Thousands of original furnishings.
Comforts and technologies that were
virtually unknown back in 1895. Original
art from masters such as Renoir.
Magnificent 16th-century tapestries.
More than 40 bronze sculptures.
Curiosities collected from George
Vanderbilt's excursions to Europe, Asia,
and Africa. Napoleon's chess set. A
library with 10,000 volumes. A Banquet
Hall with a 70-foot ceiling. Fascinating
kitchens and remarkable recreational
areas. Room after room of art, history,
and luxury.
The sheer scale of Biltmore House is almost overwhelming, yet it feels
surprisingly welcoming and comfortable.
After all, these amazing four acres of
floor space were designed not as a
museum but as a family home and country
retreat. To this day, it is still the
largest privately owned home in America,
and it remains one of the most engaging
portraits of 19th-century life ever
created.
by Maureen
Penta
Once again the Bad Pennies
came through with a terrific trip - this one to
Asheville, NC, for the "Biltmore Adventure."
We met at Reagan International
Airport and then proceeded to Ashville where
we picked up two vans and then we were on our
way. So much thanks to our two volunteer
drivers! Our first walk was in Morganton with a
choice of 4 different distances ranging from
6KM to 13KM.
We then met at Judge's Bar-B-Q
for dinner - some ordered from the buffet -
others from the menu. MMM !
The next day was the best of
all. We met at the Biltmore Estate
in the early
morning to walk the grounds. Here we were
allowed to do a trail which most tourists do
not see. It was a lovely choice of walks either
through the woods and/or the most beautiful
gardens. At noon we did the Ashville city
walk and had lunch on the trail. Then in the
evening drove back to the Biltmore Estate for a
lovely tour of the very lavish home and the
"Christmas Lights" tour. Everything was all
"dressed up for Christmas." and I think we saw
more than 75 Christmas trees in various rooms of
the house. It was astonishing. Then dinner
at Frankie Bones - cool!
The next day we did the
Arboretum walk which included the greenhouse,
the bonsai gardens and so much more. Walkers
chose their own trails which made everyone
happy. A walk in the town of Henderson rounded
out the day.
"you hold an event and we turn up"
We then met at Judge's Bar-B-Q
for dinner - some ordered from the buffet -
others from the menu. MMM ! 
in the early
morning to walk the grounds. Here we were
allowed to do a trail which most tourists do
not see. It was a lovely choice of walks either
through the woods and/or the most beautiful
gardens. 
At noon we did the Ashville city
walk and had lunch on the trail. Then in the
evening drove back to the Biltmore Estate for a
lovely tour of the very lavish home and the
"Christmas Lights" tour. Everything was all
"dressed up for Christmas." and I think we saw
more than 75 Christmas trees in various rooms of
the house. It was astonishing. Then dinner
at Frankie Bones - cool!