Name:Biltmore
Location:Ashville, North Carolina 
Country: USA
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The following information was  researched  by our volunteer team member
Toni :  Thank you very much!

My goal for this new section of "The Traveling Knight" is to enlighten
you about the glorious wonders to be seen in the United States. You may
notice a contrast in the original building purpose of these magnificent
structures between the Americans' display of wealth versus a portion of
other countries' castles and their necessity for safety during battles.
As time progresses forward most can be appreciated for their distinct
beauty and history.

I would like to begin with my favorite, The Grand Daddy of them all. The
most famous American Castle would have to be George Washington
Vanderbilt's "country retreat", Biltmore. A 250 room French Renaissance
Chateau surrounded by 8,000 acres of forest, located near the Blue Ridge
Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina. Biltmore is the largest private
residence in the United States, housing thousands of priceless antiques
and works of art, which Mr. Vanderbilt collected during his many travels.
The creation of the name Biltmore came from Bildt, the Dutch town where
his ancestors originated from, and "more" an old English word for open,
rolling land, which is so appropriate for the lay of the land of this
estate. Mr. Vanderbilt's vision was to create a self sustaining property,
which he accomplished through his forestry program and Biltmore Dairy
Farms. After six years of construction Biltmore opened on Christmas Eve
1895 with many marvels of modern technology. He married Edith in 1898 and
they welcomed one daughter, Cornelia who eventually had two sons. One of
whom currently manages the Biltmore Estate.

Reaching Biltmore requires a tranquil ride on the three mile Approach
Road. Upon rounding the last bend in the clearing the Masterpiece just
seems to appear from nowhere. Now for a few of the room highlights I
offer you the Winter Garden. A spectacular glass roofed sunken garden
room with a fountain in the center, where entertaining took place amid
the indoor jungle of plants. The Billiard Room was a retreat for the
gentlemen of the house, where they could entertain themselves and relax
with a game of pool. The largest room in the home is the Banquet Hall
which can seat 64 for dinner near the triple fireplace. During Christmas
this is the site of the Christmas tree spectacular.

Also of interest is the Music Room that "never was" during Mr.
Vanderbilt's life. The space remained empty until it was completed in
1976. The Tapestry Gallery is a ninety foot long room displaying silk and
wool tapestries, which served as a sitting area and possibly a ballroom.
My "must see" for this home is the Library which happens to be my
favorite room. It is quite impressive with the floor- to-ceiling black
marble fireplace surrounded by two stories of shelves filled with
thousands of books. The second deck can be accessed by the spiral
staircase, with an abundance of seating to read that favorite book, on
the main level. Perhaps they chose to get a bit of fresh air to
complement their book, out on the Library Terrace which presented endless
scenery, and sheltered by an arbor of fragrant blossoms.

Your passage to the second, third and fourth floors will lead you up the
102 step Grand Staircase. Hanging from the center is a large chandelier
suspended from a single point. Once upstairs, there are many bedrooms and
guest suites to admire

The downstairs level offers activities ranging from a two lane bowling
alley, and an indoor swimming pool to the gymnasium filled with the
equipment of that day. Across the lawn, at the lower end of the Gardens,
is the Conservatory that provides the plants and flowers used on the
estate.

Each season of the year offers a different delight to partake of. Spring
is just around the corner, a time which begins the transformation of a
splendid banquet of multi-colored blooms that last through fall,
enhancing the charm of Biltmore. During the Christmas Holiday season
Biltmore's interior is adorned with many wreaths, poinsettias, evergreen
roping and decorated trees making this a true winter wonderland, which
only adds to the heartwarming feeling that Biltmore shares with its
multitude of guests!

Modern day additions to the Biltmore Estate are the conversion of the old
dairy into The Winery which produces award winning wines and The Inn on
Biltmore Estate where you may inhale fresh mountain air, relish nature's
rainbow of beauty at its best and savor some temporary luxurious living.

For more information: www.biltmore.com

Photos provided by: Toni D. Mattson:
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