Built in 1895, the Biltmore Estate is quite possibly the grandest of all homes in the United States. The house has 250 rooms, 35 bedrooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms, 2 basements, an indoor swimming pool, a bowling alley, and four acres of floorspace. George and Edith Vanderbilt opened this French Renaissance chateau to their friends and family exactly 125 years ago on the day we toured – Christmas Eve!

The house was decorated with 55 Christmas trees, all uniquely decorated. Fireplaces were draped in greenery, lights, and baubles, making for a most elegant display.

The estate sits on 8,000 acres, which includes a vineyard, a hotel, an inn, a village, restaurants, a horse ranch, and 70 acres of gardens including an 825-square foot conservatory filled with thousands of exotic plants.

Since our last visit fifteen years ago, the prices have more than tripled. Even with the boys having free admission, and Siena’s admission half off, we still paid over $300 to tour the estate! Needless to say, I took ALL the pictures.