Located in Asheville, North Carolina and owned by the Vanderbilt family, the Biltmore Estate is the largest residence in the United States. It encompasses 125,000 acres and is named by Frommer's as one of the "top 12 travel destinations in the world."
Six years after its conception, the Biltmore Estate was officially finished in 1895 as a chateau for the Vanderbilt family. It was opened to the public in 1930 to stimulate the local economy during the Great Depression.
The castle was designed by Richard Morris Hunt, who was inspired by several 16th century French chateaus. According to the Biltmore Estate website, the castle has "250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement alone would house a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants' quarters, kitchens, and more."
The grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. Along with elaborate gardens, parks and a winery, the Biltmore Estate website notes that Olmstead also established "America's first managed forest" on the Biltmore grounds.
Aside from being a popular tourist attraction, Biltmore is also a fully self-sufficient estate. Over one million people visit the estate each year, purchasing Biltmore's wine, furnishings and home and garden products; many guests vacation at the Biltmore Inn.
In the spring of 2010, the Biltmore Estate will open Antler Village. It will be included in admission price, and will feature restaurants, live music, shopping, exhibits and an outdoor adventure center.
