Calm Reflections Photography shares beautiful photographs that can be placed on mugs, mouse pads, canvas, puzzles, T-shirts, coasters and prints. Joanna Macaulay makes souvenirs of St. Mary’s County for tourists and local residents. Information about St. Mary’s County attractions, travel, events and photography can be found at her site. She now does pet photography as well.

To buy my photos, photo cards, and photo crafts of wildlife, pets, holidays and more, visit my Zazzle Photo store at https://www.zazzle.com/store/calmreflectionsphoto






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Featured Post

Pumpkins Galore!

 Some fun photos of interesting pumpkins and gourds in the spirit of upcoming Halloween!  I loved the variety of colors.  (Photographed at Z...

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Biltmore Estate Gardens Oct 25, 2017

The Biltmore Gardens were quite beautiful.  I didn't expect to see so much color in late October.

These photos not for sale.

Mums and pampas grass in the Walled Garden



There were many photographic frames that I couldn't resist




Orchids


Conservatory


Ginger

Lady slipper orchid

Orchids



Pitcher plants

Pheasant in the Azalea garden

Azalea Garden

Biltmore by the Italian Gardens

I was sort of annoyed that I missed the boathouse and the lagoon reflection of the Biltmore, since I couldn't find either, even after asking for directions. I did find the Bass Lake near sunset and saw the manmade waterfall.



Sunset




Inn on Biltmore Estate


Monday, January 8, 2018

Biltmore Estate Buildings October 25, 2017

Jim decided to relax on the 25th, while I drove to the Biltmore Estate alone, since it was quite expensive and tiring. The exit road from our Airbnb room was scary when a car delivery truck was parked at the top of the blind hill. Screech! I missed it. 

It took 5 hours to tour the Biltmore house. It was so huge! Unfortunately, there were many workers decorating for Christmas that day, so there was lots of scaffolding and boxes everywhere. The front lawn was full of workers too. The rooms were dark; probably to preserve the furniture, so photography was strictly high speed.  The rooms were spectacular.  I couldn't imagine living in such splendor.  A visit to Biltmore Estate is quite a treat and I recommend buying tickets in advance.

Please note, none of these photos are for sale.

     Biltmore Reflection

 Banquet hall

     

Breakfast room

Salon



Music room


Horses on the property designed by Frederick Law Olmstead

 Frederick Law Olmstead, Landscape Architect

Loggia covered room

Bannister in Loggia


Library




Library ceiling, "The Chariot of Aurora" by Giovanni Pellegrini from Pisini Palace in Venice 1720's

Napoleon's chess set

George Vanderbilt, owner

Edith Vanderbilt by Giovanni Boldini

Tapestry Gallery

George and Edith Vanderbilt

Mr. Vanderbilt's Bedroom


Oak Sitting Room


Mrs.Vanderbilt's Bedroom





Italian Garden from the Biltmore


I particularly enjoyed the painting of Rosita by Ignacio Zuloaga, purchased by George Vanderbilt at age 51 right before his death from complications of Appendicitis. His wife Edith didn͛t like the painting when it arrived from the framers a month after his death, so she sent it to the National Gallery in DC. Cornelia and John Francis Cecil, George͛s daughter and son-in-law, brought it back to Biltmore.


Tyrolean Chimney Room, 18th century Swiss porcelain overmantel


Louis XV room, sometimes used as a birthing room



Stone hallway in the basement


                                     Swimming pool in the basement


Servant's Dining room

Smoking room

Gingerbread Houses in one of the stores