THE BILTMORE ESTATE -

George Vanderbilt's 250 room estate was completed in 1895, and today is still as impressive - not only the mansion but the grounds and setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The first time Skip and I were here was in the summer over 10 years ago and thought the tour was great. At Christmas, it is even more impressive

with 28 rooms decorated for your self-guided tour. Due to the volume of visitors, there are start times on the tickets to try and keep the flow moving. We had chosen one of the evening tours.
  On entry into the salon,  musicians playing and a quartet signing various Christmas songs.

 Definitely put you in the Christmas spirit! The tour covers four floors - my personal favorite was the library.

The tour covers four floors from main living areas, to the primary bedrooms and  to the lower level where the kitchen area, along with

 Holloween room

bowling alley

indoor swimming pool

are located. When going through the servants quarters, you felt like you were in Downton Abbey. It is a delightful tour! Here a few of the outdoor shots and some more of the inside rooms!