1 LGBTQ+ Landmarks & Heritage Sites in Asheville, NC

You'll be struck by the sheer scale of this 250-room French Renaissance chateau, completed in 1895 for George Vanderbilt. It's not just a house — the 8,000-acre estate includes formal gardens, a conservatory, and miles of walking trails. As "America's Largest Home," the interior holds original art and furnishings that show how the wealthy lived in the Gilded Age. The gardens are a highlight, and regulars say the best time to visit is on a weekday when it's less crowded. The estate is family-friendly and offers self-guided audio tours, so you can explore at your own pace. Plan for at least three hours to see the house and wander the grounds.