We recently toured the Biltmore Estate near Asheville, North Carolina.  Over the course of two days we walked the beautiful gardens and 4 floors plus a basement in the mansion.  Unfortunately no photos are allowed in the mansion so all of what you see here is from the exterior and garden.

This is the largest private residence in the country.  Built by  twenty something bachelor Geoge Vanderbilt over the period 1889-1895.  His secret?  Inherit early, inherit often.

This home  is not measured in square feet like most, but in acres--4 of them!  That  includes 250 rooms, 33 bedrooms,  43 baths,  65 fireplaces, 3 kithens,  an indoor pool and gym,  multiple sitting rooms,   a large library, and of course,  a two lane bowing alley which is just under the billiards room.

To the extreme right of the house is the equally massive stables.

I could easily fill a book talking about the house, but luckily that has been done.

The estate encompasses tens of thousands of acres much of which is farmed allowing the estate to be self sustaining. 

The pictures here are of the garden area which includes a small lake,  waterfalls, acres of  beautiful plants, a greenhouse, and  a hot house featuring tropical plants from around  the world.  Of course, the most spectacular time to visit  is in the Spring  or Fall.

There is much more to do at Biltmore including trail rides,  a winery tour and seasonal activities.  More details on their website.

Double click on any photo for a larger view.