And while Girlawhirl may have square footage aspirations, she knows she'll never reach the grand proportions of the Biltmore House. Located in Asheville, NC, it has 250 rooms and is the largest privately owned home in the United States! George Vanderbilt began the construction of his country home in 1889, and it was officially completed in 1895. Perfect for get-togethers, there are 34 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms, three kitchens, and numerous salons and sitting rooms.

Many of the rooms contain expensive and luxurious furnishings. A chess set once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte is located in the main floor salon. Two Renoir paintings, “Child with an Orange” and “The Young Algerian Girl” can be found on the second floor, in the Chippendale room.

Photo courtesy of Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina A gymnasium, bowling alley and indoor swimming pool are located in the basement. There are even dressing rooms, where the Vanderbilts' guests could change into just the right outfits for each athletic pursuit.

These days the estate includes a winery, a farm village, beautiful gardens, a greenhouse, and several restaurants. There's also an Inn, which, after staying there, helped Girlawhirl and her Super Pals imagine what it must have been like to live like the Vanderbilts.

Girlawhirl reserved her tour of the Biltmore House, and found out more information about the estate at www.biltmore.com

Girlawhirl Giveaway!  A Guide to Biltmore Estate is part of this week's Girlawhirl Giveaway! You're already registered if you've signed up once and have a girlawhirl login. Not registered? sign up