America's Downton Abbey

Are you addicted to watching the PBS television series, Downton Abbey?  I am!  After reading the rave reviews of this TV show, I started watching some of the "old" episodes.  I instantly fell in love with it.

Starting a week ago, I watched episode one of season one and didn't stop until I had watched every episode in all three seasons.  It took five days and, yes, I totally neglected housework (and sleep) to do it.  But it was so worth it!

Tonight, the last episode of season three airs on PBS.  The season finale.  I can't wait!    

As I watch Downton Abbey, I can't help but think of another grand home here in America.....the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina.  This gorgeous mansion was built between 1889 and 1895 by George Vanderbilt, a railroad tycoon.  It is the largest privately owned home in the United States.

I was lucky enough to tour the home in late 1994.  I still have the "special centennial edition" of the Biltmore Estate Guidebook that I purchased at the end of the tour.

This house is amazing.  With over 175,000 square feet and 250 rooms, this chateauesque-styled mansion is the epitome of wealth and opulence.  I can't help but notice the similarities between this home and the beautiful home of the fictional Downton Abbey.  

Both have richly furnished and decorated bedrooms for the family as well as neat and sufficient bedrooms for the house staff.  There are grand staircases, magnificent libraries and large dining rooms to entertain guests.  The house staff operate from well equipped kitchens, pantries and personal living quarters.

Photos from the Biltmore House

indoor swimming pool  //  grand staircase  //  outdoor garden room  //  butler's pantry  //  indoor bowling alley

family dining hall  //  staff dining room  //  family library (2 views)  //  laundry room drying racks //
family bedroom  //  staff bedroom

Photos from Downton Abbey

family library  //  family dining room  //  staff bedroom  //  family bedroom  //  staff dining room  // kitchen

When I watch Downton Abbey, I wonder......what would Lady/Lord Grantham and the Downton staff think of the Biltmore House?  

Would Carson, the Downton butler, approve of the indoor swimming pool and bowling alley at Biltmore?  

What would Mrs. Patmore and Daisy think of three kitchens...a main, pastry and rotisserie kitchen?  

The family dining table at Biltmore can seat up to 64 guests.  How many footman would be needed to accommodate that many people?  How would Carson handle the stress of organizing and supervising that big of a dinner party?  

And my favorite musing....I wonder what good gossip would come from the staff dining room and kitchens at Biltmore?

Obviously, if you get a chance to visit the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, DO IT!  You can find visitor nformation at biltmore.com.   Viewing photos and reading about this gorgeous home is not enough.  You have to see it in person.   I desperately want to go back.  I only had time to tour the house when I was there but the estate's garden and winery tour is calling my name.  

As for Downton Abbey, I will be glued to my television tonight for the season finale.  I've seen the preview for it about twenty times.  It's going to be GOOD!

Do you want to start watching it?  It's easy to catch up.  I watched seasons one and two online at Hulu.com and Amazon.com (Instant Video).  Season three can be seen on PBS.org until March 3rd.  Enjoy!