The Biltmore House is western North Carolina's premier tourist attraction. It would be wherever it was located. Built by the Vanderbilt family, the house was built over a six-year period from 1889-1895. It is four stories above ground--including public rooms, family quarters, guest rooms, and servant quarters. Below ground are laundry, kitchen, food storage, a bowling alley, swimming pool, and a gym. 

Even more amazing is the quantity of precious art works in the house. There are paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and furniture produced from around the world created by famous artisans and artists or owned by well-known historical figures. (No pictures were allowed in the Mansion.)

The mansion is part of an 8000 acre site which the Vanderbilts intended as an operating estate. At one time that plan included a world-class dairy operation plus other farming endeavors as well as gardens. The dairy has been converted to a state-of-the-art winery which continues to produce award-winning wines. While we were on the estate, they were harvesting corn.

The fountain shown is at the opposite end of the long front drive to the house. 

The Vanderbilts opened the house to the public in the 1930s in an effort to attract visitors to the area and create jobs during the Depression. The family still owns the property and continues to open additional sections of the mansion to the public.  

While we visited, the house was decorated beautifully for Christmas, including a harpist playing Christmas music in the entry hall. A real 40-foot Christmas tree in the main dining room will be replaced at the end of the month with another freshly cut tree for the Christmas month. Many other Christmas trees adorned the house.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour or rent an audio tour. We recommend the latter. The mansion has a fascinating history and the details are in the audio.