the Biltmore

Wednesday morning, we said good bye to Tennessee and began our trek north. We really had no plans of "where" we were going, except that Glen told us that the NASCAR hall of frame was just three hours from where we were. So, we thought, "let's go and check that out". And we headed threw the Great Smokies to North Carolina. As we were traveling I saw signs for the Biltmore. I had no idea we were that close and said to Ed we needed to check it out. For those who may not know, the Biltmore is the largest house in America and is located in Asheville, NC.

Built in the late 1800's by George Washington Vanderbilt (a grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt the railroad tycoon) the original estate was 125,ooo acres. Currently the estate still has 8,ooo acres, and is still owned by the Vanderbilt family, though open to the public. The house is overseen by William A.V.Cecil, Jr. - grandson of George, and the family keeps an active interest in the estate.





Today is it run much like a resort, and there is a hotel that you can stay at, plus a winery and all sort of outdoor activities, including biking, horseback riding, hiking -- the famous gardens, and things of that sort. Guests can tour the great house, seeing 50 of the 255 rooms. At first I thought seeing "just" 50 rooms probably wasn't much, but I was proven wrong. It took us nearly four hours to go threw (and it wasn't busy or crowded) and I realized that much of what you don't see, where probably just servant rooms and the like. The tour is very good and you see alot.

Inside photos were not allowed, so I snuck a few outside. This house had (has) all the moderns even in its time.. electricity, running water (65 bathrooms!!!) indoor, heated swimming pool, two lane bowling alley... elevator!!! (that is still used today for folks that can't climb the stairs)

The views of the Great Smokies is amazing....

And the workmanship simply incredible. It is all in working order, even today --- over 100 years. It is hard to describe, so all I can say, if you find yourself in North Carolina, try to fit this into your travel plans.

As impressive as the house is, I am always interested in the people. From what we were told, this line of Vanderbilts were extremely kind and well loved in this area. People wanted to work for this family, and often Mrs. Vanderbilt would pay a call on the families who worked for her, especially if the children were sick. Mr. Vanderbilt educated the men who worked for him, and many went out on their own running businesses for themselves.

Those are the kind of stories I like to hear. That a family of wealth appreciated what they had and was willing to share it. Today this is a gift and coffee shop, but originally this was the stable attached to the house. The Vanderbilts were true animal folks, loving their horses and St. Bernard dogs.

The hayloft of the great barn....

and the riding stable (now a restaurant)

The alleyway of the barn. They have don a nice job in putting the space to use without ruining it's original charm.

Ornate hardly describes the place... while impressive.. I got a little creeped out by some of the work.....

All hand done... can you imagine

Despite the grey day, it was hot and humid. So, we opted to use the free kennel runs for Camille and not worry about her sitting in the truck while we toured the house. It's a nice set up, you padlock the dog in the run, and take the key with you. It was under some big shaded trees and people were working about, so they really aren't "alone"

I thought it was a pretty nice set up... Camille on the other hand - not impressed. The moment Ed opened the door when we went to get her, she ran to the truck and gave us the look of... "I am not leaving again... this is my ride home!!!!"

After you tour the house, you then get in your vehicle and drive threw the rest of the estate... so, had you been a guest back in 1900.. this would have been the great gate you drove threw to the house.

You had to keep your eyes open, because there were neat things "hidden" all around the grounds... Loved this turtle!!!!

And this is probably a picture that everyone would recognize.... this is the Biltmore

This is a small part of the gardens, and the garden house....

And this horse barn was for the work horses of the estate. Maybe not as fancy as the riding horse stable....

But pretty nice (and charming) just the same.

Cornelia was the only child of George and Edith. She lived on the estate her entire life, married there and had two sons (one of which oversees the estate)....

I loved this statue... a young girl enjoying her dog.... it made them seem like real people...

so, again, a great day of our trip, and I am so thrilled to think that I had the opportunity to see this wonderful place...

America'a largest home!!!!