Holiday Decorations With Biltmore-Like Style (NC)

[Sequoia]

Each year more than 1 million tourists visit the Biltmore estate in Asheville, N.C., and 300,000 of those sightseers stop by during the holiday season.

For 33 years, Christmas at the Biltmore has been a grand event, which is open to the public.

Decorating the 8,000-acre estate, which includes America's largest private residence, can be a daunting task, but a large staff helps prepare the national historic landmark for the holiday season.

The Biltmore has more than 50 indoor holiday trees and 100 more across its landscape. About 25,000 ornaments adorn the branches, which are surrounded by miles of garland, 25,000 lights and 1,500 poinsettias.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/ChristmasCountdown/story?id=3930805&page=1

If you ever have a chance to see this place do it, it is very beautiful. Spring and summer are especially great. Go early and avoid the crowds. I went here often as a kid when it was only $5 to get in, and it was easy sailing back then and family members lived on the top floors. My great-grandfather was one of the many workers here and when the place was finished Vanderbuilt threw a Christmas party for them and their families.

[Shell Beau]

1. That is kind of what my house and decorations look like!

:silly:

[kay1864]

2. IIRC you can visit twice on the same ticket

Most people go at night, when the candlelit rooms are really beautiful. But you see much more detail of the rooms (and the exterior, and the gardens) during the day, on the same ticket.

[spinbaby]

3. I remember the jaw-dropping size of the place

I felt like I hiked all day long and only got to see a small fraction of the house.