Biltmore Estates....Asheville, N.C.

Dear Family and Friends,

The Biltmore Estate was on Chuck's bucket list so of course we had to get that ticked off.

We spent the whole day touring the house and grounds.  Unfortunately no pictures are allowed inside so I can only share this view of the house from the outside.

This house was built by George W. Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895 when he was in his early 30's.  He inherited money from his railroad baron grandfather Cornelius Vanderbilt.

This 175,000 sq. ft. house has over 250 rooms.  It originally set on 125,000 acres.  In 1894 the estate employed 438 people.

Inside the house there is a bowling alley, billiard room, library, gym, bowling alley and swimming pool.

The picture below shows what their back yard view was.  Trees and rolling hills as far as the eye could see.

Here is Chuck in front of the estate greenhouse.

This is a picture of the pond on the property.

Today there is a vineyard and winery on the property.  We tasted the wine and actually were not that impressed.  It is probably a good thing, we wouldn't have room to take any back to Ecuador if we had bought it.

One of the buildings at Antler Hill village, located on the estate property.

We had a great time viewing the home and strolling the grounds.  So glad this was on Chuck's bucket list.

We are headed on the Blue Ridge Parkway tomorrow toward Cherokee, North Carolina.

Love,
Nancy