 |
| Mark D. Ruffner © 2013 |
 |
| Biltmore Company |
George and his wife Edith Vanderbilt would often have breakfast in the Tapestry Gallery, so named for its three Belgian tapestries, dating to around 1530. The 90-foot room was designed to replicate the long galleries of the great English houses. From this room, they would walk out onto a terrace that faced Biltmore's rear view, below.
 |
| Mark D. Ruffner © 2013 |
The trees that you see here are not actually original to the property. When Vanderbilt acquired all these acres, it was spent farmland, and very bare. Frederick Olmsted advised Vanderbilt to have gardens around Biltmore, an extensive lawn, and then to plant a forest beyond. So the trees that you see here were planted by George Vanderbilt.
Standing on this terrace and looking to the right, one sees the view that is this post's first image.
 |
| Mark D. Ruffner © 2013 |
Here's a detail that I enjoyed — the copper cap to the Biltmore roof, with an alternating monogram and family crest of three acorns. I note that Kate Middleton's family has recently designed a similar crest.
 |
| Mark D. Ruffner © 2013 |
Vanderbilt was interested in all of the most current technology. Realizing that his servants might not own watches (perhaps he could have bought a few), Vanderbilt installed clocks in all of the service rooms and had them all electronically synchronized to this clock, above the stables.
 |
| Mark D. Ruffner © 2013 |
Today the stables serve as a café, with booths where there had once been stalls.
 |
| Mark D. Ruffner © 2013 |
Biltmore's gardens are extensive and a long enough walk from the house that I think some guests may have accessed them by carriage. On the other hand, Vanderbilt was keen on exercise; he installed a gym in Biltmore, with rowing machines and showers, and encouraged his guests to take hikes.
 |
| The Conservatory's Orchid Room | Mark D. Ruffner © 2013 |
 |
| The Conservatory Potting Room, used today as it was 100 years ago | Ruffner © 2013 |
 |
| Mark D. Ruffner © 2013 |
These fountains are at opposite ends of the estate, but I enjoy the way that they nonetheless complement each other.
 |
| Mark D. Ruffner © 2013 |
I'll end with this statue. The photo was shot in the late afternoon under a pergola, and the statue had a beautiful green aura that seemed to glow.
I hope you enjoyed my tour of Biltmore!
.
No comments:
Post a Comment