LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, November 12, 2012

More From the Top of the Mansion


No matter how often we visit the Biltmore Estate, we always find some details we had not noticed before.  Even places normally hidden from sight contain amazing artwork.


This view of a top-floor wall is not visible from the front of the house,
yet the detailed artwork is just as carefully done.




Most of the statuary include animals with long tails.




This one, however, has a butt crack.
Another bit of proof that the artists had a sense of humor.




Amazing relief containing components from the Coat of Arms of both George Vanderbilt and his wife.




Animal figures are everywhere.




The bronze plaques in detail.
From the ground the details are hardly detectable.




We always stop in the garden, this time to see the mums.


The Christmas at Biltmore decorations are in place and the estate is in full swing for another round of tourists.  We will select a day in mid-week to avoid a bit of the crowds.  And while passholders were encouraged to visit before Thanksgiving, I say "no thanks."  I refuse to relinquish a single day of Thanksgiving to rush the Christmas season.  Time passes fast enough, thank you very much.




16 comments:

Ms. A said...

Gosh, it all looks so beautiful! Love the butt crack!

Anonymous said...

It does look beautiful there, and I too love the butt crack!

Rudee said...

I think it's worth seeing over and over again. Thanks for sharing your pictures. They're beautiful.

KGMom said...

This readeer is giggling at the butt crack.

Folkways Note Book said...

From your photos I can tell that it would be a real treat to visit. The animal figures in your photos are called grotesques or gargoyles which are used to scare off evil spirits.
Enjoyed the post -- barbara

Berts Blog said...

Way too far away for me to get to visit so I am greatful you share the experience on your blog.

Beautiful Place

Bert

My Mind's Eye said...

I agree I never tire of Biltmore or anywhere in the beautiful NC mountains.
Hugs madi and mom

Wayfarin' Stranger said...

Have never been there, although we do go through Asheville frequently. We really do need to stop in.

KB said...

I love the animal figurines and the long graceful tails! It looks like a super fun place to visit.

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

Love all the stone work on the mansion. The coat of arms is really intricate.

troutbirder said...

Definitely a fascinating place....

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Barbara - All the ones on the Biltmore House are grotesques. None of them carry water, not even the ones that are next to downspouts.

Wayfarin' - You definitely need to visit the Biltmore Estate when you are in the area. It is really a sight...the house, the grounds, the ponds, and the trails.

Janet said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Janet said...

We share an affection for Biltmore, you and I!

We were just there a few weeks ago and are already looking forward to our next visit!

xo

Jayne said...

Such a magical place, though I was a bit taken aback on the admission cost the last time we were there. Like you, I tend to resist all things Christmas until after T'giving! :c) (As I type that, I realize that tonight we are headed to the ATL Botanical Garden with Sam to see the lights...lol!)

Busy Bee Suz said...

The phrase "crack kills" comes to mind with that statue.
:)
Wishing you and yours a lovely holiday, minus the rush.
Xo
Suz