Hey Vanderbilt...Take Some Notes

For many, The Biltmore House stands as a testament to extreme money, influence, ambition - and conspicuous consumption.  Indeed, I felt the same way, for it certainly is a beautiful small home.  Small home, you may ask?  Indeed, because compared to the Palace of Versailles, Biltmore pales in comparison. 

No push mower for these gardens

The Palace of Versailles served as the French royal residence from 1682 until 1789 (of course a small revolution in France affected the living arrangements of the royals).  A small hunting lodge built by Louis XIII served as the basis for the extravagant building, and it housed Louis XIV (The 'Sun King'), Louis XV, and parts of Louis XVI.  Although the palace underwent periodic renovations and additions, ultimately 37,000 acres were cleared to make way for this monstrous abode.  


So how does Biltmore stack up to its French predecessor?  Let's have a look:

Rooms: Biltmore - 250; Versailles - 700

Acres of floor space: Biltmore - 4; Versailles - 17

Square footage: Biltmore - 175,000; Versailles - 721,000

Windows: Biltmore - 147; Versailles - 2000

Fireplaces: Biltmore - 65; Versailles - 1,250

Amount of land: Biltmore - 125,000 acres; Versailles - 37,000 (although these 37,000 acres were built upon and developed)

Estimated cost to build: 

Biltmore - $10 million; Versailles - $2 billion 

In case you are having difficulty wrapping your head around the size of Versailles, it is bigger than the Island of Manhattan.  

Perhaps one of the most well known rooms in the palace is the Hall of Mirrors.  Notably, the Treaty of Versailles (which ended WWI) was signed in this, ah, rather quaint reception area.  Massive gold and chandeliers adorn the area, and almost 360 mirrors add just a touch of class to an otherwise mundane room.  You either have class, or you don't.  

L'Etat, c'est moi...