The Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, N.C., is the largest privately owned house in the United States. The main house, modeled after a French chateau, has 250 rooms and more than 33,000 square feet of living space. Built between 1885 and 1898 by the George Vanderbilt family, the estate today welcomes visitors to take a step back in time to the "Gilded Age" and tour the rooms and the extensive grounds and gardens.
The Biltmore Estate was constructed between 1888 and 1895, the brainchild of industrialist George Vanderbilt. Modeled after the great manor houses of Europe, the estate was designed by some of the great artists, landscapers and architects of the day. Many illustrious guests have stayed at the Biltmore, including Presidents McKinley, Wilson and Nixon; authors Edith Wharton and Henry James; and Prince Charles of Great Britain.
Highlights of the main house include the library, with more than 10,000 volumes; the banquet hall, with its 70-foot ceiling; and 16th-century tapestries and 65 fireplaces.
The grounds at the Biltmore were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, best known for his work on New York's Central Park. Highlights of the grounds include the rose garden, with 250 different kinds of roses, and the formal Italian garden.
In addition to the main house and gardens, the Biltmore Estate features a working dairy, a winery, and a bed and breakfast inn. The estate also offers canoeing, carriage rides and fly-fishing lessons.
The Biltmore Estate is open to the public 365 days a year. Discounts are offered to groups and youth (10 to16 years old ). Those under 10 are free when accompanied by an adult. In addition, the estate offers a number of multi-day passes.
