Biltmore Estate

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate stands as a testament to the grandeur and elegance of the Gilded Age. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895, this French Renaissance château is the largest privately owned house in the United States, boasting 250 rooms and covering 178,926 square feet.

Designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt, the Biltmore House features a Châteauesque style, characterized by its steeply pitched roofs, turrets, and ornate detailing. The mansion's exterior is constructed from Indiana limestone, giving it a majestic and timeless appearance. Inside, the house is equally impressive, with 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, 34 bedrooms, and an indoor pool.

One of the most striking features of the Biltmore Estate is its grand banquet hall, which includes a 70-foot ceiling, a massive fireplace, andFlemish tapestries from the 16th century. The library, another highlight, houses over 10,000 volumes and features a ceiling painted by Italian artist Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini. The house also contains a winter garden, a bowling alley, and a vintage gymnasium.

The surrounding grounds, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture, include meticulously maintained gardens, a conservatory, and miles of walking trails. The estate's gardens showcase avariety of styles, from the formal Italian Garden to the tranquil Azalea Garden.

In addition to the house and gardens, the estate includes Antler Hill Village, where guests can visit the Biltmore Winery, dine at several restaurants, and learn about the estate's history through exhibits and interactive displays. The estate's extensive grounds provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Biltmore Estate is particularly enchanting during the holiday season, when the mansion is adorned with festive decorations and lights. Whether you're exploring the lavish interiors, strolling through the gardens, orenjoying a wine tasting, the Biltmore Estate offers a unique and memorable experience for all visitors.

From our cabin, the Biltmore Estate is approximately an 85-mile drive, which takes about 2 hours via US-321 N and I-40 E. It's a scenic route that adds to the charm of your visit.