The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore in Asheville, NC
Note: all interior photos and panoramic exterior photos are courtesy of the Biltmore.com
The Largest Private Home in the Country…
The largest privately owned home in the United States is the Biltmore. Originally built in 1889, the 'house' is a fabulous mansion in the French Renaissance Chateau style with much gothic detailing...spires, gargoyles, steep pitched roofs, and gardens that go on and on. It took six years to build, and it has stayed in the Vanderbilt family since its inception.
Tapestry Gallery, with 16th century tapestries.
Attention to Details…
Before I show you more of the exterior details, let's go inside.
This was my favorite part of house...the Tapestry Gallery. The series of tapestries are referred to as The Triumph of the Seven Virtues. They were created in Flanders in the 16th century.
Don't even get me started on that fireplace...I mean, can you even imagine being served tea in a setting like this?
I can.
Mrs. Vanderbilt’s bedroom
Above, Mrs. Vanderbilt's bedroom. Something to mention about the Biltmore estate - everything here is kept up to perfection. Even the tourist experience is very well done and organized.
Detail of fireplace and chandeliers in the banquet hall.
There's many heraldic details at the Biltmore, both inside and out. This is a portion of the Banquet Hall, it's 72 feet long and 42 feet wide. Dinner for 100? No problem!
The winter garden full of palm fronds.
Manicured Gardens and Expansive Views…
The gardens of the estate are gorgeous...and the plant life inside isn't too shabby either. This is the lovely Winter Garden. Dramatic hanging lights and a glass ceiling.
A very European garden…
Stepping out into gardens, you can really appreciate the French Renaissance style. This photo, from the Biltmore Estate website, looks as if it could be a setting for a period drama, were it not for the two women on the far left path.
From a distance…
Just spectacular.
Visiting the estate is like going back in time and looking at life through the rosiest of rose glasses. They say money doesn't buy happiness....but then again.
The Biltmore view from hilltop.
My visit was in the summer, and though there were quite a few others touring the house, because of the expansive grounds, it never felt overly crowded.
This gorgeous image shows the estate from a higher perspective.
Architectural Decorative Elements…
Monogrammed stoneware on the exterior
When you have this much money, even your chimney can be monogrammed.
V - for Vanderbilt.
Joan of Arc
More exterior detail - two statues by Karl Bitters in the same limestone that clads the facade. This is Joan of Arc, and below St Louis of France.
St Louis
Though built in brick, it has a layer of limestone covering it. Gargoyles, statues, and carving abound.
A Biltmore Lion…
Interesting Biltmore Facts…
Of course, there's a set of lions that flank the front door. The other one isn't in the photo, but he's there.
So in ending....The estate is located in Asheville, NC.
On the grounds are numerous walking trails, as well as a operating vineyard. Aside from the main house, there are quite a few things to do, and the portion that is more about the winery is also well worth visiting.
There are casual restaurants, and fine-dining at the hotel on the grounds and a number of gifts shops, both on site at the main house and in the winery section of the estate.
However, if you're like me and enjoy touring historical grand houses, you'll spend most of your time around the main estate.
Now, just a few interesting fact to leave you with:
The house contains over 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms, 35 bedrooms - all total, there are 250 rooms in the house
The house includes over four acres of floor space.
The gardens were designed by the same man who created New York's Central park, Frederick Law Olmsted.
The Estate's winery, is the most visited winery in the country (probably because of the Biltmore house)
Visit the Biltmore website to learn even more…
Photos: All photos of the interior of the Biltmore House, as well as the long view, full panoramic photos are from Biltmore.com and their press kit. All exterior detail shots were taken by me.