As I mentioned in my last Asheville recap, we were not sure if we wanted to tour Biltmore Estate but we decided to pay the $60 (per person) (when in Rome, right?) and do the tour. We bought tickets online before hand, which I recommend because it saved us $10, grabbed some coffee, and headed back to Biltmore Village.
^gorgeous bloom in Airbnb's garden
When we first got to Biltmore Village, we did what any 21+ year old would do at noon on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. We hit up the bar for a few Bloodys before heading over to the estate. Of course I cannot remember the name of the bar, but we had a great experience over delicious chips and Guac.
Biltmore was completed in 1895, after taking 6 years, for George Vanderbilt. He lived there alone - among 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces - until he married three years later. The grounds to the estate are immaculate and go on for what seems like forever. The views of the mountains in the distance are just stunning. For someone who has only been across the big pond once, I have never seen a castle/mansion of this caliber in person before and it was quite impressive. It is pretty amazing what people used to be able to create and build without today's modern technology (AND made even better than most homes are today). We had a 3:00 house tour so we had an hour or two to walk around the beautiful gardens. We had just missed the flower festival by one weekend but the flowers were still beautiful. The boys meandered through the paths while I busied myself with taking photos.
^Imagine taking a walk on a lovely Sunday afternoon and seeing lush green mountains for as far as the eyes can see.
^the detail.
^fountain, ivy lined path, and Biltmore from the Tennis Lawn.
^i loved the lily pads with beautiful pink blooms.
^the only photo I got of the inside
I am not much of a museum-y type of gal. I mean, don't get me wrong, I appreciate history and a good piece of art. I just don't like the idea of walking around from one piece to the next in a crowd - the older I get the less tolerance I have for crowds - with everyone getting in your way of what you are trying to see. But I loved walking through the immaculate rooms with the style of clothes displayed in each room. There is something about being in a place that has been around for over a 100 years that makes you feel as though you are part of history just standing in it. I think my favorite part though was seeing the servants' quarters in the basement. Ever since watching Downton Abbey, my interest for that time period and the servants/owners relationship has grown.
Have you ever been to Biltmore Estate?
If so, what did you think?
Would you play $60 for the tour?
You had me at Downton Abbey! I feel the SAME way! I love anything from that time period. I've watched just about every 'since you watched Downton Abbey' suggestion on Netflix! Also, your photos are gorgeous, and I do love museums, so I'd probably take the $60 tour!
ReplyDeleteWe really liked the Biltmore! I think our favorite part was the conservatory as well as the servants quarters. I agree that it was super annoying to feel crammed in and herded through the house, but it was pretty incredible house to see anyway. My mind was boggled by the fact that there were THAT many rooms. I mean, what did they do with ALL of that space?!
ReplyDeleteWow that house is amazing! I can't believe that guy lived there all by himself! I have to say that I'm unsure if I would have spent 60$ on the visit - unless it included something else? I mean sometimes as a tourist I let myself taken by beautiful places and pay whatever to visit, but 60 seems a bit much no? I visited many castles/properties in the UK and they usually aren't more than £20 (about $35).
ReplyDeleteThose pictures are amazing! I have never been but I live so close that I definitely need to make the trip!
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