The Biltmore
Biltmore House
While it is not called a castle, it is the largest single family home in America. Located near Asheville, North Carolina in the United States, it was modeled after three French chateaux and built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895. He was the fourth son of Cornelius Vanderbilt who made his fortune in shipping and railroads.
The family businesses were run by his elder brothers leaving George with his desired freedom to study art and horticulture. He was known to travel abroad at least once a year.
On 228 miles of land, construction began on Biltmore in 1889 and before it was finished the house covered four acres. It has 250 rooms including 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, a swimming pool, gymnasium and a bowling alley. Not yet finished, George Vanderbilt opened his house to guests in 1895. In 1898 he married. The marriage produced only one child, a daughter whom they named Cornelia. Biltmore remains the property of her descendants.
Aside from the house, George Vanderbilt established on the property forestry programs, several farms, a village, and a church. However, he was not mindful of the amount he was spending and used up most of his inheritance. He died of appendectomy complications in 1914. His wife then sold part of the land to the U.S. Government. During the depression, his daughter, Cornelia, opened the house to tourists, although she and her family yet lived there until 1956.
Today tourists can see 19th century exercise equipment, furniture, an extensive art collection, gardens, the winery and even stay at the Inn on the estate. But perhaps the most awe inspiring is the four-story façade, and the spiral stone staircase that has 102 steps with an iron chandelier that hangs in the center. The stairs rise to all four floors. Biltmore is an unforgettable place to see. A team of conservators work year-round to preserve the house and some rooms have recently been restored. Visitors will not want to miss feasting their eyes on the 1913 Stevens-Duryea automobile.
By Marti Talbott
Marti Talbott’s Highlander Series: Anna – Rachel – Charlet (Volume 1)
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