Visit the Biltmore House: The Residence of George Vanderbilt
The Biltmore House, one of the world's largest privately-owned houses, is a stunning example of American architectural grandeur. George Washington Vanderbilt II, the original owner, lived there for almost two decades, from its completion in 1895 until his death in 1914. Here, we explore the length of his residency and the fascinating history of the Biltmore Estate.
George Vanderbilt’s Residence: 1895 to 1914
George Washington Vanderbilt II, born in 1862, inherited a fortune of 200 million, with 5 million of it given to him from the trust fund and another 5 million from his father. This substantial wealth allowed him to indulge in his passion for art and ambition to build a sprawling estate in Asheville, North Carolina, named Biltmore.
However, Vanderbilt's tenure at Biltmore House was not uninterrupted. Initially, he would 'bounce around from one mansion to another.' Despite the grandeur of the Biltmore House, which took over six years to complete and included 250 rooms, Vanderbilt’s primary residency at Biltmore was for about 19 years, from 1895 to 1914.
Foundation and Early History of the Biltmore Estate
Vanderbilt's story is intertwined with the larger narrative of the Vanderbilt family, a powerful clan known for their wealth amassed through shipping, railroads, and various business endeavors. George Vanderbilt’s father, also named George, had already left his mark in the family's legacy with his significant wealth from steamboats and railroads, which his son would later expand upon.
George Vanderbilt first visited Asheville in 1887, intrigued by the scenic beauty and inspired to build a country home. After a second visit with his mother, he decided to purchase the land, marking the beginning of the Biltmore Estate. Construction of the Biltmore House commenced in 1889, with over 800 workers and 100 craftsmen contributing to its creation.
Personal Life and Legacy of Biltmore House
Vanderbilt married Edith Stuyvesant Dresser in 1898, and their only child, Cornelia Vanderbilt, was born in 1900, marking a significant addition to the family's heritage. Schisms within the family and globalization led to the gradual sale of the majority of the estate to the United States Forest Service in 1905, in a landmark deal that saw the conservation of vast tracts of land.
After George Vanderbilt's death in 1914, the estate continued to be managed by his descendants, including his son John and grandsons John and William. In 1924, Cornelia Vanderbilt married the Honorable John Francis Amherst Cecil, and William Cecil alone managed the estate in 1930, focusing on self-sufficiency and maintaining the estate's historical grandeur.
Legacy and Modern Revival
The Biltmore Estate has evolved significantly since its peak under Vanderbilt. Today, it serves as a major tourist destination, where visitors can experience the opulence and history of the Gilded Age. The estate now includes facilities like the Inn on Biltmore Estate (2001), Antler Hill Village (2010), and the Biltmore Estate Wine Company (1983), showcasing modern interpretations of Vanderbilt's original vision.
The Biltmore House itself continues to be both a museum and a testament to architectural grandeur. It was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1963 and remains a significant cultural and historical landmark in the United States.
The Vanderbilt family's contribution to American history and culture is immense, and the Biltmore House serves as a tangible reminder of their legacy. Whether you visit the house, walk through the gardens, or take a guided tour, you step into a chapter of American history that is as relevant today as ever.