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George Vanderbilt started building himself a private mansion in North Carolina in 1889 - and 130 years later, it's still the biggest house in the US. Take a look inside.

George Vanderbilt started building himself a private mansion in North Carolina in 1889 - and 130 years later, it's still the biggest house in the US. Take a look inside.

George Vanderbilt started building himself a private mansion in North Carolina in 1889 - and 130 years later, it's still the biggest house in the US. Take a look inside.

Slideshows1 min read

Asheville is a mountain city known for its scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As of 2017, the city's estimated population is 91,902. Its median home value, according to Zillow, is $280,000.

Asheville is a mountain city known for its scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As of 2017, the city

Source: Zillow, City-Data

The Biltmore Estate is home to the Biltmore House, which is the largest privately-owned house in America.

The Biltmore Estate is home to the Biltmore House, which is the largest privately-owned house in America.

Source: Biltmore

It was constructed in 1889 by George Vanderbilt, a prominent businessman from the late 19th and early 20th century.

It was constructed in 1889 by George Vanderbilt, a prominent businessman from the late 19th and early 20th century.

Source: Biltmore

With the help of around 1,000 people, the home was completed in six years.

With the help of around 1,000 people, the home was completed in six years.

Source: Biltmore, Arcadia Publishing

It was officially opened by Vanderbilt in 1895.

It was officially opened by Vanderbilt in 1895.

Source: Biltmore

Over the next 35 years, the estate played an important role in Vanderbilt's family life. In 1900, his wife, Edith, gave birth to their daughter Cornelia in the Louis XV Room. Two of their grandchildren were also born on the estate.

Over the next 35 years, the estate played an important role in Vanderbilt

Source: Biltmore

The main house includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.

The main house includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.

Source: Biltmore

Here's a close-up of the butler's pantry ...

Source: Biltmore

... and of the library. According to the Biltmore website, from 1875 to 1914, Vanderbilt read around 81 books a year.

... and of the library. According to the Biltmore website, from 1875 to 1914, Vanderbilt read around 81 books a year.

Source: Biltmore

Vanderbilt died in 1914. After his death, Edith sold around 87,000 acres of the estate to the United States Forest Service.

Vanderbilt died in 1914. After his death, Edith sold around 87,000 acres of the estate to the United States Forest Service.

Source: Biltmore

The property has a history of collecting various pieces of artwork and artifacts. In fact, during World War II, artwork from Washington DC's National Gallery of Art was stored in the house.

The property has a history of collecting various pieces of artwork and artifacts. In fact, during World War II, artwork from Washington DC

Source: Biltmore

There is even a smoking room with blue-patterned walls and two bookshelves.

There is even a smoking room with blue-patterned walls and two bookshelves.

Source: Biltmore

The home also boasts a variety of amenities. Below is an emptied swimming pool.

The home also boasts a variety of amenities. Below is an emptied swimming pool.

Source: Biltmore

There is also a bowling alley ...

There is also a bowling alley ...

Source: Biltmore

... and a garden.

... and a garden.

Source: Biltmore

In 1930, Cornelia and her husband John Cecil opened the house to the public. Since then, there have been various additions to the estate, including the Biltmore Winery, the Inn on Biltmore Estate, and the Antler Hill Village which features the Village Hotel.

In 1930, Cornelia and her husband John Cecil opened the house to the public. Since then, there have been various additions to the estate, including the Biltmore Winery, the Inn on Biltmore Estate, and the Antler Hill Village which features the Village Hotel.

Source: Biltmore

Outside, the estate, which now totals 8,000 acres, includes acres of gardens designed by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Outside, the estate, which now totals 8,000 acres, includes acres of gardens designed by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Source: Biltmore

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