Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

George Vanderbilt first visits Asheville, North Carolina in 1888. He falls in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains and he has found the perfect location for his country home. In 1889, the 250-room French Renaissance chateau construction begins and takes over a six-year period to complete. It is the largest privately owned house in the United States, at 178,926 square feet.