When it comes to huge mansions and vast estates, the Biltmore Estate sits proudly at the top of the pile. With its 250 rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and huge collections of paintings and books, this estate has got glamor written all over it.
Just for comparison’s sake, even Xanadu, Bill Gate’s mansion and the Beverley House where The Godfather was filmed falls short of the splendor of the Biltmore Estate.
Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt for George W. Vanderbilt, this mansion fits perfectly his philanthropic spirit and soul; the stories about his generosity are plentiful and are gladly shared with visitors by the tour guides.
George Washington Vanderbilt II was born on November 14, 1862. Even as a child, he was a faithful companion to his father William Henry Vanderbilt, who was a wealthy business magnate.
This closeness to his father allowed George to experience first-hand what it was like to manage a lot of wealth. He was an avid reader and over his lifetime he accumulated thousands of books. After his father passed away, George Vanderbilt inherited millions of dollars.
It was with this money that the then 25-year-old decided to build himself a home and he thought North Carolina would be the perfect location for it. There was nothing humble in his wish as he set out to build a mansion and estate that would become America’s largest privately owned estate.
He began by purchasing 125,000 acres of land that included a whole mountain – Mount Pisgah. Vanderbilt loved traveling and had crossed the Atlantic countless times. It was due to these voyages that he learned exactly how his dream home should look. All he needed now was an architect that was worthy of his dreams, which is where Richard Morris Hunt comes in. Vanderbilt gave him guidelines and let Hunt work his magic.
It was no small undertaking. For six years, thousands of people worked around the clock to erect this mansion. They even laid down a private railroad to help speed things up – construction material was delivered using this railroad.
In 1885, Vanderbilt’s mansion was finished just in time for Christmas. The mansion’s official website says that “on Christmas Eve, the country retreat George Vanderbilt has spent so long planning is marvelously decorated and full of festivity. The finished home contains over four acres of floor space, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.”
There are 250 rooms in total. The interior was, and still is, as impressive as the exterior. Hunt was canny enough and introduced both DC and AC electricity in the house, for the battle of the currents was at its peak back then.
Vanderbilt wanted luxury everywhere, so he even went as far as hiring Frederick Law Olmsted, the man behind New York’s Central Park, to design his garden.
Our state wrote about this house calling it “a bachelor pad, complete with a billiards room and a bowling alley.” However, despite all this wealth, Vanderbilt was an extremely generous person. This image of him is very much alive to this day.
Vanderbilt had a lovely life in this dream home of his, at first as a bachelor and later with his wife, Edith. He passed away on March 6, 1914. Two years earlier, according to South Discovery, the Vanderbilts had “booked passage in a first-class cabin on the Titanic.”
They changed their plans and got on the RMS Olympic instead. Their footman, however, remained on board the Titanic and died alongside thousands of others when the ship hit an iceberg.
After Vanderbilt passed away, his wife sold off around 86,000 acres of the property (including the mountain) as this is what he had wanted.
Nowadays, the mansion and estate are a popular tourist attraction where people come to witness its beauty and splendor, and the vastness of each of the rooms.
QUIZ: How Much Do You Know About the US Constitution?
Think you're a true patriot of the USA? If so, then you're bound to know everything possible about the US constitution, right? It's time to find out...
The Epidemic That Never Happened and Its Consequences
Why did FDA impose a ban on blood donations from anyone who has spent time in the UK during the 1990s, and what are the consequences of this today?
These Covert US Government Operations Will Shock You
The US government has conducted many covert operations over there years. There are 10 of the most shocking ever to be exposed.
QUIZ: All Americans Should Be Able to Pass This Test...
This quiz will test your knowledge of cities from the east coast to the west, and all you need to do is guess which state each group of cities comes from.
The Ultimate Guide to Obtaining or Renewing a US Passport
Obtaining or renewing a US passport is not the most straightforward affair. Thankfully, this detailed guide is here to help!
Can You Distinguish Between British & US English?
A lot of people find it hard to distinguish between American English and British English when reading and writing. Are you one of them?
These Amazing Tips Will Create a Bright and Welcoming Home
Make your home feel bright and airy by bearing in mind these useful tips.
View Amazing Animated Photos of Landscapes Past & Present
Landscapes change enormously over time, and these photos capture that fact better than ever. Here are 12 landscapes photographed in the past and present.
Take a Look At These Truly Beautiful Dog Photos!
Kristýna Kvapilová's first love in life is photographing dogs, and that's highly evident from her stunning images. Take a look at her best work here.
The Wonders of Modern Architecture are a Joy to Behold
Modern architecture has gone a long way towards defining what the world we live in looks like. Here are 15 wondrous examples from around the world.
These Amazing Shots Show the American West In a New Light
The American West has been photographed many times, but never quite like this. Enjoy Niaz Uddin's stunning aerial shots of this stunning region.
7 Changes to Our Home That Help Fight Depression
The 7 tips provided here will guide you or your loved ones through the changes that will render your house more inviting and assist in managing depression.
Admire Some of History’s Finest Photos Reimagined in Color
We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to see history through vintage photographs, but wouldn’t it be fun to see all these photos in color?
Like a Flower in Bloom, This Glasshouse Unfurls in the Sun
This diamond-shaped glasshouse can open like a flower in bloom!
Hold it Right There! These Photos Couldn't BE More Timely!
It's a photographer's dream to capture that precious image right as or before something dramatic occurs. These are some of the best examples we've ever seen.
See Just How Much Women's Fashion Changed In 200 Years
Fashion changes all the time, but how much it does change is even more remarkable when viewed from the perspective of centuries. Take a look.
These Things Are So Big That They Almost Beggar Belief
There are creatures and architecture that are on a relatively normal scale, and there are those that are just massive. Take a look at these 20 photos.
10 Show-Stopping Photos of the Sunbirds of South Africa
Admire the magnificent, regal beauty of South African sunbirds in 10 stunning photos in this article
13 Photographs of Stunning Beach Art With Stones
Here is a collection of some stunning images showing unique beach art that has been created by using just stones.
Amazing Re-Touched Photos of England Back in the Old Days
1920s England was the not tremendously jolly, civilized and the most important nation in world politics. These colored photos will show you what it was like.
You May Know These Photos, but Not Their History...
These photographs are so famous, there is no chance you don't know them. But do you the absolutely incredible stories that led to those moments?
These Photos Bring to Life the Most Beautiful Reflections
These photographs are really spectacular. The conditions were exactly right for the photographers to capture these images. Enjoy the stillness here.
I've Never Seen Photos As Stunning As These
These beautiful shots, which look more like art will undoubtedly impress you.
27 Wintry Log Cabins to Escape to During the Holidays
If you've already got your dream home, chances are you haven't imagined your dream log cabin yet. Have a gawp at these 27 winter wonders.
20 Fascinating Cross Sections Explained
Look at these 20 fascinating cross-sections of various things found in the world, from flowers to weapons and different mechanisms!
Amsterdam 100 Years Ago: Incredible Old Photos!
Have a look at some of George Hendrik Breitner's photography, which captures Amsterdam as it was in the late 19th Century and the early 1900s.
Have You Seen These Beautiful Churches?
Churches are beautiful and peaceful places that always manage to put me in a relaxed state of mind. Perhaps it is their beauty or their design, but this amazing feeling is even more powerful at these 22 most iconic and majestic of churches.
Town Reclaims Its Traditional Buildings - Fascinating!
This French town narrowly escaped being turned into just another dilapidated city, but it managed to turn back the clock and reclaim its historic heritage.
Enjoy a VAST Collection of Our Most Gorgeous Photos
The most fantastic natural photos from around the globe, each one is an award winner.
Milestones in History: the 12 First Photographs Ever Taken
The history of photography reaches back centuries, and its evolution is made apparent if we look at some of the most iconic photos in history
Perfect Timing! 17 Incredible Moments Caught on Camera
These perfectly timed photos will mess with your head.
13 Mesmerizing Sunset Silhouettes You Won't Forget
Photographer Aaditya Shrirang Bhat creates unique photo stories during the sunset.
Collection: The World's Most Unique Buildings
This collection includes advanced buildings of the future, stunning old structures, and some of the tallest buildings in the world
Have You Ever Seen Such Alluring and Artistic Photography?
What's better than a collection of photographs of stunning locations? Adding models wearing beautiful dresses, of course!
15 Photographs Showcasing Architecture Like Never Before
Here is a look at some of the best photographs of building art from all over the world that will make you appreciate their beauty.
This Dark Underground Chamber Contains Millions of Shells
This winding underground passageway contains millions of beautifully arranged shells. But why?
5 Quirky & Imaginative Homes Built On a Shoestring Budget
These homes are proof that something incredible can be created on a shoestring budget while being kind to the environment at the same time. Take a look.
Polish Castles: Having a Look at Some Architectural Beauty
Flying above the beautiful castles of ancient Poland.
These Pics Were Taken On a 40000 Km Journey Through Europe
This Belgian photographer traveled no less than 40,000 kilometers to photograph the peaks of Europe. Take a look at his amazing photos right here.
These Vintage Photos Left an Indelible Mark on History
Ever seen Einstein in a leather jacket or the Lincoln Memorial half-finished? These historical photos will show you famous faces and places in a new light
Even Grown-Ups Can't Resist These Amazing Playgrounds!
This Danish company creates such incredible playgrounds that your kids will never want to go home!
These 18 Amazing City Squares Look Fit for the Gods
When I think of great cities, and wonder what makes them so beautiful, it seems so obvious: it is their amazing piazas, or squares. These are the 18 best!
These Stunning Bird Photos are All Award Winners
Bird photos make for some of the most beautiful pictures possible, and these are the very best of these.
25 Photos That Tell an Amazing Story
Extraordinary photos from recent years who have really made an impact on all who see them.
19 Pictures That Prove Your Eyes and Brain Are Lying to You
Each of these 19 pictures will cause you to linger in front of it for a few seconds trying to figure out what it is that’s really going on in them!
These Photos Capture the Weirdness and Beauty of Japan
Japan has an abundance of beauty and weirdness all at the same time, and photographer Shin Noguchi is dedicated to capturing it. Take a look.
22 Rare and Beautifully Colorized Historical Photos
Looking through these meticulously colorized photos, most of which were taken during the two World Wars, is a unique and moving experience.