Biltmore in the Appalachian

If you go to the mountains, you cannot forget to visit the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina!

There are many historic places to visit in the mountains of North Carolina, including houses. One of these historical houses would be the Biltmore House which is also America’s largest home and available for the public!

 

First, I will tell you a bit about the Vanderbilt's...

The Vanderbilt’s were one of the best-known families in America. Jan Aertsen van der Bilt(then became...Vanderbilt ?) emigrated from Holland around 1650. At first the family prospered as farmers and it wasn’t until the years between 1794 and 1877 that the family became wealthy. The family included 13 children(I know, that's a lot of children!), 37 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.  Upon his death, Jan van der Bilt left most of his $100 million estate to his eldest son, William Henry. William Henry, like his father, also donated to worthy causes and was able to double the family’s assets. After William’s death and his wife’s death, the youngest son, George Washington Vanderbilt, would inherit all assets.

 

The Biltmore house was created by George Vanderbilt as an “escape from everyday life.” This French Renaissance “chateau” covers four acres itself. The Biltmore is the largest private residence in America with 250 rooms including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, a gymnasium, changing rooms, kitchens, a bowling alley, a basement which houses a swimming pool and so much more!

At the Biltmore you can explore its many gardens such as the Rose Garden, Italian Garden or the Spring Garden. Also, you can visit America’s most visited winery, with more than 600,000 visitors a year! After that, right next to the winery, there is an activity center, Antler Hill Village, which includes live entertainment, food, shopping and much more!

 

*Pictures from biltmore.com*

Even after you have toured the whole house, its gardens, its winery and tasted some of the wine, there are still many more outdoor adventures! You can also go hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, river raft or go on carriage ride tours. There are many more things to do at the Biltmore house! Ticket fees are regularly $59.00 but if you buy your tickets seven days in advance, you save $15! Trust me! From personal experience, this is something you would not want to miss out on! :)