My husband and I spent our honeymoon at Biltmore. Every day was a new adventure, from the exquisite mansion tour, the winery tastings, the gardens, the grounds, the horseback riding, dining in the fabulous restaurants....it was a magical time for us. I visited after his passing and the memories came back to life for me. The beauty of Biltmore Estate and grounds is indescribable and an absolute destination to anyone who adores the history of that time period. I shall return one day. Thank you for this video.
We got engaged at the top of the ramp deuce overlooking the front of the house! After several visits, we still love it! The winery in the old dairy barn is great as well!
I visited in 2021, and enjoyed it immensely., the Sunday after thanksgiving.at 8:00, (11/26/2023) the hallmark channel will show a Christmas movie that was filmed at the Biltmore. you haven't seen the place till you see it at Christmas.
I visited when I was freshly out of college in the 90s. It was beyond anything my younger self could even imagine! I was drawn to the winter garden, the views from the decks, and the gardens (I'm a plant person :). I ended up moving to the area and living there for several years!
Well, you've finally done it: the creme de la creme. Excellent video - somehow, you're cadence and perfect English make this "home" and the estate grounds look even more regal. Thanks for all that you do.
I visited during the summer. Surprisingly, the house wasn't as hot as the gardens. My favorite room was the Winter Garden - a beautiful respite from all the ornate rooms. When I was visiting, the Music Room was being completed. The Library is spectacular and almost overwhelming. It's said the George Washington Vanderbilt had read every book in the room so it's very impressive. The interiors are spectacular but the gardens are on another level. Olmstead did a masterful job of creating the gardens.
I mean all you could do back then was sit around a read lol. It’s always funny to me how they had all these incredibly ornate rooms that they would just go and sit in to help pass the time. How quiet and boring it must’ve gotten back then lol
Having lived in Asheville years ago and now in a town sixty miles away, I've been to the Biltmore over a hundred times. My favorite room - if you can call it that - isn't in the house at all but the conservatory outside with it's dazzling collection of plants from all over. Inside, I really like the library. Hard to believe something this grandiose was under private ownership. To me, it looks like something you'd only see in movies.
You probably would love Longwood Gardens Conservatory which is about 30 miles outside of Philadelphia Pennsylvania ... a spectacular world-class destination
I was attending a forensic Academy in Knoxville, and one weekend we decided let’s drive over to Biltmore. So it was me, a detective from Seattle, and a fellow crime scene tech from Tennessee. We adored the property and stayed there until dusk. After dining at the hotel, we made our way back to Knoxville after dark. This was in 2007. I remember one of the guys told us that we needed to come back at Christmas time because all of the rooms shown to the public would be decorated, and I could just imagine how beautiful it would be. Of all the rooms and areas on the property, I think my very favorite was stepping out onto one of the outside decks, and looking at that glorious view. I kept thinking if I had that kind of money, that’s where I would’ve build a mansion! 😂 haven’t been back since, but I still think about how enjoyable everything was when we went there. Highly recommend it if you’ve never been there.
I have visited Biltmore Estate, twice. An amazing beautiful home. I loved everything about it. Imagine being a guest in that era. The ladies would have walked in the lavish gardens or maybe for fun ride a bicycle on one of the paths one the estate or maybe played a game of croquet on the massive lawn. The gentlemen riding or racing horses. Possibly, hunting or just walking around discussing business or politics. The stables there were very large and the horses would have been well cared for. If you ever get the chance to go, take you imagination with you.
@@anastassiosperakis2869....the views from the "hill" at Hearst Castle are amazing but even more amazing is whichever direction one gazed, it belonged to HEARST as far as the eye could see in every direction and right down to the Pacific Ocean. Originally the castle sat on 250,000 acres compared to a skimpy 8,000 at the Biltmore. The East Coast has Biltmore and the West Coast has Hearst Castle!! Both fabulous homes, each having their own character.
I have been wanting to see Hearst for years, but haven't been able to work out the logistics of getting there. I had hoped to tie it in with my visit to Winchester, but it was impossible. Hopefully I can go there when I retire in a few years and have ample time.
I've visited multiple times and was always blown away, as the pictures don't do it justice. The bedrooms are all so large, that when you walk in, you see what you think is a tiny bed. However, once you get closer to the bed, you realize it's a regular-sized or even large bed that is just dwarfed by the scale of the room. Highly recommend renting the personal audio tour, a set of headphones that plays extra tidbits of information for each room you walk through, as well as ambient noise (like the sound of billiards balls in the billiards room) that make the house come alive.
I have been a season Passholder for many years. The entire estate is stunningly beautiful and there is so much to see. My Favorite room is the Library, and although it's not opened very often George's office is just off the library. The pool in the basement was a salt water pool. At one time there was an outdoor fresh water pool off the library but has since been covered over. Finally the chandelier that hangs the 4 stories in the grand staircase is attached to the roof by a single bolt.
My husband and I visited Biltmore Estates during one Christmas a few years ago. It was magnificent!!! All the beautifully decorated Christmas trees were a sight to see. My favorite part about the Biltmore Estates was viewing the huge fireplaces, so big you could probably stand in one😊 I also loved visiting the blacksmith on the grounds that was giving a demonstration on how things were crafted back in the day. The whole trip was an awesome experience and Asheville is so beautiful.
This castle/palace/home is almost otherworldly! I've never been there. But I have been to Hearst Castle several times. And while that place is truly magnificent, it doesn't hold a candle to the Biltmore! Definitely on my bucket list of places to visit!
We visited and found the most beauty of the mansion is the view. Money cannot buy this, it's free for you every where. Thank you for sharing your pictures. 🇺🇲
Im a seasons pass holder at the eastate and it is absolutely beautiful. Lots and lots of cool things to do and very kid friendly. One of my favorite places to visit.
Nicely presented. I worked there circa 1989-1991. Christmas was spectacular as the family had opened the entire building to us one evening. They opened The Stalls eatery where we could order and dine freely. The highlight, aside the generosity of the owners was all the behind things we saw. The family could not be better hosts or shown us a more magical time. By family I do mean the owners are the Vanderbilts. Wonderful people!
Going to the Biltmore was on my bucket list for a long time, so I finally was able to go last year in September with my sisters it was so surreal to be there in front of that huge mansion. I really enjoyed the grounds also with all the beautiful plants and flowers. I’m so glad you did this one makes me want to go back.
I have visited it’s truly breathtaking, pictures and video don’t do it justice. I was blown away by the library each room almost had a unique smell. It sounds crazy to say, but you can smell and taste the history in the air. Not all the original china/plates, serving dishes/platers and silverware are still around but the stuff that’s there is something to see. The fireplaces were breathtaking works of art and knowing that they were once used you can just picture it. Much bigger then I anticipated. As a carpenter, I am blowing away with the trim work crown molding and just how tight all the panels fit. All done by hand so my hats off to them. The roof isn’t original but just knowing that it was done without lifts or hydraulic boom trucks and very little safety rules is something to admire! If you are within 100 miles you must go.
I've visited the Biltmore several times and it never gets old. You can easily spend a few days touring the house, the gardens and support buildings all over the estate. I spent a semester in Europe studying for my degree in Architecture and the Biltmore rivals any estate you will find anywhere in the world.
@bbabbich3467Newports? Nah I’m more of a Marlboro guy myself Ok but really, that actually is the first thing that always pops in my head when I see the word “Newport” anywhere lol 😅
Honestly I thought you were talking about the Marlborough Blenheim in England and I'm pretty sure when you look at the logo on a pack of Marlboro smokes I always thought it came from the Marlborough Blenheim which is a real palace type home in England and where Winston Churchill was born . His grandparents lived there and he spent a lot of his youth especially his childhood there and it's hard to imagine because the place is absolutely massive . ... I had to look at several documentaries on it before I realized how immense it was . It's a bunch of buildings all built together as one and then down at the end it curves sort of u-shape and it is so enormous that you can be in one part of the building looking out the window across the courtyard at the other part of the same household . You might want to look at some of the documentaries about it because I'm positive that's where the marble cigarettes got their name but they Americanized the spelling .
I think you need to re-visit some of these estates you toured in Europe. As whilst Biltmore is huge in North American terms there are number of larger houses in England in floor terms, and the Royal residences are far larger again with much more opulent rooms with Buckingham Palace 3 x the size and Windsor Castle 4 × the size in terms of rooms.
I’ve been there 4 times over the years. Cannot get over the history and the magnificence of this place. The library is my favorite room. The music room’s history is very interesting! So glad the public can continue to tour.
My Grandparent's home was a couple miles from Biltmore. I never saw it as a child but my wife and I would visit every time we visited until my Grandmother passed in 1995.
One of my most favorite places ever!!! I have always been fascinated by this particular house for a very long time!!! You have educated me more than I expected regarding this house!!! Well done indeed!!! Thank you 😊 💓 ☺️
I have visited the Biltmore several times, once at Christmas. It’s spectacular! We went several years ago to see a Dale Chihuly special exhibit in the gardens. It was spring and everything was in bloom and gorgeous. I highly recommend a visit to the Biltmore!
I loved this place when we visited, amazing! The best part was reading how the family has adapted the property over the years to keep the beauty and be able to maintain the incredible expenses.
Lived in North Carolina for many years and visited a number of times. Fall is gorgeous there. In every house I seem to gravitate to the library, but the dining room with its rare flags is impressive. Christmas time is not to be missed. There were so many decorated trees, it inspired me to decorate for the season with more than one tree. If it’s good enough for the Vanderbilts…😂
My sister and I took a trip to see the Biltmore house in the early 1980s The house and grounds are very impressive. We loved the gardens and the green houses.
Unfortunately, the only time I visited was on my birthday, and my birthday is in August!! Even here the temperature was in the 90's with brutal humidity. This estate is mind-boggling. Give me my own bathroom and kitchen and I could live in the library as a "studio." According to the tour guide, the books are in the 7 languages in which George was fluent. I also liked the winery tour on the estate. Maybe because I saw this mansion first and had a pretty good idea of what to expect, I would have to say that I was even more stunned by seeing Whitehall in Palm Beach than Biltmore. Excellent video.
I first visited as a child only a year after Biltmore was opened to the public. We parked in a lot across from the front door & I had my picture made standing beside the large lion guarding the front door. Over 50 years later, I went back & had my picture taken in front of the same lion. My favorite room was/is the library. As a child, I remember seeing Napoleon’s chess set “up close & personal” & we were able to wander around the various rooms with escorts (no touching)! Only 9 rooms open then, but the gardens were magnificent & sadly, no longer there. Made a spectacular impression on me then & still a favorite memory with my parents. Best travel destination with even more to do now!
Seriously if you hadn't said that this was in America I would have thought that was like somewhere in England or maybe even France. That library is incredible and this by far is probably one of my favorite videos that you done have you ever thought about doing a compilation of one specific architect?
I visited the Biltmore three times, it was beyond amazing. They open different sections of the mansion at different times. Hard to believe someone could be that wealthy they had a man whose only job was to make wine! A job I would have relished. Beautiful beyond comprehension. The surrounding gardens takes hours to investigate, the Biltmore, what a treasure!
I visited several years ago - it is an astounding estate just as you describe. My favorite room was George’s library and that long metal spiral staircase going up to the ceiling with so many books. Walking the grounds was tiresome in North Carolina summer heat but had beautiful gardens everywhere. The stables were converted to a nice restaurant that sold the Biltmore label wines. Too bad George died so young from appendicitis. Very inexpensive admission for a great family day trip.
I have been to the Biltmore several times over the past 10 years... it is an incredible place to visit! While Christmas time is a true joy to behold (the way they do things there are amazing!) any time is a special treat. The property - even in it's reduced state of several thousand acres is still *HUGE* - from the parking lot for visitors you have to take a tram to get to the main house and the ride is over 20 minutes to finally get there; it's also another 20 to 30 minutes winding the exit way out to finally leave Biltmore after you have finished your day there. One of the facts that they relate on the tram (oh, they talk all the way through it about the history and facts!) is that recently (in the last 50 years or so) researchers found the original Western gates of the estate - they were in Tennessee, over 50 miles away! Yeah - make sure you are ready to move because no matter what tour you take (gardens, the House, Upstairs/Downstairs, the Roof, etc.) you are going to be covering a lot of ground! Biltmore was also the training ground (and arguably the establishment) for the National Forestry Service - because George's estate encompassed so much property and he believed in sustainability, his estate had a lot of forest land that the US govt was the beneficiary of teaching people how to take care of it. Biltmore is incredible - the organ (when it plays, which it does on a regular interval) is incredible to hear billowing throughout the mansion. My favorite part (which you glossed over) was the butler's pantry and their collection of china - beyond that, I found amusing that the butler's pantry actually has two dumbwaiters - even though George was a "modernist" for technology, when the house was built, electricity was brand new - so one dumbwaiter was electrically operated, while the other (almost never used) was the typical pull rope manual - it was put in "just in case" electricity wasn't a big thing and failed. Biltmore is a true joy for anyone to see - it's restored sections, while still owned by a private family make it amazing. It is expensive to visit! This most definitely is *NOT* a $20 a day tourist destination - with entry, parking, the base house/garden tour, etc. you rack up the expense. Of course, to truly enjoy it you have to add a few tour options (such as the basement where the pool/work out room is, the servants areas (kitchens, pantry, etc.) and the rooftop (the house has an observatory with a telescope and a "widows walk" to truly enjoy the incredible views!) one can expect a $300-$500 visit for two people for the day not including food, lodging, souvenirs, or wine (the estate is known for it's winery!). But personally, I think it's worth every penny and will be visiting many times in the future! Thanks for the memories! RBS note: edited for grammar
I wonder if this was ever in Vanderbilt’s will. Maybe Anderson cooper could do a deep dive into his family records and get an all access tour of his families home. Amazing video! Very informative.
I first visited the Biltmore Estate in about 1963. My Great Aunt lived in Biltmore Forest and was friends with Bill and Mimi Cecil. Mimi gave us a private tour of the mansion and many parts that were not open to the public at that time. Several things I remember were the furnace and AC and DC power plants. We also visited an old garage-carriage storage area. There was a Stevens Duryea automobile, from about about 1915.
I remember being particularly struck by the beauty of the library when I visited. Most of the house was so grand I could not imagine being comfortable there, but I would enjoy the library!
Visited twice and each time I was mesmerized by the ornate features in every single room. Likely you could spend 20 to 30-minutes in each room before noticing all if the intricate details. Phenomenal architectural achievement and would recommend a visit for anyone that appreciates attention to detail and ostentatious features.
I spent summers in my youth with my grandparents in Ashville. My grandfather helped them (was hired ) to open the first restaurants for visitators on the property. I remember fishing on the estate, stocked to the gills. One cast, one fish. I also remember the Cecils were very nice to me. Ashville is completely different today. This was before The Cut. I still remember the traffic back up when it was just the tunnel.
I went here in 1994 when I was 13 while visiting my aunt who lived in Ashville for the summer. The property is enormous, and the house is insanely beautiful. I knew after that I wanted to be a home designer. I've made a pretty good living designing and building luxury homes, all thanks to my visit to Biltmore.
Neat stories from other viewers. I've seen video of the staff preparing the Christmas tree and decorations last year. I though I liked the music room, then the long hall, then the library, and even the 'sitting room' was fantastic. I love carved wood, and the style was so tasteful, with so much of the design hearkening back to the Medieval days. I would love to visit it someday.
I did a tour of this place when I lived in the area in the late 1990s. Included in the tour were the servants' quarters and a more detailed look at the kitchen. I will never forget the washing sink - the sink where the dishes were cleaned. It was so tiny, I just imagined that one servant would have had to stand there basically from first light to late in the night doing dishes in this tiny sink...
It is amazing that you noticed such a thing where everybody is talking about the beauty of the mansion. What do you think was it intentionally done that the sink was kept so tiny?
Biltmore is awesome. Every room was stunning. I’ve visited a few times. If you get a chance do the behind the scenes tour, you pay a bit extra but totally worth it. If I had to pick my favorite room it would be the library or maybe the daily dining room.
Wonderful video. I was 11 the first time I visited. I fell in love, mostly with the library. Regrettably, I couldn't visit again until I was 40, then at Christmas. Extraordinarily beautiful! I said at 11, I would grow up to work there for free just to be in the house. Still holds today at 73, if it were possible. I feel I should have been born in the guilded age.
I visited once back in 2005. Its absolutely breath taking, both inside and out. I was fascinated with the basement and all the rooms that were used for food storage, plus the pool! I ate at a restaurant on site and it did not disappoint! Everything was farm fresh and grown on site. Its extremely impressive how everything is run.
My daughter and I visited from Australia in February 2020. It is without doubt the most beautiful of all the Vanderbilt mansions standing. This was the last on the list I had too see. It is simply beautiful.
I’m so thankful that I lived near and was able to walk through freely before it became so regimented. I was able to see the good bad and ugly, and it was incredible l ❤️❤️❤️ I’m so grateful that the family stepped up and decided to invest into this remarkable home.
We visited this past Tuesday. The attention to detail is outstanding. This house is a labor of love. The views are absolutely beautiful. The winter garden area was our favorite. We plan to visit again and tour the top floor and outside on the balcony. His vision has lasted more than a century and the house is still alive and full of so much history.
I've visited once but need to go back. I felt like I was in a different country. Nothing I've seen compares. They spared no expense in the finishing of every single room. No corners were cut. The atmosphere around the area is completely different from any other place I have visited. My favorite rooms were 1) the Library and 2) the Banquet Hall.
This was the setting for the 1978 movie "Being There" - with Peter Sellers, Shirley Mclaine, Melvyn Douglas & Jack Warden ... absolutely stunning location .... and an exceptionally quirky comedy ... well worth a watch !!!!
I’ve visited Biltmore so many times over the years. It’s the most beautiful at Christmas. It’s crazy how the entire Vanderbilt family squandered all of their fortune. As I recall, George lived only twelve years to enjoy this; and he died. Sad.
@bbabbich3467, no I got your point. I just respect those who are good stewards of what they have. The old Commodore made all of their money, spent tons of it. By the time it got to George’s generation, and then the next one, the extravagant spending - combined with none of them working - it ran out. I just don’t respect that; but if you do, it’s fine! LOL
I have a daughter who lived in Newport, Rhode Island, and I must say when I saw this home, I was totally amazed! You have to keep in mind that you cannot compare the two, but this is definitely a must see, as is Newport. Terrific video. And I will take George's bedroom!
I first went to Biltmore in 1976. After returning home from that first trip, I wrote a scathing letter to the Biltmore estate owners condemning them for their cruelty to the water foul that were on the estate. I scolded them in no uncertain terms that they would go so far as to amputate one leg of each of the large birds just to prevent them from escaping the grounds. (at the time, I was thinking they wanted to keep the birds there to add visually to the tourists experience).... The Biltmore people were kind enough to write me back. They explained to me that when it's cold, water foul often stand on one leg/foot, with the other leg/foot tucked up into the lower torso, warming one foot at a time. And they assured me that all of the birds on the estate still had both of their legs! I'll bet they got a good laugh from my ignorance; I still have their letter; I wonder if they still have mine?
i visited there like 15 years ago almost. it was Magical Honestly. i Remember less and less from my trip as time goes on but i remember wishing it was my house it was so amazing. the architecture, the amenities, just how LOVELY it all looked. i HAVE to visit again someday. ill be sure to.
I have visited Biltmore several times over the years and it truly is an architectural masterpiece. The only problem is the large crowds that flock to the estate ruins the experience. I encourage anyone planning to visit to schedule during off season when there are not so many people.
Visted today.Delightful experience. Amazing architecture. So much planning and designing bedides meticulously executed interiors .One place - a MUST visit .
I grew up in N.C. lived there till I was in my thirtys. Nowver once viaited the Biltmore. Now I live in Michigan. My fiance and I took a trip to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. We went to the Biltmore on that trip. My jaw dropped more than once evry room we entered. The granger of this place is just beyond words. If I had to pick a room as my favorite. I would have to say the grand dining room. Just the size of it is awe inspiring. On a side note. The exterior of the Biltmore was used in the Macauly Culkin movie Richy Rich.
Living near within 2 hours of Newport, RI. The Biltmore to me felt like a home not a Palatial Palace that is found in Newport. The whole place is amazing. Wished you had talked about the Apartment where the last Vanderbilt lived on the property. I really want to get back there someday.
Back in around 2008/2009ish school year as a fifth grader, my teacher has each student pick a state to do a project on as their major project grade for the grading quarter. I was given North Carolina. And I learned so much about this estate that I wanted to go there badly. Luckily, two years later for Christmas break, my parents, deciding to not only surprise me but to also see if I remembered what I learned, decided to take a family vacation to the city this place was located in. And took me to the Biltmore Estate. I was so utterly happy finally seeing the place I spent days learning about for a project that I still consider that trip to be my favorite trip ever, even after over 13 years later as a grown adult in her mid-20's
im so glad to see this video. i have seen many places that i probably will never see in person, om UA-cam. Everybody want to travel outside the U.S. but there are mny wonderful place to see right here in America. Thanks again.
I visited Biltmore for the first time last year in May. It was absolutely beautiful! My parents had been years earlier and of course told be about it. I always wanted to see Biltmore and finally got the opportunity! I've been several last year after going the first time. Lucky for me I live about 2 hours away from Ashville North Carolina.....I live in South Carolina. If you ever get the chance go and visit. What a wonderful place to see and experience! Can't wait to go again!
Magnificent! this brings back wonderful memories of a visit during the Chihuly exhibit which in itself was breathtaking. The mansion is so beautiful along with the gardens....I did not want to leave...the views of the mountains were so captivating. There were visitors horseback riding and families with their children petting the farm animals. My first ever segway tour was through fields of beautiful sunflowers and ponds ...so very scenic!
I went several years ago, but stayed off property. I would love to go back and stay on property for a few days. I loved everything about the mansion, the grounds and the shopping/dining/winery area. I had the best burger of my entire life in one of the restaurants and everything at that establishment was sourced on property.
I visited in January of 2016 and then again last week. It never gets old seeing this beautiful house. I would love to be able to walk through it when there are much less people. They really make walking through difficult and seeing the furniture and items that are on display. Maybe when I go back there will be less people wandering around. lol
I visited many years ago because I knew alot about the property (and family) but had never seen it. The view of the chateaux as you turn in off the main drive is stunning. No doubt Richard Hunt's finest design. The library is my favorite room. How I'd love to hibernate there for a week !!
Make it a priority, it is more interesting than European homes, like the Palace of Versailles or Windsor Castle (which just feel like government buildings)...
It is worth noting how many areas of the Biltmore estate had once been scrub farms that had used up the land. Olmsted had a massive reforestation project to insure the rebirth of the once ruined lands.
Have toured three times. The best way to see this magnificent "castle" is to get a ticket for the private tour. They take you behind the scenes from regular tour. You are taken to many private areas not in regular tour. I visited spring - beautiful, summer - lush green and lovely, and fall - breathtaking. Christmas would be beyond beautiful, I'm sure.
We visited once, but it was back in the mid 1970s. I seem to remember that there was a bowling alley in the basement. I think the driveway to the house is something like a mile and a half long. The whole place is a amazing.
My husband and I spent our honeymoon at Biltmore. Every day was a new adventure, from the exquisite mansion tour, the winery tastings, the gardens, the grounds, the horseback riding, dining in the fabulous restaurants....it was a magical time for us. I visited after his passing and the memories came back to life for me. The beauty of Biltmore Estate and grounds is indescribable and an absolute destination to anyone who adores the history of that time period. I shall return one day. Thank you for this video.
We got engaged at the top of the ramp deuce overlooking the front of the house! After several visits, we still love it! The winery in the old dairy barn is great as well!
That sounds so perfect! Glad you were able to do that!
I visited in 2021, and enjoyed it immensely., the Sunday after thanksgiving.at 8:00, (11/26/2023) the hallmark channel will show a Christmas movie that was filmed at the Biltmore. you haven't seen the place till you see it at Christmas.
I visited once during Christmas. The decorations were incredible. So beautiful.
We did the same. And came back for daytime tour the next day. Incredible!
Yeah I went at Christmas once with my mom and dad about 20 years ago
I visited when I was freshly out of college in the 90s. It was beyond anything my younger self could even imagine! I was drawn to the winter garden, the views from the decks, and the gardens (I'm a plant person :). I ended up moving to the area and living there for several years!
Well, you've finally done it: the creme de la creme. Excellent video - somehow, you're cadence and perfect English make this "home" and the estate grounds look even more regal. Thanks for all that you do.
I visited during the summer. Surprisingly, the house wasn't as hot as the gardens. My favorite room was the Winter Garden - a beautiful respite from all the ornate rooms. When I was visiting, the Music Room was being completed. The Library is spectacular and almost overwhelming. It's said the George Washington Vanderbilt had read every book in the room so it's very impressive.
The interiors are spectacular but the gardens are on another level. Olmstead did a masterful job of creating the gardens.
I mean all you could do back then was sit around a read lol. It’s always funny to me how they had all these incredibly ornate rooms that they would just go and sit in to help pass the time. How quiet and boring it must’ve gotten back then lol
Having lived in Asheville years ago and now in a town sixty miles away, I've been to the Biltmore over a hundred times. My favorite room - if you can call it that - isn't in the house at all but the conservatory outside with it's dazzling collection of plants from all over. Inside, I really like the library. Hard to believe something this grandiose was under private ownership. To me, it looks like something you'd only see in movies.
Not only was in private hands, it still is!
The movie Richie Rich was filmed there.
@@ksavage681 Also the Grace Kelley movie of 1956, The Swan.
I cannot forget the library. It was breathtaking. The library conjures images from so many books and movies. Glorious!
You probably would love Longwood Gardens Conservatory which is about 30 miles outside of Philadelphia Pennsylvania ... a spectacular world-class destination
I was attending a forensic Academy in Knoxville, and one weekend we decided let’s drive over to Biltmore. So it was me, a detective from Seattle, and a fellow crime scene tech from Tennessee. We adored the property and stayed there until dusk. After dining at the hotel, we made our way back to Knoxville after dark. This was in 2007. I remember one of the guys told us that we needed to come back at Christmas time because all of the rooms shown to the public would be decorated, and I could just imagine how beautiful it would be. Of all the rooms and areas on the property, I think my very favorite was stepping out onto one of the outside decks, and looking at that glorious view. I kept thinking if I had that kind of money, that’s where I would’ve build a mansion! 😂 haven’t been back since, but I still think about how enjoyable everything was when we went there. Highly recommend it if you’ve never been there.
Visited about 2000. Definitely a national treasure. Loved the immaculate grounds and the wine tasting. 😊
I have visited Biltmore Estate, twice. An amazing beautiful home. I loved everything about it. Imagine being a guest in that era. The ladies would have walked in the lavish gardens or maybe for fun ride a bicycle on one of the paths one the estate or maybe played a game of croquet on the massive lawn. The gentlemen riding or racing horses. Possibly, hunting or just walking around discussing business or politics. The stables there were very large and the horses would have been well cared for.
If you ever get the chance to go, take you imagination with you.
You finally did the BIG ONE.....Even better than Hearst Castle, best private House ever built in the United States....and probably will be forever.
Hearst Castle is a "baby" compared to this mansion. The Biltmore began its construction 30 years prior to Hearst's castle.
@@anastassiosperakis2869....the views from the "hill" at Hearst Castle are amazing but even more amazing is whichever direction one gazed, it belonged to HEARST as far as the eye could see in every direction and right down to the Pacific Ocean. Originally the castle sat on 250,000 acres compared to a skimpy 8,000 at the Biltmore. The East Coast has Biltmore and the West Coast has Hearst Castle!! Both fabulous homes, each having their own character.
@@steelman86to be fair the original biltmore estate was 125,000 acres, in a much more settled part of the country
It is the Largest Private home in America with 8,000 acres. George Washington Vanderbilt donated 242 thousand acres to the Blue Ridge Parkway
I have been wanting to see Hearst for years, but haven't been able to work out the logistics of getting there. I had hoped to tie it in with my visit to Winchester, but it was impossible. Hopefully I can go there when I retire in a few years and have ample time.
Great channel... I have been to Biltmore many times... Beautiful home and grounds... Completely worth the trip.
It really is!
I've visited multiple times and was always blown away, as the pictures don't do it justice. The bedrooms are all so large, that when you walk in, you see what you think is a tiny bed. However, once you get closer to the bed, you realize it's a regular-sized or even large bed that is just dwarfed by the scale of the room. Highly recommend renting the personal audio tour, a set of headphones that plays extra tidbits of information for each room you walk through, as well as ambient noise (like the sound of billiards balls in the billiards room) that make the house come alive.
I have been a season Passholder for many years. The entire estate is stunningly beautiful and there is so much to see. My Favorite room is the Library, and although it's not opened very often George's office is just off the library. The pool in the basement was a salt water pool. At one time there was an outdoor fresh water pool off the library but has since been covered over. Finally the chandelier that hangs the 4 stories in the grand staircase is attached to the roof by a single bolt.
My husband and I visited Biltmore Estates during one Christmas a few years ago. It was magnificent!!! All the beautifully decorated Christmas trees were a sight to see. My favorite part about the Biltmore Estates was viewing the huge fireplaces, so big you could probably stand in one😊 I also loved visiting the blacksmith on the grounds that was giving a demonstration on how things were crafted back in the day. The whole trip was an awesome experience and Asheville is so beautiful.
This castle/palace/home is almost otherworldly! I've never been there. But I have been to Hearst Castle several times. And while that place is truly magnificent, it doesn't hold a candle to the Biltmore! Definitely on my bucket list of places to visit!
I went in the spring time and the flowers were unbelievable. I have gone several times and my favorite room is the library. It’s so beautiful
We visited and found the most beauty of the mansion is the view. Money cannot buy this, it's free for you every where. Thank you for sharing your pictures. 🇺🇲
I was there in my teenager years back in 1982 and it was a wonderful experience! Thanks for remembering me this great house. I watch from El Salvador.
Im a seasons pass holder at the eastate and it is absolutely beautiful. Lots and lots of cool things to do and very kid friendly. One of my favorite places to visit.
Nicely presented. I worked there circa 1989-1991. Christmas was spectacular as the family had opened the entire building to us one evening. They opened The Stalls eatery where we could order and dine freely. The highlight, aside the generosity of the owners was all the behind things we saw. The family could not be better hosts or shown us a more magical time. By family I do mean the owners are the Vanderbilts. Wonderful people!
Going to the Biltmore was on my bucket list for a long time, so I finally was able to go last year in September with my sisters it was so surreal to be there in front of that huge mansion. I really enjoyed the grounds also with all the beautiful plants and flowers. I’m so glad you did this one makes me want to go back.
I have visited it’s truly breathtaking, pictures and video don’t do it justice. I was blown away by the library each room almost had a unique smell. It sounds crazy to say, but you can smell and taste the history in the air. Not all the original china/plates, serving dishes/platers and silverware are still around but the stuff that’s there is something to see. The fireplaces were breathtaking works of art and knowing that they were once used you can just picture it. Much bigger then I anticipated. As a carpenter, I am blowing away with the trim work crown molding and just how tight all the panels fit. All done by hand so my hats off to them. The roof isn’t original but just knowing that it was done without lifts or hydraulic boom trucks and very little safety rules is something to admire! If you are within 100 miles you must go.
I've visited the Biltmore several times and it never gets old. You can easily spend a few days touring the house, the gardens and support buildings all over the estate. I spent a semester in Europe studying for my degree in Architecture and the Biltmore rivals any estate you will find anywhere in the world.
@bbabbich3467Newports? Nah I’m more of a Marlboro guy myself
Ok but really, that actually is the first thing that always pops in my head when I see the word “Newport” anywhere lol 😅
Honestly I thought you were talking about the Marlborough Blenheim in England and I'm pretty sure when you look at the logo on a pack of Marlboro smokes I always thought it came from the Marlborough Blenheim which is a real palace type home in England and where Winston Churchill was born .
His grandparents lived there and he spent a lot of his youth especially his childhood there and it's hard to imagine because the place is absolutely massive .
... I had to look at several documentaries on it before I realized how immense it was .
It's a bunch of buildings all built together as one and then down at the end it curves sort of u-shape and it is so enormous that you can be in one part of the building looking out the window across the courtyard at the other part of the same household .
You might want to look at some of the documentaries about it because I'm positive that's where the marble cigarettes got their name but they Americanized the spelling .
@@STSGuitar16sorry that's so long but I do hope you'll read it and I think you'll really enjoy it
You can tell that the owner had huge control over every detail, not an architect. But, it's a nice place
I think you need to re-visit some of these estates you toured in Europe. As whilst Biltmore is huge in North American terms there are number of larger houses in England in floor terms, and the Royal residences are far larger again with much more opulent rooms with Buckingham Palace 3 x the size and Windsor Castle 4 × the size in terms of rooms.
I’ve been there 4 times over the years. Cannot get over the history and the magnificence of this place. The library is my favorite room. The music room’s history is very interesting! So glad the public can continue to tour.
Went on a school field trip when I was 14. Was too young to appreciate the real estate. Man I want to go back so badly
My Grandparent's home was a couple miles from Biltmore. I never saw it as a child but my wife and I would visit every time we visited until my Grandmother passed in 1995.
One of my most favorite places ever!!! I have always been fascinated by this particular house for a very long time!!! You have educated me more than I expected regarding this house!!! Well done indeed!!! Thank you 😊 💓 ☺️
Hi Ken. Still loving all your work. 🙏☺️
One of favorite places to visit. Beautiful nature combined with masterpiece of architecture!!
I have visited the Biltmore several times, once at Christmas. It’s spectacular! We went several years ago to see a Dale Chihuly special exhibit in the gardens. It was spring and everything was in bloom and gorgeous. I highly recommend a visit to the Biltmore!
I loved this place when we visited, amazing! The best part was reading how the family has adapted the property over the years to keep the beauty and be able to maintain the incredible expenses.
Lived in North Carolina for many years and visited a number of times. Fall is gorgeous there. In every house I seem to gravitate to the library, but the dining room with its rare flags is impressive. Christmas time is not to be missed. There were so many decorated trees, it inspired me to decorate for the season with more than one tree. If it’s good enough for the Vanderbilts…😂
My sister and I took a trip to see the Biltmore house in the early 1980s The house and grounds are very impressive. We loved the gardens and the green houses.
Unfortunately, the only time I visited was on my birthday, and my birthday is in August!! Even here the temperature was in the 90's with brutal humidity. This estate is mind-boggling. Give me my own bathroom and kitchen and I could live in the library as a "studio." According to the tour guide, the books are in the 7 languages in which George was fluent. I also liked the winery tour on the estate. Maybe because I saw this mansion first and had a pretty good idea of what to expect, I would have to say that I was even more stunned by seeing Whitehall in Palm Beach than Biltmore. Excellent video.
I first visited as a child only a year after Biltmore was opened to the public. We parked in a lot across from the front door & I had my picture made standing beside the large lion guarding the front door. Over 50 years later, I went back & had my picture taken in front of the same lion. My favorite room was/is the library. As a child, I remember seeing Napoleon’s chess set “up close & personal” & we were able to wander around the various rooms with escorts (no touching)! Only 9 rooms open then, but the gardens were magnificent & sadly, no longer there.
Made a spectacular impression on me then & still a favorite memory with my parents. Best travel destination with even more to do now!
Seriously if you hadn't said that this was in America I would have thought that was like somewhere in England or maybe even France. That library is incredible and this by far is probably one of my favorite videos that you done have you ever thought about doing a compilation of one specific architect?
I visited the Biltmore three times, it was beyond amazing. They open different sections of the mansion at different times. Hard to believe someone could be that wealthy they had a man whose only job was to make wine! A job I would have relished. Beautiful beyond comprehension. The surrounding gardens takes hours to investigate, the Biltmore, what a treasure!
“Favorite room” is a toss-up between that magnificent library and GWV’s bedroom.
I visited several years ago - it is an astounding estate just as you describe. My favorite room was George’s library and that long metal spiral staircase going up to the ceiling with so many books. Walking the grounds was tiresome in North Carolina summer heat but had beautiful gardens everywhere. The stables were converted to a nice restaurant that sold the Biltmore label wines. Too bad George died so young from appendicitis. Very inexpensive admission for a great family day trip.
I have been to the Biltmore several times over the past 10 years... it is an incredible place to visit! While Christmas time is a true joy to behold (the way they do things there are amazing!) any time is a special treat.
The property - even in it's reduced state of several thousand acres is still *HUGE* - from the parking lot for visitors you have to take a tram to get to the main house and the ride is over 20 minutes to finally get there; it's also another 20 to 30 minutes winding the exit way out to finally leave Biltmore after you have finished your day there. One of the facts that they relate on the tram (oh, they talk all the way through it about the history and facts!) is that recently (in the last 50 years or so) researchers found the original Western gates of the estate - they were in Tennessee, over 50 miles away! Yeah - make sure you are ready to move because no matter what tour you take (gardens, the House, Upstairs/Downstairs, the Roof, etc.) you are going to be covering a lot of ground!
Biltmore was also the training ground (and arguably the establishment) for the National Forestry Service - because George's estate encompassed so much property and he believed in sustainability, his estate had a lot of forest land that the US govt was the beneficiary of teaching people how to take care of it.
Biltmore is incredible - the organ (when it plays, which it does on a regular interval) is incredible to hear billowing throughout the mansion. My favorite part (which you glossed over) was the butler's pantry and their collection of china - beyond that, I found amusing that the butler's pantry actually has two dumbwaiters - even though George was a "modernist" for technology, when the house was built, electricity was brand new - so one dumbwaiter was electrically operated, while the other (almost never used) was the typical pull rope manual - it was put in "just in case" electricity wasn't a big thing and failed.
Biltmore is a true joy for anyone to see - it's restored sections, while still owned by a private family make it amazing. It is expensive to visit! This most definitely is *NOT* a $20 a day tourist destination - with entry, parking, the base house/garden tour, etc. you rack up the expense. Of course, to truly enjoy it you have to add a few tour options (such as the basement where the pool/work out room is, the servants areas (kitchens, pantry, etc.) and the rooftop (the house has an observatory with a telescope and a "widows walk" to truly enjoy the incredible views!) one can expect a $300-$500 visit for two people for the day not including food, lodging, souvenirs, or wine (the estate is known for it's winery!). But personally, I think it's worth every penny and will be visiting many times in the future!
Thanks for the memories!
RBS
note: edited for grammar
Inside the house the library is my favorite room. Outside I like the gardens and landscaping, as that is the type of work I do.
I wonder if this was ever in Vanderbilt’s will. Maybe Anderson cooper could do a deep dive into his family records and get an all access tour of his families home. Amazing video! Very informative.
Absolutely a fabulously beautiful house! A true masterpiece of architecture and good taste! Congratulations!
I first visited the Biltmore Estate in about 1963. My Great Aunt lived in Biltmore Forest and was friends with Bill and Mimi Cecil. Mimi gave us a private tour of the mansion and many parts that were not open to the public at that time. Several things I remember were the furnace and AC and DC power plants. We also visited an old garage-carriage storage area. There was a Stevens Duryea automobile, from about about 1915.
Visited this place when I was a kid. It started my love of architecture that lasts to this day decades later.
I remember being particularly struck by the beauty of the library when I visited. Most of the house was so grand I could not imagine being comfortable there, but I would enjoy the library!
Visited twice and each time I was mesmerized by the ornate features in every single room. Likely you could spend 20 to 30-minutes in each room before noticing all if the intricate details. Phenomenal architectural achievement and would recommend a visit for anyone that appreciates attention to detail and ostentatious features.
I spent summers in my youth with my grandparents in Ashville. My grandfather helped them (was hired ) to open the first restaurants for visitators on the property. I remember fishing on the estate, stocked to the gills. One cast, one fish. I also remember the Cecils were very nice to me. Ashville is completely different today. This was before The Cut. I still remember the traffic back up when it was just the tunnel.
I went here in 1994 when I was 13 while visiting my aunt who lived in Ashville for the summer. The property is enormous, and the house is insanely beautiful. I knew after that I wanted to be a home designer. I've made a pretty good living designing and building luxury homes, all thanks to my visit to Biltmore.
Neat stories from other viewers. I've seen video of the staff preparing the Christmas tree and decorations last year. I though I liked the music room, then the long hall, then the library, and even the 'sitting room' was fantastic. I love carved wood, and the style was so tasteful, with so much of the design hearkening back to the Medieval days. I would love to visit it someday.
I did a tour of this place when I lived in the area in the late 1990s. Included in the tour were the servants' quarters and a more detailed look at the kitchen. I will never forget the washing sink - the sink where the dishes were cleaned. It was so tiny, I just imagined that one servant would have had to stand there basically from first light to late in the night doing dishes in this tiny sink...
Kitchen maids were cheap labor
It is amazing that you noticed such a thing where everybody is talking about the beauty of the mansion. What do you think was it intentionally done that the sink was kept so tiny?
Biltmore is awesome. Every room was stunning. I’ve visited a few times. If you get a chance do the behind the scenes tour, you pay a bit extra but totally worth it. If I had to pick my favorite room it would be the library or maybe the daily dining room.
Wonderful video. I was 11 the first time I visited. I fell in love, mostly with the library. Regrettably, I couldn't visit again until I was 40, then at Christmas. Extraordinarily beautiful! I said at 11, I would grow up to work there for free just to be in the house. Still holds today at 73, if it were possible. I feel I should have been born in the guilded age.
I visited once back in 2005. Its absolutely breath taking, both inside and out. I was fascinated with the basement and all the rooms that were used for food storage, plus the pool! I ate at a restaurant on site and it did not disappoint! Everything was farm fresh and grown on site. Its extremely impressive how everything is run.
My daughter and I visited from Australia in February 2020. It is without doubt the most beautiful of all the Vanderbilt mansions standing. This was the last on the list I had too see. It is simply beautiful.
I’m so thankful that I lived near and was able to walk through freely before it became so regimented. I was able to see the good bad and ugly, and it was incredible l ❤️❤️❤️ I’m so grateful that the family stepped up and decided to invest into this remarkable home.
Yes I have been there twice and the gardens in spring are wonderful. I also bought the photo book showcasing the rooms.😊
Was there in winter of 95 close to Christmas and I recall a gingerbread house competition or exhibition. It was impressive.
I've been here twice, best time to go is in spring!
I have never been there, but loved this tour, esp Edith's bedroom. I also remember Judy Collins doing a Christmas special from there!!!
I will be visiting for the first time in November
I have been there twice! It's breathtaking! I think my favorite room is the library, the woodwork is spectacular!
We visited this past Tuesday. The attention to detail is outstanding. This house is a labor of love. The views are absolutely beautiful. The winter garden area was our favorite. We plan to visit again and tour the top floor and outside on the balcony. His vision has lasted more than a century and the house is still alive and full of so much history.
I've visited once but need to go back. I felt like I was in a different country. Nothing I've seen compares. They spared no expense in the finishing of every single room. No corners were cut. The atmosphere around the area is completely different from any other place I have visited. My favorite rooms were 1) the Library and 2) the Banquet Hall.
This was the setting for the 1978 movie "Being There" - with Peter Sellers, Shirley Mclaine, Melvyn Douglas & Jack Warden ... absolutely stunning location .... and an exceptionally quirky comedy ... well worth a watch !!!!
I’ve visited Biltmore so many times over the years. It’s the most beautiful at Christmas. It’s crazy how the entire Vanderbilt family squandered all of their fortune. As I recall, George lived only twelve years to enjoy this; and he died. Sad.
@bbabbich3467 - I’ll stick with my word “squandered.” Read any report or watch any video on the subject, and see if you still disagree.
@bbabbich3467, no I got your point. I just respect those who are good stewards of what they have. The old Commodore made all of their money, spent tons of it. By the time it got to George’s generation, and then the next one, the extravagant spending - combined with none of them working - it ran out. I just don’t respect that; but if you do, it’s fine! LOL
This place is stunning gorgeous.i want it.
I have a daughter who lived in Newport, Rhode Island, and I must say when I saw this home, I was totally amazed! You have to keep in mind that you cannot compare the two, but this is definitely a must see, as is Newport. Terrific video. And I will take George's bedroom!
I first went to Biltmore in 1976. After returning home from that first trip, I wrote a scathing letter to the Biltmore estate owners condemning them for their cruelty to the water foul that were on the estate. I scolded them in no uncertain terms that they would go so far as to amputate one leg of each of the large birds just to prevent them from escaping the grounds. (at the time, I was thinking they wanted to keep the birds there to add visually to the tourists experience).... The Biltmore people were kind enough to write me back. They explained to me that when it's cold, water foul often stand on one leg/foot, with the other leg/foot tucked up into the lower torso, warming one foot at a time. And they assured me that all of the birds on the estate still had both of their legs! I'll bet they got a good laugh from my ignorance; I still have their letter; I wonder if they still have mine?
It’s very humble if you to share the story. Very cute story.
I ain’t reading allat
So you're dumb?
@@ryddog23 😂🤣😂
@@ryddog23would probably do you good 😊
Been to Biltmore it a great place to go even if you have disabilities because it has an original elevator.
i visited there like 15 years ago almost. it was Magical Honestly. i Remember less and less from my trip as time goes on but i remember wishing it was my house it was so amazing. the architecture, the amenities, just how LOVELY it all looked. i HAVE to visit again someday. ill be sure to.
It is beautiful and amazing. The grounds are stunning and manicured…
I have visited Biltmore several times over the years and it truly is an architectural masterpiece. The only problem is the large crowds that flock to the estate ruins the experience. I encourage anyone planning to visit to schedule during off season when there are not so many people.
Visted today.Delightful experience. Amazing architecture. So much planning and designing bedides meticulously executed interiors .One place - a MUST visit .
I did take a tour & was in awe! It's beautiful & well worth seeing. I loved the daughters bedroom the best!
Such perfection. I do wonder of the actual builders and workers that put everything in its place ❤
I grew up in N.C. lived there till I was in my thirtys. Nowver once viaited the Biltmore. Now I live in Michigan. My fiance and I took a trip to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. We went to the Biltmore on that trip. My jaw dropped more than once evry room we entered. The granger of this place is just beyond words. If I had to pick a room as my favorite. I would have to say the grand dining room. Just the size of it is awe inspiring. On a side note. The exterior of the Biltmore was used in the Macauly Culkin movie Richy Rich.
Living near within 2 hours of Newport, RI. The Biltmore to me felt like a home not a Palatial Palace that is found in Newport. The whole place is amazing. Wished you had talked about the Apartment where the last Vanderbilt lived on the property. I really want to get back there someday.
Biltmore may not be quite as palatial as the breakers, but its size and grandeur still knocks you on your ass!
@@ncavlleguy I think you missed my point.
A visit during Christmastime is on my Bucket List. Thanks, Ken!
NO HOME IN AMERICA CAN TOP THIS ONE !!!
OMG, Kevin,I could not tell you my favorite room, because entire house is magnificent.thank for giving an awesome tour.
Back in around 2008/2009ish school year as a fifth grader, my teacher has each student pick a state to do a project on as their major project grade for the grading quarter. I was given North Carolina. And I learned so much about this estate that I wanted to go there badly. Luckily, two years later for Christmas break, my parents, deciding to not only surprise me but to also see if I remembered what I learned, decided to take a family vacation to the city this place was located in. And took me to the Biltmore Estate. I was so utterly happy finally seeing the place I spent days learning about for a project that I still consider that trip to be my favorite trip ever, even after over 13 years later as a grown adult in her mid-20's
im so glad to see this video. i have seen many places that i probably will never see in person, om UA-cam. Everybody want to travel outside the U.S. but there are mny wonderful place to see right here in America. Thanks again.
I visited Biltmore for the first time last year in May. It was absolutely beautiful! My parents had been years earlier and of course told be about it. I always wanted to see Biltmore and finally got the opportunity! I've been several last year after going the first time. Lucky for me I live about 2 hours away from Ashville North Carolina.....I live in South Carolina. If you ever get the chance go and visit. What a wonderful place to see and experience! Can't wait to go again!
Magnificent! this brings back wonderful memories of a visit during the Chihuly exhibit which in itself was breathtaking. The mansion is so beautiful along with the gardens....I did not want to leave...the views of the mountains were so captivating. There were visitors horseback riding and families with their children petting the farm animals. My first ever segway tour was through fields of beautiful sunflowers and ponds ...so very scenic!
I went several years ago, but stayed off property. I would love to go back and stay on property for a few days. I loved everything about the mansion, the grounds and the shopping/dining/winery area. I had the best burger of my entire life in one of the restaurants and everything at that establishment was sourced on property.
I visited in January of 2016 and then again last week. It never gets old seeing this beautiful house. I would love to be able to walk through it when there are much less people. They really make walking through difficult and seeing the furniture and items that are on display. Maybe when I go back there will be less people wandering around. lol
I saw this last year was breath taking a real piece of American history
I visited many years ago because I knew alot about the property (and family) but had never seen it. The view of the chateaux as you turn in off the main drive is stunning. No doubt Richard Hunt's finest design. The library is my favorite room. How I'd love to hibernate there for a week !!
Great video and beautiful images; I really like the Winter Garden.
I very much want to visit this house one day
It is worth the visit! There are very few homes in the US that can compare
Make it a priority, it is more interesting than European homes, like the Palace of Versailles or Windsor Castle (which just feel like government buildings)...
@@ThisHousenone! Was and still is the largest single family house and private residence in America.
My little house would fit in one room, wow have I failed in life, lol.
It is worth noting how many areas of the Biltmore estate had once been scrub farms that had used up the land. Olmsted had a massive reforestation project to insure the rebirth of the once ruined lands.
I love the Winter Conservatory with the huge lanterns and skylight ❤
Have toured three times. The best way to see this magnificent "castle" is to get a ticket for the private tour. They take you behind the scenes from regular tour. You are taken to many private areas not in regular tour. I visited spring - beautiful, summer - lush green and lovely, and fall - breathtaking. Christmas would be beyond beautiful, I'm sure.
We visited once, but it was back in the mid 1970s. I seem to remember that there was a bowling alley in the basement. I think the driveway to the house is something like a mile and a half long. The whole place is a amazing.
Visited in the sixties as a youth,via Parents. Just Incredible.
OMG..... it's gorgeous!!!! Those people lived well!!!!!! 😮