Ever wonder what it would be like to have endless amounts of money? I don’t even think about it because, Why? Apparently if you have unlimited funds you build to your hearts content without any boundaries. George Vanderbilt, grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, who made his billions in shipping and railroads built himself a summer home in Asheville, NC in the late 1800’s. George was the youngest son of William Vanderbilt and his older brothers inherited the family business and George got a stippend of several million dollars and a trust fund so he never had to work, spending his time on intellectual pursuits. He built the Biltmore house in 6 years, 1889-1895. At the time of completion, it was the largest privately owned home in the US. It is still owned by his grandson and his children run the Estate. The family stopped living in the home in 1956.
Biltmore Estate
The house was built above this pond and facing west so that the house would reflect in the pond in the early evening. We arrived only a few minutes late but I could still see some outline of the house on the water. The whole estate was once much larger as much of the property was sold to the US government and only 8,000 acres remain now as a big tourist draw in Asheville NC. We spent the day there and easily could have spent several days although you pay by the day! For $59.00 per person you get admission to the property which includes all 8000 acres, the 250 room estate, and free wine tasting in the large tasting room. We paid slightly more per person to be able to take the evening Christmas Candlelight tour. The rooms that are on the tour were all decorated for Christmas with huge trees and many fireplaces burning. It was beautiful but I still am asking myself, these are rich people, why are we paying them huge amounts of money to look at their home?
Dusk at the Estate
“Free wine tasting!”
They had a couple of good wines and the prices were definitely not Napa Valley prices! I bought a really nice house red that was very much like a Zinfandel for $15.99.
In the plaza of lots of shops and bronze statue of Cornelia Vanderbilt and her dog Cedric playing fetch!
On the property there are lots of places to spend more money! Very nice gift shops, fancy eateries and a little bit of public art.
Tranquil pond on the property. I love the reflexions.
The Estate has lots of opportunities to get out and get some exercise, or you can rent a Segway! We had a very nice lunch at the Estate, walked on the grounds some, enjoyed the shops, history and took the tour in the evening.
Just before dark, the Christmas trees are aglow and they have paper lanterns all along the lawn.
The architecture of the home is amazing and very industrial looking however the furnishings are amazing. Still it amazes me that this home was built in the late 1800’s, and it was only their summer home! George died in 1914 so he and his wife only spent a few months per year at the estate and he only lived 16 years after it was complete. The good news is the staff had an amazing place to call home year round!