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North Carolina road trip part 3 – Biltmore
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Biltmore in Asheville, NC
If you plan to visit North Carolina, you have make plans to stop at Biltmore. It always amazes me that someone used to call it home not just for its size (America’s largest) but also for what’s inside. The furniture, the art, and the books are impressive collections. The woodwork and other architectural displays of craftsmanship are highly detailed and lovely. And of course the grounds are inspiring on their own, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. Kentucky residents may have seen his work in other settings; he designed several of Louisville’s public parks.
George Vanderbilt was the youngest son of William Henry Vanderbilt. It was his elder brothers that held the reins of the family business but that allowed George to cultivate his love for books and learning. At the age of 27, he commissioned Richard Morris Hunt to begin construction of his country home in the mountains of North Carolina. 6 years later in 1895 George officially opened up Biltmore Estate to his family and friends. A few years later he would bring his new bride, Edith, home. They had one child born in 1900; Cornelia, who would grow up in this magnificent castle and play in the gardens.
There are 250 rooms in Biltmore and most are crammed full of items that George and his family collected. 35 of those are actually bedrooms for the family and guests. Amenities for those guests include a bowling alley, a gym, and an indoor pool. And the setting in which the guests could relax wasn’t modest either. Original art from masters like Renoir and Whistler adorn the walls while works from Tiffany and priceless antique furniture fill the rooms. While some décor is a bit much (verging on the T word), places like the massive Dining Room are quite impressive. And of course, the house had the most up to date innovations like heating, intercoms, and fire alarms.
George Vanderbilt’s true passion was books and the 10,000 volume 2-story library at Biltmore is a testament to his dedication. He kept a journal of books he read from the age of 13 to his death in 1914. 3159 titles fill his journal. The library houses first editions, complete works and engravings.
You can’t stay at the house itself but the Inn was opened in 2001. In the fall, rates start at $199. Other things to do at the estate include a visit to the winery, horseback riding, kayaking, and more. The estate as a whole is open from 9am to 7pm daily although the house closes in the late afternoon. The estate is open year around although most will argue that the best time to visit is at Christmastime. From November 6 to January 2, the estate is beautifully decorated to celebrate the holiday season. Until then, admission is $55 (discounted if you buy online) then it rises to $60.
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