We spent just a couple of hours touring the mansion, enough to hustle through all of it, but you could spend a lot longer. Dad and Judith got annual passes, and I can see why they would want to go back many times. 

     
   
In addition to the many themed and decorated rooms, there was a temporary exhibit of movie wedding gowns. The whole thing just cries out for costume dramas, so not a particularly shocking choice. Here’s a dress worn by Helena Bonham Carter in Frankenstein. 

  
The house was built in 1895 by a young Vanderbilt scion, the grandson of the big railroad tycoon Cornelius. Although they had John Singer Sargent practically on retainer, I liked this portrait of Mrs. Vanderbilt by Boldini more. 

  
Much of the furnishings were collected on his trips to Europe. This 17th-century Spanish strongbox with intricate lock in the top was a standout.  

 
The house was a high-tech marvel. In addition to its Otis elevator (still running on the original DC motor), the intercom system was elaborate and even connected the bathtubs to a supply of hot and cold running servants. 

  
The gym… rowing machines have come a long way. 

  
Worth the exorbitant admission price? All in all I have to say yes. They’ve done a great job with the place. 

On Thursday, after a fantastic brunch at Biscuit Head restaurant (why yes, I did eat grits every single day I was in NC), we made the near-obligatory pilgrimage to the Biltmore Estate. It’s a truly impressive property, 8,000 acres of Olmsted-designed grounds, anchored of course by the mansion, which is every bit as grand as the French castles it emulates. 

I had to stitch two shots together to get two smiles…