The Consummate Hostess

A visit to The Biltmore Estate is like taking a step backwards to a golden era where elegance reigned. The largest private home in America, as this incredible structure remains in the hands of George Vanderbilt's heirs, has been formally open to the public since 1930. It was the true passion and legacy of Vanderbilt and that same sentiment is obviously shared by his descendants who graciously open the home to tours today.

Ready for the total? The home contains 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and an underground swimming pool. The grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (of the Central Park fame) and the home as well outlying structures such as the dairy (now the winery) and the stables, by Richard Morris Hunt.


George Vanderbilt first hosted guests at Biltmore on Christmas Eve 1895 and one can only imagine the celebration that ensued. Oh, how I would love to go back in time...

My family and I spent our Thanksgiving holiday in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina and we had the pleasure of visiting the estate decorated for Christmas. The curators have done a magnificent job ensuring that the home looks just as it did during the hay day of estate, perhaps even a bit better.

When visiting the Biltmore Estate, make a day out of it. Go early and leisurely stroll the grounds, enjoy a delicious lunch at the stables and take your time as you meander through the home. I highly recommend the audio tour as it provides a charming glimpse into the glamorous lives of the Vanderbilt's.

Highlights for me include the lovely Winter Garden, the wild and whimsical Halloween Room (note to self- must encourage guest to paint the walls of my basement after a few bottles of wine) and the two Renoir paintings hanging in the nicely appointed Breakfast Room.

Find out more information about this stunning home and events here. The estate will be decorated for Christmas through January 3, 2010. If you are in the area, or even if you are not, I suggest a trip to America's largest private home.