Christmas at The Biltmore House

by Gail Ingis | Dec 7, 2011 | History, News

Biltmore keyhole roof

Christmas at The Biltmore House is unlike any other. When you are there it is 1895. Where can you go in this year of 2011 to experience life in 1895? The Biltmore House, of course, where candlelight Christmas is celebrated most every evening throughout the holiday season, starting just before Thanksgiving.  Presented as though the Vanderbilt family were our hosts. We spent three nights at the Inn at Biltmore on the grounds of the estate and enjoyed tea in the afternoon, lunch at the Bistro, dinner in the dining room. Five star accommodations, five star food, five star grounds.

Gargoyle without water spout

"The Grounds" designed in 1895 by Frederick Law Olmsted, Landscape Designer of Central Park, NYC

The  landscape was designed in 1895 by Frederick Law Olmsted, who  also designed Central Park in New York City.

Olmsted described Biltmore Estate as “The most distinguished private place.”

Below is my photo of our breathtaking, spectacular view from our room.  Olmsted’s design, with a mountainous backdrop. It was mesmerizing.

Tom Claus & Gail Ingis Claus in the library lounge

Tom and I were dwarfed by the mantle in the library lounge.

Dining room fireplace

Below are images of Biltmore Christmas.

Poinsettia in the Conservatory

Christmas doggie doll

The Vanderbilt rail empire was created by Biltmore’s George Vanderbilt’s grandfather, Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, who died in 1877. It was Commodore that bought out LeGrand Lockwood after Black Friday in July 1869 when Lockwood lost his empire. The same Lockwood who built the Mansion in Norwalk, Connecticut. The same Lockwood who commissioned Albert Bierstadt to paint “Domes of the Yosemite.”

Most of my readers know about my journey writing about the life of painter Albert Bierstadt. My visit to Biltmore Estate was inspired by my research while creating a copy of Domes and henceforth, writing my romance novel.

Tree greens at the Inn at Biltmore entry

What would you do if your home was stolen away by a friend, especially if your friend said he would save you and save your home?

To be continued…