Construction of Biltmore House was under way in 1889; it was a massive undertaking that included a mansion, gardens, farms, and woodlands. George Vanderbilt engaged two of the most distinguished designers of the 19th century: architect Richard Morris Hunt (1828-1895) and landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903). The centerpiece was a four-story stone house with a 780-foot façade—a monument that would rival the surrounding mountains in grandeur. Hunt modeled the architecture on the richly ornamented style of the French Renaissance and adapted elements, such as the stair tower and the steeply pitched roof, from three famous early-16th-century châteaux in the Loire Valley: Blois, Chenonceau, and Chambord.
Even after six years, Biltmore House was not complete when George Vanderbilt opened it in 1895; work would continue for years. Its scale continues to be astounding: the house contains more than 11 million bricks; the massive stone spiral staircase rises four floors and has 102 steps. Through its center hangs an iron chandelier suspended from a single point, containing 72 electric light bulbs.
8 responses
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Bernadette Lester said (4 Aug 2009):
Oh wow, simply beautiful!! Is this the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina? I've been to that one a few times as a child, but it has been so long that I can barely remember it. I do, however, remember it having many more flowers and such out front. I remember the gardens being amazing, going on for what seemed to be miles, through my childhood eyes. The North Carolina Biltmore Estate also had an enormous pool and its own bowling alley!! I think this shot is simply beautiful. Favorited!!
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Laurie Search gave props (4 Aug 2009):
Gorgeous tones and color!
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Linda Houghton gave props (12 Sep 2009):
beautiful capture of a beautiful place
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Becky Krawczyk gave props (15 Sep 2009):
Gorgeous.
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Regenia Brabham gave props (31 Oct 2009):
It is incredible. I have heard of it but never seen it. A terrific capture and entry.
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stephanie abernathy gave props (3 Nov 2009):
Beautiful!
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robbie manis said (13 Nov 2009):
Its funny that I've lived in NC for almost seven years and I have never been to The Biltmore Estate...lol. Well done!
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Norman Baade C. said (10 Dec 2009):
Excellent, vote.!
