Asheville, NC... the area I took for granted growing up... the area I was influenced by....the area I wanted to run away from... and now the area that has my heart.... and inside that area... one of the"gems", the "angles" of my heaven.. The "magic" of my youth... the "beacon" to my designer call... The Biltmore House.... Thank you, Mr. Richard Morris Hunt....
No big deal to me that as a child. I grew up going almost yearly on a field trip with the yellow school bus, the rowdy kids just excited to be away from school, being bad, but good enough to be able to get in.. as the teacher always threatened for us to behave or we would sit in the bus the whole time... And yet, every year to me, got a little more exciting...
Well, now, after going after my big city dreams, pushing all the tradition and what I preconceived as stale away and running as fast as could from the area, I found myself more excited than any kid on any bus at any time this past weekend when I took the tour once again. Only this time it was so vastly different.. So invigorating.. So eye opening... I cant even begin to tell you the thoughts that I have... The influences of my design style, and ironically, the correlation to my modern approach...I am realizing I didn't get anywhere without the history I have pushed aside and the infatuation I now have.... It is, especially for me, not a writer by nature, so hard to put in words, but if you can feel my passion, it will speak for itself. Man, kids are dumb! What we take for granted.....
Just the entrance gets me excited... I know, upon seeing this, the beautiful journey I have in store for me...
3 miles later....you finally arrive, after the view of breathtaking greenery, (and this time snow!, beautiful snow!) and creeks, and amazing trees....The 125,000-acre estate was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of New York's Central Park!
No big deal to me that as a child. I grew up going almost yearly on a field trip with the yellow school bus, the rowdy kids just excited to be away from school, being bad, but good enough to be able to get in.. as the teacher always threatened for us to behave or we would sit in the bus the whole time... And yet, every year to me, got a little more exciting...
Well, now, after going after my big city dreams, pushing all the tradition and what I preconceived as stale away and running as fast as could from the area, I found myself more excited than any kid on any bus at any time this past weekend when I took the tour once again. Only this time it was so vastly different.. So invigorating.. So eye opening... I cant even begin to tell you the thoughts that I have... The influences of my design style, and ironically, the correlation to my modern approach...I am realizing I didn't get anywhere without the history I have pushed aside and the infatuation I now have.... It is, especially for me, not a writer by nature, so hard to put in words, but if you can feel my passion, it will speak for itself. Man, kids are dumb! What we take for granted.....
Just the entrance gets me excited... I know, upon seeing this, the beautiful journey I have in store for me...
3 miles later....you finally arrive, after the view of breathtaking greenery, (and this time snow!, beautiful snow!) and creeks, and amazing trees....The 125,000-acre estate was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of New York's Central Park!
Interestingly, George Vanderbilt opened the doors to this 6 year construction on Christmas Eve, 1885. How appropriate. It is a gift that continues to give to millions of guests each year. Being like a kid on Christmas, I couldn't wait to get inside once again, however, the outside architecture takes quite a few moments to get over in itself! The cast iron roof crestings, the tall elaborate roof chimneys, the heavy stone detailing, the gables and gargoyles peering out.
Inside the heavy wooden carved doors, of which the host greeter could bareley hold open, was like the first tearing open of a beautifully wrapped gift. The house features 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces! What a place!
Cameras are not allowed inside so I managed to find some of the interior rooms on the net... Just a hint of amazement...
The Winter Garden, when you first walk in by The Entrance Hall to the right..
The Banquet Hall has a 7 story ceiling! I love dinner parties, but to host a sit down one for 38 people, I think a little help would be needed! That is were his 30-35 servants came in handy!
The Library, one of my favorite rooms.. Has books top to bottom in over 8 different languages!
Everywhere you look is beautiful. Asheville is such a beautiful place in general. Took me to leave and come back to realize just how so. The surroundings are incredible, and in the winter it is amazing to see with the all the snow on the ground. I just can't wait to come back in the springtime to see the gardens, and over 250 rose varieties! They do everything over the top! Here is a link to their Garden Guide with outdoor amazement all year long.... http://www.biltmore.com/visit/house_gardens/gardens/garden_guide.asp
I loved it this time, as always, and will be back 30 more times God willing... Untill next time....
I'll be hanging on to all those memories once again! Being influenced, infatuated, and passion fueled!
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