Nestled within the rolling hills of Asheville, North Carolina, lies the largest home in the United States; the Biltmore Estate. Constructed between the years of 1889 and 1895, the mansion served as a home for George and Edith Vanderbilt. Standing proud and housing tourists from all over the world, the Biltmore Mansion is an essential sight to see.

The year of 1887 marks George Vanderbilt’s first visit to Asheville. He fell in love with the area and returned a second time to purchase land in 1888. The next six years were spent building the lavish 250-room French country-style home. In 1895, the hefty doors to the estate welcomed Vanderbilt’s family and close friends. The polished home contains 175,000 square feet of luxurious floor space. This includes 65 fireplaces, 35 bedrooms, and 43 bathrooms.

In 1898, Vanderbilt married a woman by the name of Edith Stuyvesant. Two years later, their first child, Cornelia, was born. Unfortunately, in 1914, due to surgical complications, George Vanderbilt passed away at the age of 51. The estate was left to his daughter and son-in-law. Due to a lack of tourism during the Great Depression, the residence opened to the public. It even housed some of the finest and most exquisite artwork during World War II.

With hopes to preserve the rich history of the property, the mansion remains public and family-owned. Portraying timeless elegance and charm, it’s filled with original antique furnishings and artwork. Imagining living in such a monstrosity is simply unfathomable. As such an intriguing piece of history, the Biltmore Estate is a must-see when in North Carolina. It’s an experience that will truly leave you speechless!

Credits~

“Visit America’s Largest Home, Built by George Vanderbilt.” Biltmore, https://www.biltmore.com/.