You're looking at a picturesque area within Filoli, a historic country estate nestled in the rolling hills of Woodside, California. What stands out immediately is the elegant classical clock tower, which isn't just a decorative accent, but actually marks the Carriage House. This building originally housed the estate's vehicles and stables, reflecting a time when such grand homes were largely self-sufficient, relying on horse-drawn transport. Filoli was built between 1915 and 1917 for William Bowers Bourn II, a prominent gold mine owner, and his wife Agnes Moody Bourn. The name "Filoli" itself is quite unique and an acronym derived from Bourn's personal credo: "FIght for a just cause; LOve your fellow man; LIve a good life." This motto was deeply ingrained in the Bourns' vision for their estate, which was not only a private residence but also a working farm and a place of beauty. The estate is renowned for its magnificent formal gardens, which you can see a glimpse of here with their meticulously manicured lawns, brick pathways, and diverse plantings, including mature trees and potted succulents. These gardens are designed in a classic European style, reminiscent of Renaissance and Baroque gardens, and are divided into many distinct "rooms," each with its own character and purpose. Many of the features, like the ornamental urns and reflecting pools, are designed to create a sense of grandeur and tranquility. Today, Filoli is a National Trust for Historic Preservation site, open to the public, offering a fascinating window into early 20th-century California estate life and horticultural excellence.