Mind Your 'Manors' Trivia Quiz

Answer: Biltmore Estate

The house has over four acres of floor space and includes 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, and a bowling alley. The library houses 10,000 volumes of books. The winery was built in 1983 and offers free tours and tastings. The massive grounds of the estate contain parks, lawns, forests, and formal gardens.

Answer: Hearst Castle

William Randolph Hearst built this home on his "Enchanted Hill" as he called it. It housed the world's largest private zoo and has two pools at over 200,000 gallons in each. The art collection it contains includes sculptures, paintings, furniture, and even the ceiling and flooring.

Answer: Oak Alley

The house changed its name to Oak Alley after steamboat passengers were awed at the site of it standing at the end of its 28 ancient oaks. The house itself has 28 Doric columns surrounding it to match the number of trees. Six restored slave cabins there now showcase the history of the 200 slaves that built and worked on the estate.

Answer: Monticello

Monticello comprises 43 rooms and was made from bricks and nails that were manufactured right there in the grounds. Jefferson moved here in 1810 after his Presidency and spent years building and re-building portions of the home and his 40 acres of gardens. Jefferson himself is buried on the estate.

Answer: Bishop's Palace

The large and sturdy house was completed just in time to withstand the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900. Hundreds of hurricane survivors took shelter behind its walls. In 1923 the Catholic church purchased the home from Gresham and hence gave it its current name. It boasts rare woods, stained glass, bronze dragons, and even a silver fireplace!

Answer: Boldt Castle

George Boldt built the house and grounds for his wife, the love of his life. He included drawbridges, a dove cote, children's play areas, and even underground tunnels. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1904 when his wife, Louise, died suddenly. Heartbroken, Boldt terminated work on the manor with only months left until completion. He never returned to the site.

Answer: Lyndhurst

The house sits on 67 acres of park which Jay Gould, at the height of his railroad empire, used as his summer retreat in the 1880's. The manor itself is very different from its neighbors on the Hudson River. It has fewer rooms but narrow hallways, small windows, arched ceilings, and darkened alcoves. One of the favorite tours of this site is the Halloween Excursion!

Answer: Castle Hill

The magnificent "gentleman's farm" was built by Richard Crane, Jr in the early 1900's. His wife, however, complained about the drafts and "chilly air" so he tore it down in 1924 and rebuilt it. Stone griffins greet visitors on their way into the 165 acre facility. Hiking tours through the estate allow one to view deer, fox, and even bald eagles.

Answer: Thornewood Castle

Chester Thorne, who helped build the Port of Tacoma, created this house for his wife. Three ships carried pieces from a dismantled 15th century castle around the Cape Horn to the Pacific Northwest. There are also painted glass panels from the 1400's throughout the house and it boasts a Secret Garden among its acreage. President Taft and President Teddy Roosevelt both spent time here as guests.

Answer: Loveland Castle

Harry Andrews built the castle in the 1920's from stones found in the Little Miami River. He helped found the Boy Scout Troop KOGT who also helped him build the estate little by little. They even grew vegetables on the land by heating them with railroad lanterns. Harry was 'dumped' by his fiance and therefore the only nod to ladies at the castle is a tiny room that is marked as an example where "women used to be imprisoned".