Biltmore

It's a chilly morning here in Asheville...in the mid thirties. Mr.MW is running...Annie is snoozing...so I thought I'd share a few exterior shots of The Biltmore Estate. Picture taking is not allowed inside the mansion.

The history of this beautiful home is amazing. Built by George Vanderbilt, this mansion was home to George and his wife Edith, and their daughter Cornelia. They entertained on a very grand scale...it's mind boggling...the home has two hundred and fifty rooms...47 bathrooms!  It is still owned by the descendants and is maintained by revenues generated right here on the estate. Did you know that Anderson Cooper is a Vanderbilt descendant? 

We are staying on the grounds of the estate in the Biltmore Inn...a very lovely hotel. There is so much to see and do here...we will be out and about seeing more of the grounds and tonight we will return to the house for a candlelit Christmas tour, complete with carolers. 

For now, here are a few of the pics I took yesterday of the exterior details of the house.

The stone carvings outside and the wood carvings inside are incredible...such amazing artisans contributed their great talents to make this masterpiece. Although it is difficult for me to put my mind around the idea that this was a single family home....

I can thoroughly enjoy the fine details of the many crafts men and artists that created such opulence.

Our humble digs for the duration...notice the V for Vanderbilt.

I'll be back with more...if you want...let me know.

Enjoy the day,

Robyn