Building the Biltmore Estate was one of the largest undertakings in the history of American residential architecture. Over a six-year period, craftsmen worked to build the country's premier home. The estate features 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement alone houses a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants' quarters, kitchens, and more. The grounds of the 125,000-acre estate were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of New York's Central Park and the father of American landscape architecture. He not only developed acres of gardens and parkland, but in his efforts to protect the environment and reclaim over-farmed land, Olmsted established America's first managed forest. George Vanderbilt officially opened the home to friends and family on Christmas Eve in 1895. He had created a country retreat where he could pursue his passion for art, literature, and horticulture.
(Click on photos to enlarge.)
Beautiful view from the balcony inside the house.
The grounds around the estate are just breathtaking!
Beautiful flowers, shrubs, and birds are all over the grounds.
There is also an orchid house, with amazing exotic orchids.
The grounds around the estate are just breathtaking!
There is also an orchid house, with amazing exotic orchids.
