Hey Active Rain Friends! Our Regional Manager in the East, recently visited the Biltmore in Asheville, NC. Here's his blog post. Have you ever been there? Also, if you have a cool, unique property in your area, we'd be glad to include it in our Unique Properties Blog.
Where is America’s Largest Privately Owned Home?
On the coast of Southern California? Owned by some movie mogul?
Maybe a business tycoon’s place in New England facing the Atlantic Ocean?
High in the Rockies somewhere? A new mansion overlooking a deep canyon?
No, No and No!
It’s 116 years old and located in the mountains of western North Carolina near Asheville!
I recently had the opportunity to visit The Biltmore, a home built over a six year span from 1889 to 1895 by Mr. George Vanderbilt. This amazing 250-room, French Chateau style home is built on an 8,000 acre estate. It is, and always has been, a working farm; and is still owned by descendents of the Vanderbilt family. Filled with priceless antiques and art, the home and grounds are open daily for public tours. Beginning with a long winding drive through the estate and a view from a distance of the front of the home, this is a full day of “big and beautiful." A walking tour of the home and gardens took much of the day. One could spend hours in the flower gardens alone!
I was most impressed with the hand-carved millwork throughout much of the house. To think that all this was built before we had power tools, steel scaffolding, or cranes! I overheard another visitor ask a guide “how much did it cost to build this place? The answer was “no one knows." Indeed.
Some time exploring the Biltmore winery and a brief stop at one of several available spots for food and drink capped off the day.
Anyone involved in Real Estate sales or property inspections in the USA should try to make a trip to see the Largest Home in America. It really is a special place. You can learn more at: www.biltmore.com.
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