Tuesday morning we went up to North Carolina to see the Biltmore. This was one of Sarah's must see sights on the trip. She had read about the estate in Serafina and the Black Cloak which was a favorite book for her in the last year.
From the gate of the grounds, it took us about ten minutes to get to the parking lot. One thing that was very obvious from the start was that there was a excellent groundskeeping staff. There were no dead plants in evidence anywhere along the drive. Once we parked, we headed over to the house and saw it from the far end of the front lawn.
The house was really busy when we went through it. Even the workers were surprised there were so many people there that day. The house was amazing with ornate woodwork and stonework everywhere. Sarah wanted to be in charge of the camera so many of the shots are things she found interesting.
There was a special exhibit when we were there. Mr. Vanderbilt loved books and read more than 3,000 in his life. The exhibit featured several of his books and showed actual costumes from the movie adaptations. This was really exciting to Sarah as she loved the period costumes.
After touring the house, we went out to the gardens which were every bit as magnificent. We had a snack on a patio roofed with vines. Then we went to the Italian garden and from there into the Shrub, Walled and Rose Gardens. We ended in the conservatory where there were many beautiful plants.
When we went to leave the Biltmore, we discovered much more of the estate. It took us half an hour to drive out as the road wound around to different areas. The estate was designed to be self sufficient and they say it still is. We passed farms and fields as well as hotels. We asked the kids if they would like to live there and the unanimous answer was "Yes!" The parents' answer was quite the opposite.
After the Biltmore, we met up with Grandma and Grandpa Allen. We spent some time driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway. The country here is so green and lush! We enjoyed the vistas and some of us got out to hike to the Devil's Courthouse. (The others all enjoyed a nap). On the way back down, one car stopped to look at Looking Glass Falls.
New state for everyone but Me.
From the gate of the grounds, it took us about ten minutes to get to the parking lot. One thing that was very obvious from the start was that there was a excellent groundskeeping staff. There were no dead plants in evidence anywhere along the drive. Once we parked, we headed over to the house and saw it from the far end of the front lawn.
Sarah would not want to mow this lawn. The lawn size does match the rest of the house.
Group shot. The sun was shining really bright!
The house was really busy when we went through it. Even the workers were surprised there were so many people there that day. The house was amazing with ornate woodwork and stonework everywhere. Sarah wanted to be in charge of the camera so many of the shots are things she found interesting.
The Winter Garden
A very ornate desk.
The library. Mr. Vanderbilt collected over 22,000 books and there were bookshelves built into the house all over. Other things of interest here include a game table and chess set that belonged to Napoleon. In this room, a worker showed us a copy of a book diary in which George Vanderbilt recorded all the books he read. She also showed us the bookplate that is in the front of all books in the Biltmore. It has a lamp of knowledge on it, denoting George Vanderbilt's belief that one should learn everyday.
A very fancy tea set.
Bed in the master bedroom. This room was close to the size of our first house.
On rainy days, you might want to bowl.
Or swim.
There was a special exhibit when we were there. Mr. Vanderbilt loved books and read more than 3,000 in his life. The exhibit featured several of his books and showed actual costumes from the movie adaptations. This was really exciting to Sarah as she loved the period costumes.
Typical dresses that may have been worn to fancy dinner parties.
This was from the movie The Golden Bowl. Sarah liked the fur and the big hat.
She was fascinated by all the variety in the costumes.
Especially exciting to Me were the Elizabeth Bennet's and Mr. Darcy's costumes from the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice.
View of the Estate grounds from the house. The picture doesn't do it justice; it was beautiful and expansive.
After touring the house, we went out to the gardens which were every bit as magnificent. We had a snack on a patio roofed with vines. Then we went to the Italian garden and from there into the Shrub, Walled and Rose Gardens. We ended in the conservatory where there were many beautiful plants.
The vines have completely surrounded a metal pole (like the one in the background).
Some of the water flowers in the Italian Garden.
These fish followed us around the fountain looking for food.
View of the house from the gardens.
Me and Sarah strolling through the roses.
Need to take a break from all this walking.
A big gate leading into the garden.
Me with some huge Stargazer lilies.
Matthew was excited to see fresh bananas growing.
I suppose growing carnivorous plants probably cuts down on insect issues in the hot house.
Matthew and Me
Matthew wanted to walk on walls. Here's a picture from the wall he found.
This tree was a convenient place to rest.
U thought it was cute to see Me holding hands with Megan right behind the statue of a woman helping a child to walk.
Mom is always in high demand.
One last interesting fountain on our way out.
When we went to leave the Biltmore, we discovered much more of the estate. It took us half an hour to drive out as the road wound around to different areas. The estate was designed to be self sufficient and they say it still is. We passed farms and fields as well as hotels. We asked the kids if they would like to live there and the unanimous answer was "Yes!" The parents' answer was quite the opposite.
After the Biltmore, we met up with Grandma and Grandpa Allen. We spent some time driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway. The country here is so green and lush! We enjoyed the vistas and some of us got out to hike to the Devil's Courthouse. (The others all enjoyed a nap). On the way back down, one car stopped to look at Looking Glass Falls.
Matthew at one of our stops.
A close up of the flowers he is by.
Panoramic from another stop before the rain rolled in.
Group shots from same location.
On top of the Devil's Courthouse.
Grandma and Sarah at Looking Glass Falls.
Me and Sarah at Looking Glass Falls.
So green and lush--it does rain quite a bit--more than Seattle! So pretty!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit the Biltmore estate. It looks beautiful
ReplyDelete