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A New York Times bestseller with an "engaging narrative and array of detail” (The Wall Street Journal), the “intimate and sweeping” (Raleigh News & Observer) untold, true story behind the Biltmore Estate—the largest, grandest private residence in North America, which has seen more than 120 years of history pass by its front door.

The story of Biltmore spans World Wars, the Jazz Age, the Depression, and generations of the famous Vanderbilt family, and features a captivating cast of real-life characters including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Teddy Roosevelt, John Singer Sargent, James Whistler, Henry James, and Edith Wharton.

Orphaned at a young age, Edith Stuyvesant Dresser claimed lineage from one of New York’s best known families. She grew up in Newport and Paris, and her engagement and marriage to George Vanderbilt was one of the most watched events of Gilded Age society. But none of this prepared her to be mistress of Biltmore House.

Before their marriage, the wealthy and bookish Vanderbilt had dedicated his life to creating a spectacular European-style estate on 125,000 acres of North Carolina wilderness. He summoned the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to tame the grounds, collaborated with celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt to build a 175,000-square-foot chateau, filled it with priceless art and antiques, and erected a charming village beyond the gates. Newlywed Edith was now mistress of an estate nearly three times the size of Washington, DC and benefactress of the village and surrounding rural area. When fortunes shifted and changing times threatened her family, her home, and her community, it was up to Edith to save Biltmore—and secure the future of the region and her husband’s legacy.

This is the fascinating, “soaring and gorgeous” (Karen Abbott) story of how the largest house in America flourished, faltered, and ultimately endured to this day.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Atria Books; Reprint edition (May 1, 2018)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1476794057
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1476794051
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.3 x 9 inches
Reviewer: MommaLayne
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Engrossing Historical Narrative
Review: **"The Last Castle"** by Denise Kiernan is an engrossing historical narrative that unveils the remarkable and untold story of the Biltmore Estate, the grandest private residence in North America. Through a blend of meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Kiernan chronicles the estate’s fascinating history, which spans over 120 years and encompasses significant events like the World Wars, the Jazz Age, and the Great Depression. At the heart of this narrative is Edith Stuyvesant Dresser, who, despite her privileged upbringing and high-profile marriage to George Vanderbilt, finds herself challenged by the immense responsibility of managing the sprawling estate and its intricate legacy.As Kirsten narrates Edith's journey—from her early life to her pivotal role as mistress of Biltmore—readers are introduced to an array of notable historical figures, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Teddy Roosevelt, and Edith Wharton, who all intersect with the Vanderbilt family’s story. The book paints a vivid picture of the creation of the estate, including collaborations with renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and architect Richard Morris Hunt, showcasing the grandeur of Biltmore while also revealing the personal and societal challenges Edith faced. "The Last Castle" is a beautifully written and insightful account that celebrates resilience and legacy, making it a must-read for those intrigued by American history and the opulent lifestyles of the Gilded Age.

Reviewer: Carol-Ann mccausley adams
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Great book on the history of Biltmore
Review: I read this after a trip to biltmore and it was nice to go more in-depth about it.

Reviewer: Gigi Jordan Hunter
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Biltmore and the Vanderbilt Legacy
Review: I have been interested in the Vanderbilt family and others of the Gilded Age. It is difficult to imagine the opulence which now is a part of history. George W. Vanderbilt was an enigma in his generation and society. He built the largest family residence in the United States. Yet he was generous with his money and helped others when needed.I found it interesting that even with all his millions of dollars, George still had money trouble. Financing and maintaining Biltmore House caused George and Edith to sell off part of their properties.This book is well-written and interesting. The author brings a down-to-earth approach to the subjects. She includes people from the area and contemporaries of the Vanderbilts.I have visited Asheville and Biltmore House at different times of the year. It is a beautiful area. Visiting the part of North Carolina is such a treat.

Reviewer: Top Dawg
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover, and You Can't Judge This One by Its Title
Review: This book is as much about the Vanderbilts as it is about Biltmore House -- 60% family and 40% house, so temper your expectations. If you want a lot about the house, you are going to be bored with much of the family stuff. If you have an affinity for Biltmore House in general, then you can wade through everything and come out with a more comprehensive view of both the house, the family, and the staff who helped create and run it. I got my money's worth, but kept wanting more about the house itself as I read through the book. I found the main title misleading.I have been to Biltmore and you will appreciate the book if you have visited BH, or use it to prepare for a visit. In the abstract, the book would not make good reading. Like the house, admission prices have gotten expensive. Christmas is wonderful time to visit with all the decorations.I visit Asheville on a regular basis. Some of the information about the Grove Park Inn and Village captured my attention as well as the development of the crafts industry spearheaded by Edith Vanderbilt.Overall the writing is good but not stellar. In the end, you will get a good idea about the house, but not a really thorough one. Unless you have seen some of the rooms described in the book, you can't appreciate what the author is talking about.A complaint is that the book sometimes reads like the author has copied either from the society pages of the New York paper, or from someone's diary. I really was not interested in the details of what was served for dinner or what so-and-so was wearing. In this respect, the book will be great for researchers 200 years hence wanting details of life in 1910, but I found it pretentious. It's the kind of filler high school kids use from a source when they are trying to get to 1,000 words.Interestingly, Edith Vanderbilt (George's wife), is featured prominently and favorably in the book. That is a plus for supporting positive female role models. The author has also penned another book titled "Atomic City Girls" which a friend is reading. I think Kenan likes strong female characters.Overall an informative and useful book, but not a real thriller or page turner. I read it in bits and pieces before going to bed. It would have been hard to sit with it for several hours at a time.

Reviewer: R V.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Very informative and detailed history of Geo Vanderbilt and the Biltmore.
Review: History.

Reviewer: sophie's mom
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Such a detailed history
Review: After visiting the Biltmore, I wanted to know more history of both the place and the people. This book provides just that and you get an excellent sense of the people and the times. Really good history- gives you a better sense of the George Vanderbilt and those that helped him create Biltmore. Also provides good history of the people who worked there and those in the surrounding community.

Reviewer: inesgaim
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Muy interesante excelente lectura durante la pandemia.

Reviewer: Ursula Westermann
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Very well researched, beautifully written, reminded me of Downton Abby in its description of the times, places and People.I highly recommend this Book. I have visited the Biltmore Estate, this Book has inspired me to tour the Estate again.A Book to treasure!

Reviewer: Pam B
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: A really good read, well written and only wish I had read this book before visiting Biltmore.

Reviewer: Paul C. Stocker
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Very detailed biography and less of the design and building of Biltmore residence