Do you ever wish you could walk in someone else’s shoes? Even if it was for a day. I know, I do. Especially if it was some very rich and famous. That is what I felt touring the Biltmore Estate. From the velvet covered walls to the appliances that were too advanced for their time, the Biltmore House gave me a view into the lives of the Vanderbilt’s that occupied the home some time ago.
Located in Asheville, NC, the Biltmore Estate and Gardens is a marvel of excellence and charm. This luxurious home of George and Edith Vanderbilt, is as magnificent today as it was over a century ago. Visitors can partake in self-guided tours of the home that spans 3 floors including the basement. Displays of vintage clothing, accessories, art, furniture, and more are available that tell stories and illustrate the lives of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees. The Biltmore Garden is comprised of acres of formal and informal gardens. The grounds of the property can be observed at your own pace through their extensive network of trails. The Biltmore also has a winery, unique shops, and restaurants for your enjoyment. It is worth noting that photography of any kind is not allowed inside the Biltmore while touring.
Even though I could not take pictures of the inside of the home, I enjoyed exploring every room that the public where able to visit. In the rooms, you will find extravagant window coverings and walls covered in silk or velvet. My favorite rooms were the elaborate dining room with a massive library, kitchen, and washroom which held a large washer and space for dyeing and weaving their own textiles. The Gardens allows for beautiful views. You can see views of the Smoky Mountains in the distance. The Vanderbilt’s were truly living back in their time.
A massive greenhouse sits on the property filled with unique and exotic plants. It was a little chilly outside, so a lot of the flowers were not in bloom.
I found this cute guy guarding the entrance of the greenhouse. Due to the season, none of the flowers were in bloom in the rose and sculpture gardens. This trip was my first trip that involved a heavy dose of nature and it would not be my last. If you are into history then I recommend adding this stop to your trip to Asheville.
