George Washington Vanderbilt II opens the Biltmore Estate

Background. Vanderbilt began visiting the Asheville area in the 1880s with his mother. He decided to construct his own country mansion in 1888, commissioning a 250-room residence named Biltmore. The name combined his ancestors' Dutch origin 'De Bilt' with 'more,' referring to open, rolling land. The house was built between 1889 and 1895, becoming the largest privately owned home in the United States.

The Opening. Vanderbilt opened the opulent estate on Christmas Eve 1895. Family and friends from across the country were invited to celebrate the new home. Guests were encouraged to enjoy leisure and country pursuits. The house itself contained 19th-century novelties such as an electric Otis elevator and forced-air heating.

Estate Features. The Biltmore House contained 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms for family and guests. The two-story library held over 10,000 volumes in eight languages, reflecting Vanderbilt's interests in literature, art, and gardening. An observatory on the fourth floor provided a view of the estate. The house featured 65 fireplaces and three kitchens.