George Vanderbilt commissioned this castle-like home in 1889 after being completely starstruck with the area around Asheville, North Carolina, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Vanderbilt, millionaire heir, married Edith Stuyvesant Dresser in 1889 and together they had one daughter, Cornelia in 1900, a birth which was highly celebrated.

Though he did not need to work, Mr. Vanderbilt spent his time learning about science and philosophy and took a great interest in farm science and botany as potential sources of income for the estate.

The estate has extensive vineyards. Via/ Flickr
The servant’s dining hall, while modest compared to the upstairs version, was far more grand than most average workers would have eaten in. Via/ Flickr
The kitchen, filled with copper pots. Via/ Flickr
The Biltmore dumbwaiter. Via/ Flickr
The library looks like something from a film. Via/ Flickr
The estate boasts a bowling alley. Via/ Flickr

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