The Biltmore Estate

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Recently took my first visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The Biltmore was originally constructed in 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt. The Estate at its height included 125,000 acres. Now it includes 8,000. Much of the previous land is now a part of Pisgah National Forest. It still includes the house, the stables, Deerpark, Lionel Crest, a winery, Riverbend Farm, gardens, guest homes, servant homes, trails, a village, gift shops, a gatehouse, a farmers' cottage, and wildlife.

The house itself has 250 rooms spread amongst 4 floors. The basement houses an indoor swimming pool, a bowling alley, a gym, dressing rooms, kitchens, and pantries. There's an indoor winter garden, an intercom system, a grand staircase, bedrooms, a banquet room, a library, a music room, an organ, batchelors' quarters, a billiards room, a gun room, and many other novelties. The Biltmore has an intercom system, fire alarms, and an elevator. The old stables have been converted to gift shops. The gardens still boast a Conservatory full of tropical flowers. The bass pond has a boathouse. There are reflecting pools as well.

The Biltmore is still owned and managed by the Vanderbilts, though it's now open to the public as a museum and no one lives there any longer. The money made by admission is used for upkeep and restoration. It's a beautiful place and lovely for a vacation.

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