The Biltmore Estate: Koi, fountains and horses



Poseidon's trident clutched in the fish's tail.




This fountain drained into a large stone receptacle designed for horses to drink from.



The large gait on this stair steps was designed for horses to ascend and descend carefully.

gleaming Koi

The water receptacle is visible here.

Gargoyles guarding

Apparently, stone cutters were brought in to carve the Gothic gargoyles and grotesques as well as other intricate ornamentation from the limestone and rock at the Biltmore Estate.  Gargoyles and grotesques are commonly seen on the castles of Europe, put there to ward off evil-doers.

A knight in shining armor

hear no evil...

Lastly, I will feature a selection of wall fountains.

architectural features at the Biltmore Estate

 Intricate ironworks everywhere

Winter Garden ceiling

Seating for a small, intimate dining experience



Bas-relief sculptural wall hanging

 

A room just for flower containers and vases

V for Vanderbilt, of course

Tapestry

Hanging lanterns in the Winter Garden

Loved these gleaming and hanging copper pots and lids

One over-sized mortar and pestle

Stone carving details everywhere

Next, the gargoyles guard the Biltmore Estate.