Mr. Vanderbilt's Bedroom

Rivaling many shopping malls in size, the 178,926 square foot Biltmore Estate (the size of the average mall in the U.S. is a measly 56,000 sq. ft.) displays the peak of opulence and elegance that was enjoyed by the uber-rich of America's Gilded Age. Located in the mountains of western North Carolina outside the city of Asheville, the statistics that describe the estate boggle the mind...four acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms (at a time when most people were still using outhouses), 65 fireplaces, 3 kitchens, an indoor swimming pool and bowling alley, a dairy farm, a 250 acre wooded park, 5 pleasure gardens (including a Conservatory for exotic and tropical plants), 30 miles of roads, all surrounded by 125,000 acres (195 square miles) of pristine mountain forest.

Total cost: an estimated $10 million (In 2021 dollars: $318,000,000)

Opened in 1895, the home was the residence of George Vanderbilt along with his wife Edith and daughter Cornelia until his death in 1914. Upon his death and according to his wishes Edith sold off 85,000 acres to the federal government to help establish Pisgah National Forest, one of the first in the eastern U.S. As the Great Depression intensified, costs of maintaining the estate began to strain the finances of the family so, in 1930, it was opened for tours to the public. The family continued to utilize the estate as a private home until 1956 when it officially became a museum. Today, the Biltmore Estate is still owned and operated by descendants of George Vanderbilt and has become one of the biggest visitor attractions in North Carolina. Understandably, the costs of maintaining the estate have continued to escalate and, accordingly, admission prices have risen to almost prohibitive levels for the average family. Despite the admission the chance to walk the halls of a home, the grandeur of which is hard to fathom even to this day, is an opportunity I highly recommend taking if you have the chance. In this album I take a self-guided tour of the grand old home which, I hope, will give just a taste of what you'll discover inside...ENJOY!!!

4-21-2018

Biltmore Estate - House Tour (NC)

Biltmore House & Esplanade
Walking the short distance from the parking area the surrounding forest hides the estate until almost the last moment before opening up on the terrace above the esplanade, at which point all the grandeur of the house opens up before you...
Biltmore House & Esplanade
Walking the short distance from the parking area the surrounding forest hides the estate until almost the last moment before opening up on the terrace above the esplanade, at which point all the grandeur of the house opens up before you...
Biltmore House
Photos don't really impress upon you how massive this building is, here's some stats...the footprint of the house covers 4 acres, total square footage: 175,000, contains 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and 3 kitchens...
Biltmore House
The Biltmore House from the fountain on the esplanade...
Biltmore House
Photos don't really impress upon you how massive this building is, here's some stats...the footprint of the house covers 4 acres, total square footage: 175,000, contains 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and 3 kitchens...
The Stables
Over at the north end of the home is what used to be the stable area, which now houses a variety of gift shops and cafe's...
Veranda
The veranda on the south end of the home overlooks the south terrace and is shaded naturally by a thick tangle of vines...
South Terrace
The South Terrace is a massive open patio with sweeping views to the west across the French Broad Valley...
Biltmore House
The towering western wall of the Estate as seen from the South Terrace...
Biltmore Estate
As you can see the home faces an expansive panorama looking across a landscape which, at one time, was mostly owned by Vanderbilt...
Biltmore Estate -- South Terrace Panorama
Although the estate grounds are now limited to around 8,000 acres much of the distant landscape visible to the south and west was all once owned by Vanderbilt...
Biltmore Home -- Eastern Exterior
The craftsmanship that went into building this home is truly remarkable...
Winter Garden
Main Floor -- Upon entering the main entrance, the self-guided tour begins by circling the magnificent indoor "Winter Garden" where a variety of plants create a lush green welcome to the home...
Banquet Hall
Main Floor -- The towering, seven-story, banquet hall lies just to the north of the Winter Garden. Tapestries line the walls, a trio of massive chandeliers hang overhead, and a triple fireplace is located at the west end...
Banquet Hall & Organ Loft
Above the east end of the hall is the Organ Loft, whose huge silver pipes can be seen overhead...
Banquet Hall
Main Floor -- The towering, seven-story, banquet hall lies just to the north of the Winter Garden. Tapestries line the walls, a trio of massive chandeliers hang overhead, and a triple fireplace is located at the west end...
Breakfast Room
Main Floor -- Leaving the west end of the Banquet Hall is the much smaller Breakfast Room where the Vanderbilt's enjoyed both breakfasts and lunches...
Salon
Main Floor -- Directly to the west of the Winter Garden and alongside the Breakfast Room is the "Salon", a French-style sitting room that actually wasn't completed until after Vanderbilt's time here...
Music Room
Main Floor -- South of the Salon is this room, also unfinished during Vanderbilt's time, decorated with various antique items...
Tapestry Gallery
Main Floor -- Reaching out to the south wing of the Estate is this huge hall decorated with a variety of large tapestries. This was basically a large sitting area sporting a wonderful view of the mountains to the west...
Tapestry Gallery
Main Floor -- Reaching out to the south wing of the Estate is this huge hall decorated with a variety of large tapestries. This was basically a large sitting area sporting a wonderful view of the mountains to the west...
Library
Main Floor -- At the far end of the Tapestry Gallery, in the south wing, is George Vanderbilt's library. Originally Vanderbilt owned over 22,000 books, of which about half are on display here...
Library
Main Floor -- At the far end of the Tapestry Gallery, in the south wing, is George Vanderbilt's library. Originally Vanderbilt owned over 22,000 books, of which about half are on display here...
Grand Staircase
The main floor tour ends by returning to the Winter Garden where a winding climb up the magnificent Grand Staircase would take me to the Second Floor. A massive 1,400-pound multi-level chandelier hangs down through the middle of the stairwell...