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| | | Biltmore Estate - Gardens - Trails, NC | | | |
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Biltmore Estate - Gardens - Trails, NC
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| Walk / Tour | 4.94 Miles |
533 AEG |
| | Walk / Tour | 4.94 Miles | | | |
| 533 ft AEG | | | | |
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| partners | | My son and daughter-in-law had to work, so Deb and I took a day trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. It's a bit pricey, but it's something you really need to do at least once in your life, especially if you appreciate architecture or elaborate gardens.
I was amazed by what 1,000 workers, with no modern tools, could accomplish back in the late 1800s. The forethought of a 25- or 26-year-old to start a project like that is incredible.
Originally built on 125,000 acres, the estate's main house is 175,000 square feet, with 33 bedrooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms, three kitchens, a bowling alley, and a swimming pool. Nearly 10 million pounds of limestone were used to build it. Back in its day, a domestic staff of 40—including butlers, maids, cooks, and valets—managed the house, while as many as 500 people worked the grounds as farmers, gardeners, and foresters. In 1914, 87,000 acres were sold to the state to start the Pisgah National Forest, bringing the estate to its current 8,000 acres.
We arrived for our 10:15 entry time to a steady rain. We entered the house and began the self-guided tour with the provided audio device, which went into great detail about the history of the house and each room. Words and photos can't fully capture the attention to detail and opulence of each space. We took about 1.5 hours to go through the tour at our own pace.
Thankfully, the rain had stopped. We headed to the Conservatory, passing through the Italian Garden, the South Terrace, and the Walled Garden. I couldn't even begin to imagine how many different types of plants are there. I asked one of the trimmers how big the staff was, and he gruffly replied, "Not big enough."
Next, we did the Bass Pond Loop, which is a pretty walk past the Azalea Garden. The water on the pond was calm, and we didn't see any bass.
We then headed back to the estate and drove to the winery. Part of the entry fee includes a free tasting of five of the 13 wines they create on the property.
All in all, it was a fun day taking in some history. |
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry  |
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