GPS said two hour ride and it was all of that. If there is a reason to disqualify TN from retirement destination it would be their roads. Either you are on a “dragon tail” loaded with hairpin turns and switchbacks, and I mean one right after the other, with NO shoulders to the road, or their interstate is under construction down to one lane and barely ten feet wide for MILES. It does not make for fun driving in an F250 truck. That aside, we made it there and back safely and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The Biltmore, built by the Vanderbilt family if you didn’t know, back in the 1890s, is an impressive 175,000 square feet of living space. By comparison my home is about 2,600. It took over five years to build. An impressive feat in and of itself considering its mammoth size and many of its materials came from as far away as Europe. I will say this; as much as it must have cost, to furnish and decorate (Wall tapestries are priceless today), original artwork such as paintings and statuary, not to mention the building materials and labor, it is not what I would consider opulent. There is no gold leaf anywhere, although we learned that some of the window drapery did include real silver thread. It is just expansive, huge. The ceilings must be 20′ high. The attention to detail in the trim moldings, both wood and stone were incredible. Mr. Vanderbilt actually did hire a master stone carver from Europe to create them. There are 43 bathrooms. All with running water and toilets. When he was designing with his architect he insisted on running water, central heat, electricity throughout and telephones. The basement even boasts a two lane bowling alley, a swimming pool, and a gym complete with workout equipment and showers. And all of this is just the mansion. The grounds including the Italian gardens with pools and the stables all come after. Too much to see in one visit! It was a great day wearing my legs out!
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