Biltmore? How can this be even built more?? There are the rich, and then there are the rich. Some people just have a knack. George Washington Vanderbilt II was one of them. Vanderbilt was an art collector and member of the prominent Vanderbilt family, which amassed a huge fortune through steamboats, railroads, and various business enterprises. And he wasn’t shy in demonstrating how rich he was: behold the Biltmore Estate .
Built by Vanderbilt, the Biltmore Estate was modeled after the mansions of Europe when it was constructed in the late 19th century. The Biltmore House is the largest home in the United States—a staggering 178,926 square feet (16,623 square meters) sitting on more than 8,000 acres (3,237 hectares)—and a prominent example of America’s Gilded Age.
Lovers of history, architecture, and gardens will all enjoy touring the Biltmore Estate. With a copper-lined rooftop, limestone walls, and an ornately decorated interior full of antiques and artifacts, the Biltmore House is the highlight of the estate and provides for hours of exploration and enjoyment. Its 250 rooms include 36 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, three kitchens, and a 10,000-volume library. The impressive house is surrounded by a manicured park landscape, including a timber forest, formal gardens, and quiet ponds.
If you can’t make it to France this week, the Biltmore House will give you all of the lush, rich OTT thrills that you need.
And, of course you’ll want to see it, and you can, courtesy of our affiliate friends Viator. Click here to book.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The number of visitors allowed inside the Biltmore House is controlled, so it is best to buy tickets in advance to guarantee entry. Advance reservations are required on certain days.
- The self-guided tour along a marked route through the home takes at least two hours. Guided, 90-minute tours are available for an additional fee.
- You need a car to travel between locations on the Biltmore Estate. A shuttle is available between the Biltmore House parking lot and the front door.
- Only the first and second floors of the Biltmore House are wheelchair accessible.
Main image courtesy of Mike Kistler
Continue with luxury. Click here for the sumptuous Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Autograph Collection.
It’s the USA – you’ll need a car. Hertz is the answer. Click here to book.