Opened in 1895, The Biltmore, as George Vanderbilt coined it, became the backdrop of one of the most memorable vacations we have ever taken. And I'm not just saying that. What a magical place.
The iphone pics I snapped absolutely do NOT do this place justice, just to be clear. Here's a little photo tour of our trip.
After a quick flight to Charlotte, we rented a car (Enterprise gave us a Volvo!), and headed west towards Asheville.
En route, we stopped at JD's Smokehouse in Hickory, NC for what else, but southern BBQ. One word, WOW. So thankful Yelp led us straight to these ribs, smoked chicken, and jalapeno grits..
Upon entering the gatehouse and making our way to the Inn where we were staying, I had no idea what to expect. First off, the entire property is massive. At over 8,000 acres, it was at least a three mile scenic drive from the entrance to the hotel. When I say scenic, I mean it's absolutely breathtaking. Designed and implemented by renowned landscape architect, Fredrick Law Olmsted (career highlights include Central Park in NYC, Delaware Park in Buffalo, amongst countless other endeavors), the property started out as farm land. Through the course of building, Olmsted had over two million trees planted, and another million were planted after he died. Dubbed a picturesque forest, the flora, fauna, roads, bridges, and overall feel is perfectly enchanting.
We opted to stay at the Inn on the property based on a recommendation, but also because it looked beautiful online. I must say, you know how sometimes a hotel/destination looks amazing online and stops short of lackluster, in person? Well this place is the exact opposite: it looked gorgeous online, and blew us away in person. I wish I would have thought to take a few pics, but here's the Inn link if you're interested. No, they're not paying me for this review; I'm writing all out of my own beyond satisfied volition.
Part of the reason we chose to visit the Biltmore this time of year, was to see the house (yes, they just call it just a house) decorated for Christmas. I can't say what it's like in the summer, but I feel like this was by far the best time to visit such a masterpiece. I can't imagine waking up on Christmas morning in such grandeur.
The first day we decided to leisurely stroll through the house and take advantage of the audio guide included with our stay. I'm so glad we did this on a Friday, as over the weekend the house became quite packed. (Did I mention admission includes free shuttle rides all over the property to other attractions like the bistro, the winery, the ice creamery, an outdoor village, countless gift shops, and even an adventure center where you can rent a Range Rover for the day and go off-roading around the grounds? This place is like Disneyland for the history buff/adventure seeker).
That night we took in a private showing of the house as part of the Candlelight Christmas evenings. Spooky and magical all in one. The next day we had booked two separate house tours, revealing different parts of the house not available on the regular walk-through: the butler's tour (hello, Downton Abbey!), and the architect's tour. Pictures inside were 'forbidden', but I think George Vanderbilt would have wanted me to share my insights, so I managed to sneak a few.
A back nook balcony...
Original electric panel that looks straight out of the Titanic..
I didn't get too many pics on the butler's tour, but I will tell you, there were several kitchens in the basement and countless servants' quarters. At full staff they employed somewhere around 34 domestic helpers in all. I can totally picture Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes manning all of it, too.
The architecture tour took us onto the roof tops, secret attic spaces, and a few hidden balconies. It brought me back to the architecture class I took in London and the great cathedrals we were granted access to. George Vanderbilt spared no expense in finding the finest materials for his home. There is no record of how much the house actually cost; but I have to assume that no one would build something so expensive today.
An outside and inside view of the grand staircase....just breathtaking.
There's always a gargoyle watching over things...
The view from the front...
And from the tallest tower.
The view from the back...
Can't imagine waking up to this everyday. Mr. Vanderbilt, you sure knew what you were doing. And to think he began construction in his mid-twenties when he was still a bachelor.
Exploring the expansive grounds.
We even took a little jaunt down behind the house to the perfectly placed lake (yes, it was thought-out and designed to go just here), in order to take in this view.
Our second night we got off the property and had dinner in Asheville. What a progressive and artsy community. I would easily compare it to Boulder or SF. Rich, Vibrant, and outdoorsy. What a great little weekend away. Despite a full tour schedule, I haven't felt that relaxed, or happy in ages.
If you get the chance to visit someday, take it. These gates are calling your name..
I honestly cannot wait to go back. Next time we'll take that Range Rover for a day. Be ready, George.
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