9 Amazing, Over-the-Top Homes to Visit One Day (When We Can Finally Leave Our Own Homes)

Said to be the largest privately owned home in the U.S., the Biltmore House is a 175,000-square-foot wonder to behold in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 250-room Renaissance chateau, built in 1895, served as a country estate for George Vanderbilt, grandson of industrialist and philanthropist Cornelius Vanderbilt. A descendant opened the property for tours in 1930, and a winery was added in 1985. Self-guiding tours are a bit pricey compared to other homes on this list (starting at $64; check with your local AAA club office for discounts), but admission includes three floors of the house as well as the surrounding formal gardens, a shopping village and the winery. Two hotels with AAA Diamond designations are also on site ( and ).COVID-19 programming: Visit the website for virtual tours, downloadable educational materials and recipes from estate chefs.