The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-11-09
BILTMORE.
George Vilderbildrs North Carolina Es-
tate.

tate.
Orthe SONS OF the late William II. Van
derbilt. George. the Youngest is probably
| least known In New York, and yet there ar
persons ill-natured enough 10 Insist that of
all the Nauderbiits, he is best worth know
i'm. says a special 10 the New ! ork World
from Asheyille, y. G.. lie il retiriu. and
studiOus young man, whose wealth, now
estimated al about Sio.OOO9O, increases
naturally at the rate OF Sl.mO.WO yearly
Money gives him no uaeasincss, and
his chief ambition for many years J.
said 20 have been the collection OF
the finest private libraries in America
More recently Doc has become known as the
prospective owner OF the hand5Omest cOun-
try place in the United states. He has
chosen for its site 5000 acres of mountain
land hye miles from Ashyille, \. c., and Il
this property Richard VI. Hunt, the archi-
tect. aud Frederick Law Olmstead, the land
scape engineer are, deyoting much atten-
ton.
The estate lies high upon hillside, which
commands view Of scores OF mountain
peaks, while near by brawl two picturesque
rivers, the SwannanOa and the French
Broad.
An artist for the World tramped to-day
over the railroad which George Vanderbilt
has lsid from his station, BiltmOre. 10 the
plateau on which his costly mansion Will
be erected. The railroad was constructed
10 carry building material up the mountain,
and will De removed when the house Is
finished. Visitors will reach the mansion
over miles OF beautiful drives, now being
made.
a continually ascending grade running
through virgin forest and along cultivated
hillsides, over sparkling streams and deep
rayines. finally brings the traveller out
upon an immense clearing which, wien
sufficiently leyelled. VIII become the site Of
the house and esplanade.
The mansion itself will occupy a central
position, facing nearly northwest. To the
right the stables will be built, while below
on the left the wOTkmen are at present en-
gagged upon a site for the gardens.
At present about three hundred men are
at work, a large part OF this number being
engaged in beautiiying the grounds.
The contractors house is being rapidly
completed, when work upon the mansion
will begin.
a macadamized road winding through
picturesque woods and by babbling brook
leads towards he house. and is completed
within a mile of its destination. a quarry
Of good rock has been opened for the pur-
UboNs anu u 1Ath4h utlllth anu uilll are De.
ing used TO hasten the completion Of the
work.
Not the least interesting part Of George
Nanderbit's possessions is the brick works
at Bitm0re, turning out 10000 bricks a day
for exclusive use upon the grounds.
The clay mine, Of superior quality, is a
mile away, and the clay is brought 10 the
works by "A tramway, for which mules fur
nsh the motive power
The clay is kneaded, moulded and dried
by perfected machinery. Two kilns are
already in use, and three more will be built
two OF which are TO be OF larger capacity.
High mp on the hills which Oyerhang the
valley Of the beautiful SwannanOa is To-
Gated the house destined for the agent Of
Mr.. Vanderbilt. This is nearly completed
Of North Carolina granite and stucco, and
Is "A handsome residence.
The broad yeranda oyerlOOks the valley
below, in which is the nursery and whei G
hundreds Of young trees are awaiting their
turn at transplanting.
The estate abounds in beautiful drives
along the banks OF the two rivers and
through the grounds.
or course, the feature OF the estate will
be the residence, which will be in the
French Renaissance style OF architecture.
Its general dimensions will be about 100 by
300 feet, and the roof will be broken by
many gables and turrets. The material
will be very light stone and the house will
look even more like French chateau than
William X. Vanderbilt's residence on Fifth
avenue, Of which Mr.. Hunt was also the
architect.
Five or six million dollars will be spent
upon the estate, and when all is completed
Of miles Of drives through scenery
Is grand as any east Of the Mississippi will
charm the fortunate guests Of George Van
ierbilt.