seeing and visited a craft fair. There were lots of local products that had been produced locally. The one thing that is nice about RVing, you never know what is just around the corner. Where we were camping there was a theater and Loretta Lynn was performing. Her show with her family was well worth the price of admission. From Renfro we traveled to the Bilmore Estatewhich was built by George Vanderbuilt who was a bachelor.
Having visited the estate several years ago we had forgotten how spectacular the grounds were.
It was had to imagine living in a 250 room mansion that had 43 bathrooms with running water which was rare in the 1900's. The grounds encompassed a 100,000 acre forest and include a 250 acre park. The park was designed by Fredrick Olmstead who also was the architect for Central Park in New York City.
The architect for the house was Richard Morris Hunt who was well known for his work including Grand Central Station.
We took a tour of Biltmore and saw the European influence of the furnishing and interior decor. As you enter you find yourself in the atrium area
that is brightly lit by natural sunlight. The billiard room was also impressive which was decorated with many animal trophies that were displayed on the walls. It was interesting to note that while George enjoyed the out of doors, he did not enjoy hunting therefore all the trophies were purchased. It was had to comprehend the enormity of all the rooms. For example the banquet hall had a table that could comfortably seat 64 people. As we toured the house we were impressed that the items displayed were authentic artifacts, not reproductions. A chess set was displayed that had belonged to Neopoleon Bonepart. During our tour we learned about the extensive research that occurs during a restoration of a room. Every detail is examined to ensure that the room is represented accurately.
that is brightly lit by natural sunlight. The billiard room was also impressive which was decorated with many animal trophies that were displayed on the walls. It was interesting to note that while George enjoyed the out of doors, he did not enjoy hunting therefore all the trophies were purchased. It was had to comprehend the enormity of all the rooms. For example the banquet hall had a table that could comfortably seat 64 people. As we toured the house we were impressed that the items displayed were authentic artifacts, not reproductions. A chess set was displayed that had belonged to Neopoleon Bonepart. During our tour we learned about the extensive research that occurs during a restoration of a room. Every detail is examined to ensure that the room is represented accurately.When visitor came to Biltmore, George wanted them to have a good time. To guarantee this he had a 70,000 gallon swimming pool, a bowling alley, and a gymnasium.
Biltmore had all the latest conveniences including electricity, both direct and alternating current; running water; gas for lighting and heating; and indoor plumbing with running water.
As we completed our tour, the word "opulence", kept coming to mind. It was hard to believe that people really in this mansion where luxury was found in everything that they did.
We had a great time and look forward to returning during the Christmas season.
