The History of America's Largest Home 
Building Biltmore was, at the time, one of the largest undertakings in the history of American residential architecture and the results were astounding. Over a six-year period, an entire community of craftsmen worked to build the country's premier home. The estate boasted its own brick factory, woodworking shop, and a three-mile railway spur for transporting materials to the site.
A New World Château
The celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt modeled the house on three châteaux built in 16th-century France. It would feature 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement alone would house a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants' quarters, kitchens, and more.
An Environmental Wonder
The grounds of the 125,000-acre estate were designed by
Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of New York's Central Park and the father of American landscape architecture. He not only developed acres of gardens and parkland, but in his efforts to protect the environment and reclaim over-farmed land, Olmsted established America's first managed forest.
A True Family Home
George Vanderbilt officially opened the home to friends and family on Christmas Eve in 1895. He had created a country retreat where he could pursue his passion for art, literature, and horticulture. After marrying the
American Edith Stuyvesant Dresser (1873–1958) in Paris during the summer of 1898, George and his new bride came to live at the estate. Their only child, Cornelia (1900–1976), was born and grew up at Biltmore.
As you can see we made one more stop, and I must say, it was meant to be, here's why.....
My drop dead leave Asheville time was 2pm. Naturally, we took longer at both the Arboretum and the park than I expected. Knowing the Biltmore Estate was a big draw for Asheville I figured it'd be a shame to not at least drive by.
We found where it was and found, too, that one doesn't "drive by" the Biltmore. You enter a parking loop, go through a guarded arch and in a couple of miles arrive at a ticketing building. We did this and I parked, still contemplating going or staying....the drive from Asheville to New Bern is six hours.
As I sat there a man around my age, perhaps a big younger approached my door. I rolled down the window and he said he'd gotten a package deal that came with two tickets and he only needed one, would I like it? I asked what there was to do and see and if he knew what it cost for kids to get in and he wasn't sure about the kids fee but he told me briefly the different areas of the estate. I gladly took the ticket and thanked him. I ran inside quick and asked an attendant the cost for kids. She, much to my surprise, said that children 9 and under were free! I asked what my adult ticket was worth and she said a single adult ticket was $60! Wow. Now we HAD to go, it was free and I promise I would have driven straight home had I seen it was $60 for me....I didn't care that much. What a gift we received! Thank you kind stranger! Thank you, Jesus! We drove a few more miles and parked and loaded in the stroller and walked another 1/2 mile if not more...
to this...........
the Biltmore Mansion....in a nutshell, America's largest single family home that was built by Vanderbuilt. I wasn't that interested in the rooms of the house but Reagan wanted to go in so we did. Amazing rooms, hard to imagine actually living there. We only peeked into a few because the lines were long and I knew we were behind schedule as it was.
Talk about some amazing architecture!
Then we reached the back terrace and I could have pitched a tent and stayed there the rest of my days. What a view!
Mountains, valleys, fall color.....bliss!
More.
In a garden.
In a garden, still.
Pardon my humor and the naked cement, but when I saw this I couldn't help but think, "this is what young women think of when they dream of being mothers. Frolicking in the grass with a toddler. Oh, happy day of sunshine, butterflies and kisses!"
Then I saw this one and decided it was the reality......sometimes ya just wanna smack 'em! LOL. Just playing there are plenty of frolicking moments, but many that scream, "really?" as well!
After the house tour we trekked back to the truck and drove another 5 or so miles into the estate to get to the old farm/animal area. Here are some pretties we saw along the way back to the truck, which was a near cardiac/up hill both ways, kinda moment when pushing that stroller on the dirt 'path'.
The Village.
Fun fountain.
1900"s Farm.
Big sis and her brothers.
The mums were georgous there....I don't usually classify mums as a favorite flower but these were breathtaking. All of the gardens were lined with these. They change the plants/flowers with the seasons then sell them just like they do at the Tryon Palace in New Bern.
The kids made a craft. Get the bead on a string into the bucket.
Addison and Brady coloring their toys.
All done! These kept us busy, thank you!
Brett on the tractor. The best part was that there was a sign by this tractor and the wagon in a previous picture that said PLEASE TOUCH! So that was fun that they got to experience the things and not just see the things....adding another sense always helps things stick in the mind.
Then we headed to the much awaited petting area. They had a huge rabbit, and chickens, and goats. Sheep were in the pasture.
Brett liked this donkey.
Naturally the horses were a huge draw. This is me attempting to get Addison to pet Bert the horse. She did and she 'yikes' (likes) him.
Mommy showing Brady that it's ok to pet Bert.
Brady's not so sure. He did finally touch him, but it was more of a slight 'hit' him kinda touch, which is why Bert moved his head towards us which REALLY freaked Brady out! LOL
The lady told Reagan Bert liked to be scratched on the neck so that's what she did. She loved being so close.
OK, really Rea we need to get on the road. Bye Bert! Bye Biltmore! We're glad we came and we're glad it was free!
One last shot of the mountains in Asheville. So pretty. We rolled out of the Biltmore at 5:45pm. We drove and drove and got home around 12:30am....on a Sunday, but they slept and it was worth it and I praise the Lord I wasn't the least bit sleepy until about 40 minutes away from home and by then we were close enough that my bed was motivation enough! We did get a 2 am call from daddy to make sure we made it home safe since our email saying so was caught up in cyberspace. A fun, quick weekend....only would have been better with a daddy....and a working pool! So glad we got to see some FALL!
We took the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Arboretum back towards Asheville. The Parkway is a 400+ mile stretch of highway that reaches all the way into Virginia. It is a scenic beauty and has many look outs and is a top tourist attraction in the area especially in the fall.
Driving on the Parkway was a lot like this pic I got from the internet......basically a tunnel of fallness......AWESOME! This year the color was great. A 9 out of 10 according to those who predict and dictate such things. There was a lot of red to break up the yellows and oranges which made for amazing views.
When we got into Asheville we found another park to have a picnic.
Brady napped.
Reagan and Brett made a leaf pile.
Goofy Addison wearing her coveted cupcake shirt (she LOVES that shirt). She was happy she found some 'gasses' in the truck too!
Playing in the leaves. Brady eventually woke up and got in on the action.....then I discovered some of the leaves they were rolling in were wet...yuck.....time to move on. Go home or do one more stop????
