While Southlake stuns visitors with massive mansions and palatial properties, some houses just cannot be topped for their square footage, acreage or overall appeal. From a sprawling estate in North Carolina to a one-of-a-kind California castle, these historical homes will transport you to a simpler time, when whole home Wi-Fi clearly wasn’t a priority. Whether you take a peek at different decor styles or learn about the history beyond the front doors, these regal residences deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
Biltmore Estate | Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Biltmore Estate features 4 acres of floor space, 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. Built in 1889 by George Vanderbilt, the grandson of industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt, construction took six years to complete. Now, the chateau is open to the public, and guests are able to tour the expansive house and its grounds. Visitors can take self-guided tours through this sprawling property’s three floors and basement, while guided tours revel in rooftop views and a behind-the-scenes look at the staff spaces. The outside is just as lush, boasting more than 8,000 acres of gardens and 20 miles of trails just waiting to be explored. For those who want to immerse themselves in the home even further, overnight stays in a hotel, inn or one of the cottages are also available at the Biltmore.
Located on 654 acres along the California coast 30 miles south of San Francisco, Filoli is a striking property. Constructed in 1917, Filoli opened to the public in 1977 and includes a mansion with over 54,000 square feet, 16 acres of gardens, a 6.8-acre orchard and a nature preserve with five distinct ecosystems. Guests who visit can feast their eyes on a home that features 56 rooms, 15 bathrooms and 17 fireplaces. Those who love the outdoors will also enjoy walking the Estate Trail, a 1-mile walk through the nature preserve or meander through a garden that features 250 fruit trees and 96 original garden objects, from fountains to statues.
Hearst Castle | San Simeon, California
Another awe-inspiring abode awaits four hours south of Filoli at Hearst Castle. Belonging to and named after famed publisher and business magnate William Randolph Hearst, this property is made up of around 250,000 acres and features 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways. Construction began in 1919 with the help of architect Julia Morgan, and progress ended after Hearst left due to poor health in 1947. Though construction was never finished, the castle still stuns any visitor who walks through its doors with its size and design. Guests who arrive at the manor can take tours through the grand rooms, upstairs suites, cottages and kitchen, while art buffs can admire thousands of pieces from around the world.
Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon, Virginia
One of the most meaningful places in America, Mount Vernon was the home of America’s first president, George Washington. Originally built in 1734 and expanded upon in 1758, 1774 and 1776, the mansion is 10 times the size of the average house in colonial Virginia and features a little over 11,000 square feet and 21 rooms. There are four different gardens on the estate, with each one serving a different purpose, such as a place of entertainment or a spot to grow fruits and vegetables. The final resting places of the Washingtons can also be found on-site, both the original tomb and one built in 1831 where the couple now rests. Whether you soak in Mount Vernon’s extensive history or learn more about the Washingtons themselves, this historic home is worth a visit.