A Visit to Biltmore Estates

Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC, is the largest private home in the US. with over 175,000 square feet of interior space. Built by George Vanderbilt, the house is truly amazing with 253 rooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. 

We approached the house down these ramps. Notice the small steps in the middle, which apparently were used by horses pulling carts up the ramp. 

This garden with reflecting pools is on the left of the estate and is huge. Rick was very happy that he does not have to mow this!

 The left side of the house, seen above, looks over the mountains. What a magnificent structure.

 There are many fountains all around the estate which provides a wonderful sound of running water as you walk around the estate. We were able to tour the inside of the house, but could not take pictures inside.

 On the outside of the estate, there are many gargoyle statues that were carved by master stone masons as unique decorations. The details on these are amazing and there are many, many of these around the home.

Orinda was very impressed with Biltmore and loved wandering around the estate, although she said several times that she would not want to try and clean it!

After touring the estate, we wandered down to the famous gardens -- which is a subject for our next post!