A Quiet Life, Big Quiet Houses

"Mystery heiress abandons $100 million mansion in Santa Barbara"
HULIQ (August 2, 2010)

"A palatial $100 million mansion abandoned by a reclusive heiress remains empty in Santa Barbara.

"A Santa Barbara, California mansion worth $100 million has been empty for almost half a century. Bellosguardo estate overlooks the Pacific Ocean on one of the the west coast's most scenic bluffs. The owner is centenarian Huguette Clark, who is believed to have been absent for more than 50 years.

"A 23 acre estate Bellosguardo mansion

"Clark - a 104 year old heiress - lives in relative solitude in a medial care facility in New York. Her surroundings are drab compared to most homes, but the 23 acre estate she abandoned is meticulously cared for. At Bellosguardo mansion, the roses still bloom, the lawns are mowed, and it looks like the owners have just driven out for the afternoon...."

The article's a short overview of Huguette Clark's life: her two-year marriage, ending in divorce; the death of her mother; and her decision to live a secluded life.

Huquette Clark is in the news elsewhere:

"Report: Mont. copper king's heiress in NY hospital"
The Associated Press(August 2, 2010)