Sunday, March 4

Imagine Living Here


Biltmore House



The home built by George Vanderbuilt in Asheville, NC.
(just a small summer cottage)

Before we went to Europe last year, Biltmore was a castle to me. It is a magnificent home for the era in which it was built, but it pales in comparison to the castles of old. It is a nice place to visit, however, especially at Christmas and in the spring, when they have a flower festival.


George Vanderbilt created Biltmore Estate in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains more than a century ago as a retreat for family and friends; a place to rediscover gracious hospitality and revel in nature’s beauty. His vision holds true today. Explore Biltmore House, a magnificent 250-room château filled with priceless art and antiques. Stroll through century-old gardens designed by America’s first landscape architect. Savor award-winning wines and taste our chefs’ creations using estate-raised foods. Enjoy our 8,000 acres of forests, farmlands, and rivers on bikes, horseback, and rafts.

25 comments:

Anna said...

I have never been there Judy but I think I would love to go and take pictures there! :) Nice shot.

Weary Hag said...

It's funny Judy, many people say they don't know what they'd ever do with that many rooms. I say, give me three days and each one of them would have some fool thing in it.
It's beautiful! It reminds me of the mansions of Newport, Rhode Island. They have Christmas festivals as well and many are opened as museums.
Fun to dream, isn't it?

Eddie said...

We really enjoyed our visits to the Biltmore House. And we always wanted to go during the Christmas season to see their decorations

Helen said...

Oh I've been there, and I still think of it as a castle. It was magnificent.

Cris said...

Judy, I was in NC twice and missed the chance to go there... Will check the website... thanks!

Pat said...

I'm trying to remember why Biltmore sounds so familiar. Is there s Biltmore Towers? Maybe that was someone's address. I saw 'Cold Mountain ' last night and wondered if that scenery is anything like where you live? Not that I'm stalking you!

Craver said...

I so don't want to clean a house that size.. who am I kidding. I don't want to clean a house of any size.
pffft.

Beverly said...

We went as a family in the late 80's when our children were still fairly small. When we started on the tour, I wondered how they would last since you basically follow along in a line all through the house.

They thought it was so neat that there were bowling lanes in the basement. I was amazed at the library.

My husband, being an electrician, was always looking at the fixtures, etc. The fact that it was air conditioned way back then was a feat for him also.

When we got there, it cost all of 12.50 to go through, and the kids were free. He complained about the price, but I said, "We're here' we're going." He wasn't sorry at all. It was a wonderful time.

Memories Catcher said...

Nice shot.Beautiful place.I like it!

AC said...

I've been at Christmas, the candlelight tour. I took Jenny when she was about 10, a great trip. Then I'v seen the tulips and the roses. All breathtaking. BUT there's not a comfortable looking chair downstairs.

I love the basement tour the best, the kitchens and all. Not a bad pad.

Anonymous said...

The Biltmore, and Asheville, are something I'm determined to see one of these days. And I'm looking you up when I do!

srp said...

I've never gotten there, but have seen the pictures and it is gorgeous. Every little girl's dream, every homemakers nightmare (to clean that is).

Cleaning it would be like my summer job of mowing three acres, with a push mower. By the time I got it all done, it was time to start again!

Wait... all house cleaning is like that. Dust waits for no man, or woman.

rosemary said...

Oh sure, I could handle that...and take care of the grounds too!!! NOT. I really have to get to your neck of the woods. My husband has been there many times and says it is a beautiful state. As for his hair? Depends on the time of year, how overpermed it is, and mother nature. At the moment he has a golden blonde head with a grey beard thanks to the iron in the water that we just can't seem to filter out! I think the perm solution makes his hair grab the minerals.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

That looks like quite a fantastic place Judy. It is enormous, isn't it? I've never been to North Carolina, except to drive through one corner---a million years ago---Well, over 50 years ago. It must be great to see this place "in person".

utenzi said...

I don't like how high my heating bill is, Judy. I can't imagine what the Vanderbilt's had to pay!

Anonymous said...

What a beauty!

Diane Mandy said...

It's been years since I've visited there. Thanks for the idea for a weekend getaway!

Marie said...

I visited Asheville several years ago, but we were short on time. We only drove my the mansion. It is breath-taking! That whole area is just gorgeous.

brendalove@gmail.com said...

I DO live there! ;-)

Unknown said...

We went there a few years ago. If I could have spent hours looking at how the furniture was built.

OldHorsetailSnake said...

Who, pray tell, was America's first landscape architect? Same guy as designed Chicago World's Fair grounds?

bluemountainmama said...

that's near my old stomping grounds! it was nice to come over and see a glimpse of home. i used to live about 30 miles southwest of asheville. my mom usually plays at the biltmore on the weekends during their Christmas tours.

Jamie Dawn said...

Our family toured the Biltmore when we were on vacation. It is HUGE!
I'd love to see it decorated for Christmas.
While we were in Asheville, we visited the fancy McDonald's they have there too. It was fun!

Shephard said...

I've seen several programs on this place, and I've always wanted to just visit at least. I can't imagine living in a place that gargantuan.
How would you ever find your cats?
(and I say cats, because a home that size needs about 12, lol).

~S :)

Anonymous said...

I'll have to visit go there the next time I'm in North Carolina. It looks like it'd be fun just running from room to room. It might actually take an entire day to visit each one.