Saturday, November 13, 2021

When Dreams Come True

 The Biltmore Estate had been on my bucket/dream list for a long time. I wanted to visit there at Christmas, but knew with family obligations that wasn't possible. As we entered to tour this amazing place I said to my "live-in gardener" how I wished I could see it at Christmas. What a dream come true, for I soon learned they were decorating and were more than half way finished. I was thrilled! This for me was a dream come true!

More than a century ago, George Vanderbilt created Biltmore as a country retreat for his family and friends. It is an 8,000 acre estate and the largest private home built in the US. It is still owned by the family, but is on the National Historic Landmark list and open for tours. I loved that it was a self-guided tour and we could take our time walking through the rooms. On another day I will share the garden, but with taking over 180 pictures it was hard to pick the pictures to share. This will just be a glimpse of Christmas at the Biltmore. I hope you enjoy seeing many pictures.

The pictures are not in a particular order. This first picture was taken in my favorite tapestry room. The tapestries were amazing.

Merry Christmas!



Back to the tapestry room.


 One more glimpse of the tapestry room. Oh sigh! How I would love to sit by a fire in that green chair.
The dining hall
Decorating the library

The atrium


The billiard room
A bedroom for guests









I just couldn't get enough of all the Christmas trees. I love it!
The dining room for the servants.
And we finish in the kitchen.
Hope your weekend it extra special!
If you ever have the opportunity to visit the Biltmore, it is definitely worth it.
I hope this puts you in the holiday spirit.

6 comments:

Red Rose Alley said...

Wow, what a grand place! It looks so festive decorated for Christmas. I'm glad you got to see it close to Christmastime, Marilyn. The fireplace mantel looks so pretty. and they even had a decorated tree in the guest room. The billiard room made me smile and brought back memories. We had a big pool table in the family room growing up, and I was pretty good at the game, if I do say so myself haha. I like those red chairs in the library. I'm happy for you, Marilyn, that your wish came true and got to go on this tour of a lifetime.

~Sheri

Jeanie said...

Well, I did NOT see Biltmore at Christmas and now I see how very much I missed. I can see why it is a dream come true, Marilyn. The rooms are exquisite -- so tastefully and beautifully done. Over the top and yet not at all ostentatious. Gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE visiting the Biltmore Estate! It never gets old. The past two times I have visited, it snowed!!! That made it even more enchanting!!! I am so glad your dream came true! It is a magical place for sure!
Susan

Lorrie said...

How lovely to have your dream come true. All the Christmas trees are so sparkly and pretty. The tapestries in the Tapestry Room are gorgeous. Just think of the hours it took to create them. I'm so happy you got to visit Biltmore!

Laura said...

i used to drive by biltmore several times a year going to visit family in the mountains. i've always wanted to stop and see it but have yet to do so. now i want to even more!

~*~

Tracy said...

Hi, Marilyn! What fun to catch up with you here... and even more so on this VERY special post! WOW, the Biltmore is STUNNING to begin with, but add Christmas... magical! I am sooo thrilled for you that this big dream came true for you--an early Christmas gift. The decorations are just amazing, and loved seeing a peek of the kitchen and imagining times past. :) ((HUGS))