The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1892-08-31
Vanderbilt's Mountain Palace.

About two miles from .Asheyille is Bilt-
more, the railroad station of George w.
VanGerbilt's estate, ESQ called from the
last SYLLABLE of his name and his mothers
maiden name.) It is necessary to secure
q permit to enter the grounds leading to
the mountain heights on which is rising
the foundation walls Of what will be the
most beautiful palatial residence on this
continent, perhaps in the world.
The drive from the station over the
mountains to the building point is about
four miles, and on every Hide appear evil
dences of the mighty creation arising. In
the midst of the grandest mountain
scenery, exquisite water views, and falls
and cascades Of the Swannanoa and
French Broad rivers, which divide the
estate in three parts, workmen are seen
in every direction clearing the under
brush and improving the roadway, while
the incessant rush Of the dummy train
carrying material up the mountain slope
adds animation to the scene. The waste
lands are being redeemed and placed
under the highest cultivation; nurse
ries of imported trees and plants of foreign
soil, and of native growth, though
not Indigenous to this locality, are being
carefully nurtured. in the hope that they
will grow and multiply and take kindly
to this favored land, which the heart and
fortune of a Vanderbilt is making glad,
and to blossom like the rose.
Sixty miles of road may traverse the
estate, while on the borders, over hills
and mountains, is drive twenty-five
miles long, not a pleasure drive yet-and
one over which the owner does not ven-
ture himself. He has his own we'll gra-
ded private carriage road from Biltmore
to his entrance grounds, but from which
poor ordinary mortals are rigidly exclu-
ded.
Reaching the mountain base tits neces-
sary to make the ascent on foot. From
there Is seen the first indications of the
approach to the mansion grounds prop
er-the massive granite entrance way
one to imagine that the structure may
develop into moat and drawbridge to
enchanted land. For on one side large
numbers of negro hands are fellingstrees
and uprooting the accumulated brush Of
centuries, to transform the dense wilder
ness into an enormous artificial lake, ex-
tending to the stocked deer park.
Continuing the steep incline, gradually
is reached the foundations of the build
ings rising In grand proportions, but at
this stage of progress giving only vague
idea of immense Intentions. The founda-
tion walls, "A feet thick. are resting deep
ly on the everlasting hills, and are sure.
" being built for time and eternity. The
walls of the tennis court and polo ground
now rise As feet above the mountain level,
and from its battlemeots will command
one of the most magnificent, unobstruct-
ed views of the surrounding country.
The statement varies that the cost of this
building alone will. be from $3.50, 900 to-
$500, 900. The house proper will occupy
two acres, and will be 375 feet long by 192
feet wide, not including the stables and
terraces, which will be so feet from the
main house, and cover space Of 800 by
140 feet. There will be 120 rooms in the
mansion, and the window garden will be
the largest in this country, and this will
not include the plant and flower nurs O.
ries.
Before line could be drawn for the
plan of this edifce immense sums had
been expended gatheringSidean from the
old country, by studies of structures of
the past and present centuries, and by
combination Of styles the palace when
completed will rise an architectural
wonder of the French fifteenth century
type, with every modern improvement of
the twentieth. Electric lights already
illuminate the place, rendering it an at
traotive and rare sight as it is passed at
nightfall.
light yellow Bedford limestone will be
the building material; every stone of
which is brought from Indiana. A large
body of skilled masons are now on the
ground preparing the stone. The number
Of workmen employed on the estate va
ries from 900 to 900; and the monthly pay
roll is about $50, 900, which does not in
clude the salaries of Tho uperintendents
of the various departments, the engineer
corps and draughtsmen. The entire estate
comprises over 10000 acres, for which
5000, 900 was paid.
It Is estimated that In five years the
edifice will be finished, but it will be two
years or more before the fnrnishers and
decorators will pronounce it ready for oc-
cupation. And then asmall army. fire.
tainers will be needed to keep up the Or
der and standard of the establishment,
while for the retinue of gamekeepers,
florists, botanists and their subordinates,
rent and vegetables free, will be con-
structed.
When the home of George w. Wander
bilt is declared completed, upon its high
elevation of nearly three thousand feet
above the sea level, rendering it., accord
ing to medical authority, the most healthy
locality upon the earth, what q a"Mecca"
this region will be to sight-seers in our
own land, and from across the seas, to be-
hold the beauty and glory Of unrivalled
mountain scenery surrounding this crea-
ton of inventive genius and engineering
skill, hewing down into the deep rocks
and rising in magnitude and wonder
monument of the mighty power Of un-
limited wealth to carry out to the highest
degree Of perfection every artistic design
and dccnception.-Co1respondence Of Ners
and Courier.