May 16, 2013 North Carolina

We've spent the last two days at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.  This house has the distinction of being the largest home in the world.   It was built by George Washington Vanderbilt, who was the youngest son of William Henry Vanderbilt.  George had vacationed with his mother in North Carolina and fell in love with the area.   Once he grew up he decided to create a grand estate in  the mountains of North Carolina.   Ostentatious? Yes.  Over-the-top? Definitely---entire ceilings imported from churches in Europe.  However, G.W. Vanderbilt provided a life and income for a whole village of people.  Houses were built to house workers who were hired from the surrounding area (although the master-builders in charge of the projects were well-known experts from around the world).   Once the estate was up and running locals were hired as gardeners, farmers, stock-men, housekeepers, dairy-workers, nannies, butlers, cooks and guides.  The estate provided a livelihood for many of the poor, uneducated North Carolinians who populated these hills prior to Vanderbilt's arrival.  It continues to provide for the entire area attracting tourists from all over the world.   There are hiking trails, biking trails, horseback riding trails, drives, canoeing, rafting, and fishing.  There is also a hotel, a spa, a winery and a small village just outside the gates with fantastic restaurants, and lots of little shops!  After two days of the good life----it's off to hike the hills tomorrow!