What pairs well with the biggest private home in the United States? Why, one’s own forest and mountain, of course.
On our visit to the Biltmore Estate we marveled at the beautiful landscape surrounding George Washington Vanderbilt’s mansion. It is even more amazing when you realize that most of this landscape was immature during Vanderbilt’s lifetime. He and his very famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, both died before really being able to appreciate the glory of what they designed.
Biltmore Estate forests with view of Blue Ridge Mountains
When George W. Vanderbilt decided to build his home in Asheville, North Carolina, he bought up 125,000 acres of land in order to create a home and a sanctuary around it. He and his architect, Richard Morris Hunt, modeled the building after a French chateau. He liberally interpreted European garden design throughout the estate, including a formal Italian garden, a British-style deer park, and a French esplanade with a graduated stairway. He was very proud of the lush natural landscaping of the Approach road to the home and commented that Olmsted would gain lasting fame just for its beauty.
Biltmore Estate Lagoon with Biltmore House
Biltmore House and Lagoon
Biltmore House with view of Blue Ridge Mountains
Panorama Photo of Biltmore Estate and Blue Ridge Mountains
Biltmore House from garden with wisteria pergola
Mature wisteria vines envelop support beams on the pergola
Biltmore House and Library Terrace with statue
Biltmore Estate Italian Garden
Biltmore Estate Esplanade and Ramp Douce
Biltmore Estate turtle fountain on Ramp Douce
Biltmore Estate Diana statue on Esplanade
Even the small details are maintained on the Biltmore Estate, such as this woven log fence.
The grounds include a walled garden with a conservatory.
An intricate arbor supports grape vines
The grape arbor also supports climbers such as clematis.
The walled garden’s roses were blooming profusely during our visit.
The original potting room is still in use in the conservatory.
Time for a selfie in one of the conservatory displays.
The statue on the terrace waves goodbye.
Even though most of us don’t own thousands of acres of land with forests and mountains, it’s our own labor of love to caretake our properties. I hope you enjoyed your armchair trip through the Biltmore Estate and will join me for more trips to Biltmore in upcoming posts. If you missed it, you can read about dishes at Biltmore here.
Thanks to longtime friend and travel partner Kathy for some of these photos. You can read about her trip to Italy here.
I just can’t even believe the majesty of that wisteria-covered pergola, the log fence (SO unique!), and arbor with all the grape vines!!! Oh, my goodness, what a glorious spot! And I love the pots on that door in front of the potting room!!! What a unique and striking display! Can you just imagine having this kind of money to have these grounds to call your own??!??!
As for your “selfie”…..cover thyself, woman! š
I absolutely love Biltmore! Thank you for posting these pictures – wonderful reminders and a few new things I haven’t seen. I love the turtle fountain. š The estate is the most perfect setting among the beautiful rolling hills. That area of the country is gorgeous (as are others), and Biltmore was wise to choose the location. That selfie shot at the end with the mirrored door planter gives me many sparks of inspiration for garden planters! Thanks, Jennie!
What an amazing treat! There isn’t a single bad view of the estate! Gorgeous!