My husband and I spent last weekend in Asheville, NC on a brief “baby moon” (we’re expecting a little one in January!) It was a gorgeous time of year to be in the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect weather and clear skies!
On Saturday we spent the day touring the Biltmore Estate. And when I say the day, really, it was several hours. The house tour itself is amazing; built by George Vanderbilt between 1889-1895. It is opulence defined. It takes almost 2 hours to tour the whole thing. Then we had to save time for the gardens, and for historic exhibits and tours of the winery (they produce loads of wine on the estate, though sadly I didn’t get to try any!)
The landscape was designed by the famous Frederick Law Olmstead and features several very formal areas; the Italian Garden, the Walled Garden and the Rose Garden. Most impressively, though, is that the more natural landscape was also designed by Olmsted. The surrounding forest was managed to create beautiful views and vistas from the house.
View of the house from the South Terrace
View of the Italian Garden, a great place for strolling and quiet contemplation
The Italian Garden viewed from the Library Terrace
The Library Terrace, shaded by mature Wisteria and Trumpet Creeper vines.
The very formal “Walled Garden” which is planted seasonally. This garden is “bedded out” in the style popular of the late 1800’s. An expression of control over nature
View to the Rose Garden and Conservatory that sits at the end of the Walled Garden
More naturalistic views, from home’s loggia. Olmsted was at work here too, managing the natural forest surrounding the property to create views and vistas
At the front of the house, with lots of tourists coming and going!
