeaus, armoires, chests and dressers, cupboards, media centers, occasional dining and work tables, chairs, desks and beds. The company’s expansion into kitchen and bath cabinetry and custom options in recent years allows consumers to choose from residential furniture designs, unlimited finish options and styles, and cabinetry to create a Grand European or American Casual lifestyle look that flows throughout the entire home. For more information, visit www.habershamhome.com, call 1.800.HABERSHAM or 706.886.1476 or write: Habersham, PO Box 1209, 171 Collier Road, Toccoa, GA 30577.