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The word impressive doesn’t even begin to describe it. The largest privately-owned estate America, the Biltmore Estate covers over 8,000 acres and is just under 180,000 square feet in size. The Chateauesque-styled mansion was built by George Washington Vanderbilt II and features 250 rooms, a bowling alley, a two-story library, and a 70,000 gallon indoor swimming pool. The estate grounds, which at one-time were managed by Carl Schenck, the father of the forestry education program in the United States, includes 75 acres of formal gardens, a small walking trail, a winery, and a AAA Four-Diamond hotel complete with 213 rooms.
Biltmore Draws Big Crowds
Members of the family continued to live at the Biltmore House until 1956 when it permanently opened to the public as a home museum. In addition to the aforementioned attractions, the home museum also features several exhibits, pieces of art, a conserved 1913 Stevens-Duryea C-Six, and a large Tiffany collection.
Photo Courtesy of http://www.romanticasheville.com/Biltmore.html
In 2010, the family opened Antler Hill Village which includes an outdoor adventure center, creamery, tavern, and small museum. In all, the Biltmore Estate draws over one million tourists each year. Tickets for a self-guided visit of the house are less than $50 when purchased in advance and children under the age of 16 are free with an adult admission. Ticket holders are granted all-day access to the Biltmore House, gardens, and Antler Hill Village and also receive complimentary parking.
Click here to learn more about accessibility options when visiting the Biltmore.
