Biltmore Estate

George W. Vanderbilt began construction of the Biltmore Estates in 1889 with two of the most distinguished designers of the 19th century: architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted. Today, nearly 120 years later, the estate covers 8,000 acres and boasts what is still America’s largest - and most prestigious - home.

Modeled after a 16th-century France chateaux, the mansion covers four acres and boasts 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. The basement houses a swimming pool, gymnasium and bowling alley. And at the time it was built the home even housed many modern-day features, including running water and a refrigerator.

Today its scale is still astounding. The house is made of over 11 million bricks, the stone spiral staircase has 102 steps to reach four floors, and the giant iron chandelier uses 72 light bulbs.

When you visit Biltmore Estates, you may want to go ahead and purchase an all-day pass so you will have time to tour the mansion, stroll through the gardens and visit the winery and River Bend Farms.

There are also five major restaurants found throughout the estate, including the Arbor Grill, Bistro, Deerpark Restaurant, Stable Café and The Dinning Room. And for an in-between-meal snack, treats such as ice cream and sandwiches can be found for sale along the way.

While you’re visiting the estate, you can also take a carriage ride, a river float trip or just stroll through Biltmore Village, and in the evening there are many events to choose from, including outdoor concerts and horseback rides.

If you are lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of a bride, as many couples choose to get married at Biltmore. And a visit during the holiday season is always a treat as tourists and residents alike enjoy Christmas at the Biltmore, which features dozens of Christmas trees; hundreds of wreaths, bows, and poinsettias; miles of evergreen garland; thousands of ornaments, tinsel and beading; and a 35-foot Fraser fir.

-Jessica Castle

More stories about Biltmore:

• Biltmore: The Caretakers, by Cara Ellen Modisett, published in Blue Ridge Country, 2007