Hymn of Promise

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise; butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There's a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; there's a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me. From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity. In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. ~~ words & music by Natalie Sleeth, 1986 United Methodist Hymnal

Saturday, May 2, 2009

It's Good To Be King!

Well, here it is, The Biltmore! George Vanderbilt was only 33 yrs. old and a bachelor when he opened his home on Christmas Eve 1895. Talk about a most eligible bachelor!!! What a bachelor pad! The Biltmore is not measured in square footage but acres! 4 acres to be exact! This little country house has 250 rooms: 33 family rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, 3 kitchens and an indoor swimming pool! The 125,oo0 acres of surrounding grounds featured farms and a dairy, 250 acres of wooded park, 5 pleasure gardens (see previous post) and 30 miles of roadways! So now for the closeups! I love architecture and this house was incredible! No cookie cutter stuff used here! Every little nook and cranny was unique and beautiful! I thought about waiting to post these on wordless Wednesday because no words are needed but I couldn't keep ya'll waiting!







These were on the side of the house where the spiral staircase is! It's too the left of the front door.

You can tell the sun was coming in and out that day!
The Italian Garden! on the left side of the house!


The conservatory sits one terrace down from this formal garden! You see the top of it!

Details of the front of the house! I could've gone on forever!






Details from the back veranda!

Even the copper gutter spouts!

I wonder what this little guy was playing!

I just loved this owl! Look at the fabulous artistry!


And an elephant! Do you see his trunk coming up underneath the scrollwork?



Out of the window as we were leaving!

I know this post was long, but I hoped you enjoyed it! If you're not too tired and don't have anything else to do today! you can look at my previous post to see the beautiful gardens!


















































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18 comments:

  1. susanMay 2, 2009 at 2:47 PM

    Laura- You have got that camera figured out--your pictures are great. That last one looks like an oil painting. I'm so glad you had a good trip. The dessert stand is from a little shop called Terre Hannah (sp?) over behind More Than Words! Fabulous things! Have a great weekend!

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  2. Chari at Happy To DesignMay 2, 2009 at 6:30 PM

    Hello Girlfriend...

    I'm so glad that we're getting more of your wonderful trip to the Biltmore!!! Ohh myyy goodness...it's nothing short of magnificent!!! Beautifully executed archetecture just intriques me! I just loved getting to see some of it up-close...all of the sculptured pieces on the exterior...just surreal!!! I wonder if the one statue of the knight in armour is supposed to be Joan of Arc? It's the first thing that came to mind when I looked at it! Oh yes...and the little guy with the accordian...reminded me of the hunchback of Notre Dame! Hehe!!! It's all so fabulous!!! Thank you for sharing your photos with us, Sweetie!

    Did you get to tour all of the interior? Shhhesshh...250 rooms would take awhile to get through! Hehe!!! Can you even imagine living in such a place? I can't even fathom it!!!

    I'm so glad that you included some of the facts about Biltmore Estates...so very interesting!!! Thank you, Laura!!!

    Love ya,
    Chari

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  3. xinexMay 2, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    OMG! What a beautiful building! And you took fabulous photos. I wish I could see inside too but I know you weren't allowed to take pics there. Thanks for sharing, Laura Lu. My mouth would have been opened the entire time if I was there....Christine

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  4. Bargain Decorating with LaurieMay 2, 2009 at 8:18 PM

    Laura, you took such beautiful pictures. The details are wonderful, and you captured them beautifully in your photos. Hope things are improving around your house. laurie

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  5. HiHoMay 2, 2009 at 10:45 PM

    your shots are wonderful, loved my visit. Heidi

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  6. Happy To Be/ Gl♥riaMay 2, 2009 at 11:47 PM

    Oh Girl I just fell off my chair...after I got done drooling on my keyboard...I have wanted to go to Biltmore all my life..Just beautiful thanks so much for sharing your fun trip with us..DH keeps saying he'll take me one day...so did my late Husband..by the time I get to go I won't be able to walk ha ha!!May you have a great weekend my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  7. susanMay 3, 2009 at 3:04 AM

    4291960--sometimes it takes me a while, but sooner or later I get it!!--your birthday!! :)

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  8. KatMay 3, 2009 at 10:58 AM

    What a beautiful post! Your photos are just gorgeous, I can't believe the amazing detail work in this estate. I don't think I've ever seen a home that was measured in acres. Thanks so much for sharing these. Kathy

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  9. AnonymousMay 3, 2009 at 5:06 PM

    Lauralu- looks like you had a fab time for your birthday trip! Wow - all the details they put forth on this gorgeous structure!!

    Yes I did get you email- you are just the sweetest! I have so many great ideas for names now I really need to sit and figure out which to use- so many good names I am thinking I may just put them all in a hat and pick one!!

    Thank you so much for taking the time-

    I have had 1 day between guests this past week that was basically without guests but getting ready for guests!! Next weekend has more arriving then we help with a hunting camp the following week then 2 VBS the next- looks like my room is sitting as is for awhile more!! :(

    God has His reasons!! Oh I did buy some wood flooring for the little space- figured I would redo that pink tile and found a great deal on some flooring at Home Depot!!

    Sure appreciate you!

    blessings
    mary

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  10. xinexMay 3, 2009 at 9:09 PM

    Hi LauraLu! Everytime I see your pictures, I feel like traveling there next. Thanks for stopping by. Glad you like our arbor project. I think we're about 2.5 hrs. drive away from Shreveport. Are you flying? What dates are you going there? Let me know and maybe I can plan something....Christine

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  11. Cindy J.May 4, 2009 at 10:21 AM

    Oh Laura I couldn't imagine a more wonderful place to visit.. Happy belated birthday! My dh had his knee replacement surgery last Monday.. been doing my best to take care of him.. poor guy it is a tough surgery, we are very much looking forward to his healing and feeling much better.. Thank-you so much for sharing these wonderful photos..Love, Cindy

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  12. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)May 4, 2009 at 5:26 PM

    Hi Lauralu...been a long time since I toured the Biltmore...I remember the amazing entry and the dining room! It is HUGE! Thanks for some close ups of all the beautiful details...this makes me want to go back! I would especially love to see it around Christmas time. BTW, I think that little guy was playing an accordian. :-) Not positive...but I think that's what it was.
    Susan

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  13. Bargain Decorating with LaurieMay 5, 2009 at 9:10 AM

    Lauralu, I have added Andrew and your family to my prayer list. Please let me know how things are going. Love ya, laurie

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  14. OCDesigner ~AthellaMay 6, 2009 at 11:35 PM

    Hi Lu, Just took the tour and it is magnificent.
    I'm so glad you had a good time on your BIRTHDAY! Where is this at? I just noticed Laurie added your family to her prayer list. I hope well. ~Athella

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  15. Confessions of a Plate AddictMay 7, 2009 at 9:26 AM

    Hi Lauralu! I love your pics! I grew up near Asheville and went there on a class field trip in the 6th grade! lol There was nothing but the house, gardens and a dairy farm then. I need to go back! It's beautiful! I hope you have a wonderful weekend...hugs...Debbie

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  16. Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~May 7, 2009 at 11:15 AM

    I've never been to the Biltmore but would love to visit there one day. More so now after seeing these lovely pictures. It's such a wonderfully beautifully place. Not that it's similar, but it makes me think of Hearst Castle (in CA)because of it's size, it's ornamentation and it's sheer beauty.
    Thanks for sharing!

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  17. {Bellamere Cottage}May 11, 2009 at 5:04 PM

    Thank you so much for that wonderful tour. I really hope to make it to Biltmore someday!

    Blessings,
    Spencer

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  18. lvroftiquesMay 19, 2009 at 5:32 PM

    Oh my goodness! The details are just exceptional!! I would so love to see Biltmore some day...such a quaint little place.....Lol!! Vanna

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Hello and God Bless! Thank you for visiting "Hidden Promise"! It's wonderful to get comments from you all! I think they are a great way to show our love, care and support of each other! Have a wonderful day! Lauralu :)

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