The Biltmore Highlights

  A bright February day proved wonderful

 for a visit to the Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains this home 

mounts as stately on the horizon 

as it did one hundred years ago.

Winter skies are chased by 

the lush green garden 

in the glass-domed entrance hall.

 It doesn't take much imagination

 to see the many guests seated 

for dinner in the banquet hall.

This impressive room with its seven-story-high ceiling

 and Flemish tapestries sets the stage for an elegant affair.

 Serving pieces set ready on one end

 underneath the 1916 Skinner pipe organ.

A triple fireplace stands

 sentinel on the other end.

 The art collection in the Biltmore
 includes the Fantastical woodcut by Albrecht Durer.

 And a stunning fire place
 mantel piece- also by Albrecht Durer.
This engraving- The Triumphal Arch was stored 
and forgotten but now resides in its place of honor.

  But, the Blue Ridge
 vista from the loggia is also worthy of mention.

 The 22,000 piece collection of books
 in the library is overlooked by the work-
The Chariot of Aurora by Italian Giovanni Pellegrini

The stunning staircase winds
 three floors past the natural daylight
 from all the windows. 

 Our visit also had the addition 
of many mannequins as they readied 
the house for an exhibition. 
You could SEE what a Vanderbilt gathering
 might have looked like.
Here is the parlor for the ladies.

 The third floor living room.

 A maid ready to assist in dressing.

The 18th century Swiss overmantel.

 The lower level kitchen and storage area provided
 the system for meal preparation 
and the place to practice all culinary arts.

The lower level bowling alley
 was indeed unusual.

 Whether it is a stroll under the wisteria arbor,

or an over the shoulder last glimpse back,
you just might wonder
 if you had turned back time.

What a fun day to share with friends.
The wives of the Council of Presidents- LCMS.