Vanderbilt: An Architectural Legacy | DOCUMENTARY

Step into the world of America's once richest family, the Vanderbilts! 🏰✨ Join Ken on a captivating journey through the Vanderbilt's opulent mansions, where luxury knew no bounds. From the iconic Triple Palace in Manhattan to the breathtaking Biltmore Estate, discover how these architectural marvels reflect the Vanderbilt's immense wealth and cultural legacy. Peek inside their lavish lifestyles, hear untold stories, and explore the societal impact during the Gilded Age. Don't miss this chance to uncover the hidden splendors of American history!
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0:00 Intro
0:32 Rise of the Vanderbilts
1:54 William H. Vanderbilt
7:05 George Vanderbilt
12:09 Willie K. Vanderbilt
20:23 Cornelius Vanderbilt II
30:04 Frederick William Vanderbilt
34:42 An Architectural Legacy
Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress, Wikipedia Commons, Daderot, National Parks Service, Columbia University Libraries, Cbaile19, Watson Library Digital Collections, Mr. Vanderbilt's House and Collection
CC BY 2.0(creativecommons.org/licenses/...) Photos from: Flickr User: highlimitzz, Edward Faulkner, Patrick Stahl, Amy Meredith, Bobby Kelley, Wally Gobetz, Flickr user xiquinhosilva, New York Public Library, Warren LeMay, Jennifer Boyer, xiquinhosilva, Fernando Sanchez-Magrane, Jennifer Macaulay, xiquinhosilva, Jack and Dianne,
CC BY-SA 3.0(creativecommons.org/licenses/... from: Wikipedia User: Deror_avi, Camp Harrigan, Mojha Macdowell, Matt Wade Photography, UpstateNYer, ITub, Skip Plitt - C'ville Photography, olekinderhook, Ad Meskens, EvyRosita, MVASCO, Mfield, Ekem, KZbin User: @HuewesRebecca( • Video )
CC BY-SA 4.0(creativecommons.org/licenses/...) Photos from: Wikipedia User: Profdarden, Pi3.124, Trinitarian Creek, Summ, Renata3, Mlanni98, Renata3, Andre Carrotflower, Beyond My Ken
Assets from: Envato Elements
Music from Epidemic Sound

[@theUrbanJoe]

Of all the Vanderbilt mansions I’ve seen Biltmore is my favorite inside and out. I’m glad George had the foresight to envelope it within a productive landscape to help sustain and preserve it.

[@jamesnorthcutt2510]

After a recent trip to Biltmore, I was told that Edith, George's wife deserves much of the credit for preserving things as they were and later opening it to the public.

[@J_Thomas24]

I visited Biltmore over the weekend. Words and pictures cannot do it justice. I was awestruck, not only by the architecture but also the furnishings and just to be able to walk through an icon of that era.... I'll definitely go back at some point.

[@jefflawrentz1624]

While I can appreciate their opulance, for me I don’t find any of the houses to be home-like. I do appreciate their history. It would be interesting to know if any Vanderbilt descendants watch this and see what they have to offer on them. Thanks, Ken; you did an excellent job presenting this!

[@megfuchs9425]

I love these houses! However, "cozy" is not an appropriate adjective to describe these homes.

[@jasonwomack4064]

I'm with ya. I can appreciate the grand history. However for daily living, I wouldn't trade my 1,100sq foot house for any of these places.

[@mikekennedy5470]

They basically lived within the suit between the bedrooms.

[@Heyu7her3]

Anderson Cooper has talked about his family

[@jeffaldridge4051]

Alva has to be the very definition of a sourpuss. I feel sorry for anyone who had to paint or photograph her.

[@whigparty6180]

Thank you Ken for your most glorious episode yet. Utterly fascinating and entirely mind-blowing. Your heart breaks when hearing how virtually all of the Manhattan mansions were demolished. Such a shame they weren't protected and preserved for posterity. Favourite? How can one choose between Biltmore and the Breakers?? Heaven or paradise? Rolling hills and forests or the sea? In the end, and though it's a tough choice, it'll have to be The Breakers. All one can say is: thank God for the Vanderbilts!

[@dlcalbaugh]

It is such a shame that so many grand houses in America have been torn down. I haven't visited any of the houses you presented here but I am glad that some are still open to the public. Thank you for the great videos you put out. This one could be straight out of the History Channel. You have done a wonderful job with this one.

[@LJB103]

Vineland, like the original Breakers, was built by a Lorillard and then purchased by a Vanderbilt. The Versace store at 647 Fifth Avenue was originally George's NYC home. You forgot one: Eliza Vanderbilt Webb's Shelburne Farms in Vermont. Excellent video.

[@ThisHouse]

There are dozens more! If this video performs well I will do a follow up to this one. Cheers!

[@lisab2543]

Biltmore is simply a stunning estate. The grounds are equally as beautiful as the house, so much so, that I have gone there just to stroll through the flowers.

[@bonnieikamas1201]

Biltmore is my favorite! A dear friend and I visited it in November of 2013 and it was superb!!!🌹

[@nicknick9081]

I wonder what it would really cost to build one of these today. Inflation calculations are one thing, but permits, inspections, hiring now rare trades, etc. these were true works of arts that today’s cost cutting builds cannot compete with.

[@krevin543]

Marble House is my favorite for absolute luxury. I have toured the biltmore and it is amazing too- especially with its opulent gardens, winery and village.

[@vickiedouglas401]

The Breakers has a special place in my heart. While living on the island I went often. The dining room ceiling and the tile mosaic on the floor of the back porch are two of my favorite features. When it's decorated for Christmas it's an absolute dream. I'm not able to travel any more but I would have liked seeing Biltmore.

[@jasonwomack4064]

A video about Richard Morris Hunt would be interesting. I can't be the only one who's curious what he did with all the money he raked in from these commissions.

[@winkieblink7625]

I’ve read on The Biltmore and it’s was a phenomenal venture to tackle way back when for the Land, Gardens, Farms, Mansion and keeping up with ALL THE ACREAGE of the property. AND THEY started with NOTHING….the forest was in the distant background. They brought in ALL THE TREES! I would love to see it one day.

[@jetsons101]

They're all works of art. But for me they are all a bit on the big side, but if I was forced to take one it would be the one with the pool in the basement -- the George Vanderbilt house designed by Olmsted. Thanks for your time, work and posting. What a great watch.

[@lynnobrien8159]

The Biltmore House was built by Richard Morris Hunt. Olmsted did design the gardens.

[@emmajohnson6955]

Can you share? Lol

[@jetsons101]

I taught my kids that "Sharing is Caring."@@emmajohnson6955

[@normasacchetti3864]

This Era encompassed great wealth and extreme poverty. These people could have lifted thousands out of poverty, but unfortunately greed knows no limits.

[@artummomenti3147]

Being in the events industry, I have been to The Elms, Breakers many times but my favorite house to visit was always the Marble house. You really have to see it to believe it. Pictures don't do it justice.

[@TimothyCHenderson]

It's amazing how such dazzling, blistering opulence filled with so much art, sculpture, plasterwork, marble, silks, brocades, masonry and exquisite furniture could also be so ugly.

[@rmariu]

Thank you Ken. I really enjoyed seeing and hearing about all the mansions they built. It's incredible the workmanship that went into them which unfortunately is no longer seen in modern mansions. It's all low ceilings and plasterboard with disco lights.

[@tamieckert4548]

This video was a testament to the artisans,work laborers that deserve to see the bounty of all that went into every place mentioned,Yes in being too financially pinched to support, there could’ve been ways to support so the mere mention of demolishing wouldn’t ever have been considered,even though the personal essence, and tastes of the previous owners would’ve gotten praises, and possibly kept the places flourishing.❤

[@amandab.recondwith8006]

Marble House is the most exquisite house.

[@user-pj9yv9jf1k]

Absurdly exaggerated does not equal Exquisite. That gives you the Ashville mansion not Marble House.

[@samantha5588]

I absolutely loved this episode; how you shared all of the homes built and lived in by this family was excellent. Thank you for all your hard work, I enjoy it so much!!

[@donnamariebrown2478]

I have been to Biltmore and thought that it was wonderful. They do tear down too many old buildings, sad but true.

[@PrincessEms-rm1yt]

Well done to the first Vanderbilt for his entrepreneurship and clever, hard-work. The wealth could only happen. Hope the next Vanderbilt generation finds great success to. God bless the Vanderbilt family.

[@mr.x8259]

I can’t pick a favorite, they are all so extraordinary! I am itching to go back to Newport this summer.

[@lisagilmore4519]

I have visited the Biltmore a few times, it is my favorite.

[@laurielaurie8280]

Its just so crazy to me how they built these beautiful huge homes and then turn around and tear them down.

[@cassandraralph5906]

Two words: absolutely gobsmacked!!!! 💯

[@amandab.recondwith8006]

Absolutely incredible.

[@bethbartlett5692]

Aàppreciate a 30 min Video. Know these require more Production effort, but ("it's nice to have an entree, rather than an appetizer, sometimes.").

[@Rajjb321]

Best video ❤❤❤

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

I wish there were more pics of the Petite Chateau. I really liked the exterior.

[@anthonybianchini5144]

EXCELLENT video - really engaging. One nit: In your descriptions - Why do you refer to still extant structures in the past tense? Makes it a little confusing to discern between what was demolished vs. still standing.

[@bethbartlett5692]

☀️ Marble House is my personal favorite of the "Vandy Props", it having a pleasing exterior, and although, (the interor was overly heavy in Victorian decor traits in its Era), should I have had the property, for my dwelling or Design/Decor Project, then it would be receive the following, at minimum: A repainting of the rooms usng multiple shades of whites/lightest creams, and using varied levels of gloss trim paint, from matte to semi-gloss to high gloss. As per room purpose: lightest beige bronze-gold, silk wall covering, paint of a softest banana yellow, and another with softest light pink, each appropriate to the room and location . One color may be chosen and continued, like the banana yellow with select furniture pieces covered in cobalt blue, the Gold Leaf Accent, the white trims, and Lighting selected for area and time of day, Windows uninhibited by heavy drapery, rather with silk sheer window scarfs and select locations with straight panels of Cobalt Blue Velvet drapes that would expand when needed to block the Sun. The House has a detailed wood library, and the Public Room done wine red and Gold Leaf. The red would stay, with adjustments to remove the heavy design, giving the room a trio of shades in smooth plain coats, particular details in Gold Leaf, and trim in a Semi to High Gloss White and White + Cream Faux Marble, with Gold and Clear Quartz blended in as desired. Lighting would be my focal point throughout the Interior and Exterior of the Home and Landscape. All the heavy Victorian layers removed and replaced with smooth coats of wall paint, Silks, removing the layers of stess and anxiety promoting decor, and revealing decor that would flatter the Architecture, and lighting that would offer brighter areas, of light and intentional shading/shadows, that would lift the eye and giving an impression of greater heights and a flowing of open spaces in the Public Rooms and those areas that were for relaxing, music, art and garden views. It would be the home that inspired Architects and Creative Design Minds, a Statement of Clarity, Class, and Classic Design in a more Modern Time, and most particularly, at the turn of the 20th Century. With an era Budget for these decor project's products and materials, being half or less than that which was originally paid, a far more appealing, uniquely a Modern statement, but of the era and with Timeless Classic Class, the men would have likely been even more excited about the style than the women, as at that time they had less confidence, requiring Male Decor and Design Professionals contracted to guide them with recommendations and innovations, as the Men were overwhelmingly 99.9% of the Professionals, (women relligated to the roles of: daughter, sister, wife, mother, Mistress, tutors, teachers, housekeeping, seamstress, stage, saloons, and brothels.) A similar Style is one of the Current Decor Styles, h9wever, the Modern Victorian really requires a Talented and Professional Designer, for it calls for several techniques to make it work with apoeal and is "not for the novice DIY Decorator". It can go south at every point of decisiin and will look like a 4yr old playing dressup in Mom Old Prom Dresses. The margin for error is actually "MarginS for ErrorS" with Cliffs and easily Overdone, with undesirable variables of Messy. The thoughts of potentials mistakes makes me a bit dizzy to think of them. Shabby Chique is childs play, mistakes easily called destrssing or textures, giving it great lattitude for the Creatuve Minds to play, have fun, and enjoy good outcomes. But the Modern Victorian calls for Talent and Classes. Actually not one of my personal choices, although a smaller prooerty, 800 - 1200 sq feet, and with a clean Canvas to work on, no "I have to keep this or that and make it work" is allowed. Unless by chance it happens to be a "just by chance", keeper. I like "Minimalism Modern Midcentury"; "Modern Greek Revival"; "21st Century Art Deco 1920's"; "Hotel Lobby Effect"; and "my Version of Frank Lloyd Wright"; ... (Each are scaled back versions that includes the now technologies, and each with the Individual's Creative and Color Pallet.) Beth NW Tennessee, USA .

[@claudiocavaliere856]

Absolutely fascinating!

[@owenwilson8822]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@Ug1i]

This is what I needed today ❤

[@Cyrus992]

My favorite all time structure

[@brucedeerhaven]

Just me a rustic looking cabin in the mountains with scenic views. Much easier to maintain!

[@50Street21]

I could live there, Ken. The only drawback is that I don't really have all that much antique furniture to fill it. Oh well. I could make it work. Cheers! Darryl

[@teresajacobs5195]

I just can't imagine living that way .

[@Paulftate]

nice hunting lodge👍

[@veronicaferguson8548]

I love The Breakers.I remember how beautiful it is from the 2 episodes of Antiques Roadshow that were shot there

[@user-ok5ni2pj2s]

很精彩！！！

[@VideoSnipsChannel]

awesome!

[@DrLeroyGreen]

Can you imagine what those walls have seen? If you go to The Breakers, the first small room that the tour takes you into, near the front of the house and off of Mr Vanderbilt's Master Bedroom, it's plain by contrast and rather sterile. there is a super weird feeling in that room. I can only describe it as if someone did something in there that they very much shouldn't have. IDK what. But it rings with it like a tuning fork and set me back on my heels. Otherwise: GORGEOUS! Anderson Cooper stays on the 3rd floor.

[@50wheel]

Yep, trust your instinct. Satanic ritual abuse to children happened and still does happen there. You can find info on this if you dig deep.

[@markwriter2698]

Places full of treasure and gold trim. Unbelievable.

[@Shahrdad]

The photo at 4:09 is from after the house was remodeled for Grace Vanderbilt who called it "The black hole of Calcutta." Horace Trumbauer was hired to do the remodeling of the interior.

[@annonymously331]

There’s a article on half pudding half sauce detailing all the important rooms in the Vanderbilt Triple Palace

[@johnmontag]

Sadly, all of these houses, along with crazy spending, blew the fortune and they have nothing left. Accept for the family that owns the Biltmore. They are billionaires just from that home

[@garrengroom3831]

Ken, do you have any info/video on Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney's Long Island home? It was either called (Wheatly Hills) and/or that was the area on LI where it was located. Thank you!

[@ThisHouse]

I have been gathering information/ licensing photos of it for a video. Hopefully, I’ll have it wrapped up in a few weeks. Stay tuned!

[@garryferrington811]

It's interesting that the Commodore never became extravagant. Very self-disciplined man. Considering how few of these edifices survive, it seems almost all of that fortune went to waste.

[@elizabethferguson7002]

Spectacular way to blow a fortune for ego.

[@jilltagmorris]

How the heck do you capture 300 humming birds?

[@sallysutton6827]

Did you mention Acadia plantation in South Carolina?

[@christophersmith1155]

are all of their property's museums now? or any private homes still ?

[@ThisHouse]

Great question! Of the properties that survived, most are currently being utilized as museums, universities, and country clubs. There’s a small handful that remain private residences.

[@gmdelemeester]

The public can stay for visits at Shelburne Farm and at Alfred Vanderbilt’s Great Camp Sagamore complex in the Adirondacks. Sagamore was Alfred’s retreat from the marble and gilt of the Breakers and 1 West 57th where he grew up.

[@hedgedrisk6487]

I love that the Vanderbilts lost everything

[@mikki3961]

I like Marble House, Alva owned it outright and designed it with William Hunt. I find many of these homes to be too opulent for my taste. I like quiet luxury, I enjoyed this video so much, thank you.

[@larrypicard8802]

Well to be precise it's not The Biltmore, just Biltmore.

[@michaelsapienza8749]

Nothing like a party with 300 flying poop machines 🥳

[@darrenfincher7595]

The mansion next door to the Vanderbuilt triple ? anyone?

[@gjr614]

Only 37 servants to wait on her. Practically a shut in all alone.

[@user-mr1ln4jx2j]

he was the younger brother so he only got 5 million and 5 mil. trust, he spent all his money building this mansion (north carolina)

[@SherellaHines]

Really enjoy and appreciate historical Truth first inventor of Nike shoes all worldmarks and conceptual Converse All Stars by Coco Chanel 5 smarwatch givenchy Family Dollar Family Dollar tree rainbow rainbow kids monarch Heiress sherellHines

[@squish2913]

This craftsmanship could not be replicated today, the rich now build stapled together junk covered in sheet rock, it wouldn't last 10 years without daily upkeep by imported cheap labor

[@TheMightyCookieShow]

I just wish it was possible to buy a simple little three-bedroom two-bath house with an acre of property. Say nothing about buying something like this even buying a little dinky Dopey place to live is Out Of Reach for most people now

[@mikekennedy5470]

Anderson cooper must watch these and say W.T.F happpened to all grand dads money ....L.O.L...😂😂😂

[@peterlamere1982]

This is the story of one of America's greatest family failures. To go from the wealthiest family too broke in four generations is an amazing tale of fools and their money. You do not want to be a Vanderbilt. It is very hard too make that much money. Too spend it all in 70 years, you have to be incredibly stupid. 😮

[@RBzee112]

The wasted it building these objectively ridiculous houses.

[@Shelly-mz9yf]

Where are these famous family now.... and are n they being yoyfull with sharing like it was in 18-19 hundreds?????

[@haywardgarner4850]

She did WHAT to 300 hummingbirds? Disgusting.

[@debbieyates29]

Sadly, we have a fascination with how the other half lives.

[@jeffaldridge4051]

Nothing sad about admiring architecture I could never afford

[@Denise-kc8np]

We're they really kings??

[@smackout]

anderson coopers killhouse?

[@leeroywolphagen8451]

These are the great downfall for the vanderbilt dynasty.

[@CR-il8rf]

I find the narrator's voice so annoying. I had to turn it off.