It was only five years earlier that george washington vanderbilt purchased the first parcel of what would become his 125000 acre estate in asheville north cthe most distinguished private place that is how in 1893 the great landscape architect frederick law olmsted described biltmore estate perhaps the most ambitious private building project of americas gilded age. Biltmore estate the most distinguished private place by john bryan 1994 09 15 john bryan books amazonca. The most distinguished private place that is how in 1893 the great landscape architect frederick law olmsted described biltmore estate perhaps the most ambitious private building project of americas gilded age it was only five years earlier that george washington vanderbilt purchased the first parcel of what would become his 125000 acre estate in asheville north carolina. Vanderbilts biltmore estate the most distinguished private place follows biltmore through its inception to present time youre reviewing g w vanderbilts biltmore estate the most distinguished private place your rating overall 1 star 2 stars 3 stars 4 stars 5 stars submit review one lodge street asheville nc 28803 8009680558 guest services returns exchanges shipping