If you're not interested in going the Biltmore, all I have to say is, "Everyone is entitled to his own wrong opinion." Let me tell you, this piece of history is one that you won't want to skip. Remember learning about the Vanderbilt family in your history class? They became famous in America because of their railroads, and that's where their wealth came from. The Vanderbilts owned homes in New York, but George Washington Vanderbilt II decided to build his own personal paradise in Asheville, North Carolina. Prepare yourself because very soon, you'll be booking your trip to see the esteemed Vanderbilt mansion, the Biltmore Estate.
1. You won't be able to breathe because the mountains are so beautiful
The mountainsErin Locke
All it took was one visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains from George Vanderbilt, and the following year, he began construction.
2. The house is stunning
The backside of the homeErin Locke
Most people I've talked to have never even heard of the Biltmore, but once you see pictures, you'll be daydreaming about visiting the Chateau-style home.
3. There's so much to do
Antler Hill Villagehttps://pgavdestinations.com/portfolio/biltmores-antler-hill-village/
There was so much to do that I visited twice this summer because I felt that I had not experienced it all yet!
4. The history surrounding the estate is fascinating
Old Biltmorewww.mygenealogyhound.com/vintage-photographs/north-carolina-photographs/NC-Asheville-North-Carolina-Biltmore-House-Estate-1902-historic-photo.html
George Vanderbilt began building the house in 1889 before he married Edith. The house contains 250 rooms total, 43 bathrooms, 35 bedrooms, and 3 kitchens. While everyone else in America was eating dinner by candlelight, the Vanderbilts were swimming in their underwater-lit swimming pool.
5. The winery is a fun atmosphere that includes free wine tasting
Wineryhttps://www.biltmore.com/wine/visit-the-winery
If you visit the estate and are looking to buy your fellow wine-lover a gift, check out the gift shop within the winery! There are lots of items to choose from.
6. Gardens galore
The rose gardensErin Locke
The entire property is majestic. From the bamboo forests to the azaleas, you're sure to find some beautiful locations for photos. Don't be fooled! The garden wasn't designed by Vanderbilt himself. It was planned out by Frederick Law Olmsted, the man who designed Central Park in New York City!
7. The architecture is awe-inspiring
The outside view of the grand staircaseErin Locke
The three architects of the Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt, Richard Morris Hunt, and Frederick Law Olmsted, based much of the design off of chateaux in France. If you'd like to read about the unique architecture, you can find more about it here.
8. It's massive, and you'll want to live there... or at least take your favorite part of it home with you!
The "winter garden"Erin Locke
If you can manage to walk through the entire house and not find at least one thing you'd like to take home with you, you're lying. I would steal the idea of a winter garden, like the one that Vanderbilt included in the center of his home.
9. Antler Hill Village puts a French-twist on a town
Antler Hill Villagewww.notabletravels.com/biltmore-estate-asheville-north-carolina-vanderbilt-legacy/
This is the more commercialized portion of the estate, but it's still an elegant area.
10. You can finally experience some of the haunted tales in person
Construction of the Biltmorehttps://www.biltmore.com/visit/biltmore-house-gardens/estate-history
Most of the employees are required to tell you that the home is not haunted, but it definitely is. People have reported seeing Mr. Vanderbilt at the dining room table or hearing Mrs. Vanderbilt calling, "George..." in the library.
11. The restaurants put chain restaurants to shame
Dining at the Inn
If you ever get the opportunity, eat at the restaurant in the Inn!
12. You can go to the farmyard and see goats, chickens, and baby pigs
HorsesErin Locke
I'm almost twenty-years-old, and I loved this petting zoo more than any of the kids who were standing around me. This was one of the neat activities that I missed the first time I went to the estate.
13. The Inn is breathtaking, and you'll want to spend the night
The Inn at the BiltmoreErin Locke
When I visited the Biltmore a second time, my mom and I stayed at the Inn for two nights. We had such an amazing time that we decided to stay a third night so that we could experience even more!
14. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful
Walking to the wineryErin Locke
Our first night at the Inn, my mom and I asked the front desk if we could visit some of the suites since I am considering having my wedding at the Biltmore. The staff was extremely helpful and gave great recommendations! The following day, I went to see some of the wedding ceremony venues on the property, and I was again amazed at the professionality that was shown by the employees.
15. You'll want to plan your wedding/vow renewal immediately
Biltmore Weddinghttps://i.pinimg.com/originals/18/a1/b1/18a1b1f14baedab81e773764e80d5c6.jpg
I can tell you for sure that it caused me to want to plan my wedding there!
The estate has been passed down from family member to family member, and its current owner is Bill Cecil, Jr. He is still incredibly involved in the day-to-day processes throughout the estate. If you're ready to finally visit America's largest privately owned home, start planning your trip!
