Is the Biltmore haunted? North Carolina's most prominent and beloved attraction, located in Asheville, receives more than a million visitors every year. This family-owned estate inspires people as the tour allows an escape from everyday life. Since 1895, the family has welcomed guests to its 8,000 sprawling acres with breathtaking views of the mountains and the distinguished house and gardens. Let's take a look at some of the paranormal activity reported in the firsthand accounts of visitors to our beloved Biltmore, one of the most haunted places in North Carolina, and the country for that matter. Let's dive into the Biltmore Estate's dark history.

But first, here is a little background refresher.

The Biltmore in North Carolina was constructed from 1889 to 1895 by William Henry Vanderbilt II.

In his early twenties, Vanderbilt accompanied his mother to Asheville on a visit. He fell in love with the area, of course, and decided to build a modest summer home.

His modest little summer home would reportedly use up much of his Vanderbilt inheritance. He ended up getting married, having a daughter, and living at Biltmore until his death in 1914.

The Biltmore has 178,926 square feet of floor space. That's the equivalent of four acres inside the main house alone.

Visitors touring the estate have reported many paranormal experiences, ranging from apparitions, cold spots, sensations of being pushed by something otherworldly, and strange smells — among other things.

The staircase is a common place for spotting ghosts and experiencing the haunted activity at the Biltmore Estate.

Many paranormal enthusiasts believe staircases are spiritual vortexes, attracting ascending (and descending!) spirits. At the Biltmore, visitor accounts of odd occurrences on the stairs soar in firsthand accounts detailed in online reports and comments.

It doesn't help matters that many of the 250 rooms found at the Biltmore have headless mannequins dressed in period clothing.

We're sure it only serves to confuse the unconscious mind that sees something that really isn't there.

Many people have reported seeing George Vanderbilt II in his library.

Apparently, one of Vanderbilt's favorite rooms in the estate was his library. He could be found here admiring and reading books found in his vast collection. He's often seen browsing the books along the shelves, or sitting quietly and reading.

Other firsthand ghost sightings occur in the basement of the mansion.

The servants' quarters, kitchen, gym, and pool are located in the basement. Some visitors have reported seeing the staff busy preparing a meal in the kitchen.

The indoor swimming pool, located in the basement, was a popular spot for visitors to Biltmore in Vanderbilt's day.

Today, however, it's not popular at all. Soaring numbers of firsthand accounts say they had an overwhelming feeling of uneasiness when touring the pool area, the site of the supposed Biltmore Estate pool drowning. Some go on to say they clearly felt pure terror in the presence of someone who may have drowned during one of the parties the Vanderbilts were known to throw.

Speaking of parties...

Some accounts tell of the smell of a fresh cigar burning, with the pungent smoke billowing off the end. But the Biltmore is a smoke-free environment.

Others report the sense of being followed, or watched.

Clearly, this is something that a servant would do in an attempt to be attentive to any family member or guest. Perhaps a servant or two still linger, watching over the estate and her guests?

And then there is the tale of the orange cat.

Online accounts from witnesses report seeing a headless orange cat wandering the property from time to time. There are no accounts of who the cat belonged to, or how it lost its head.

America's largest private residence is also one of the most haunted places in the country.

The next time someone inquires of you, "Is the Biltmore haunted?" you can inform them that the Biltmore has actually been included on numerous lists of the most haunted places in America, including a report from CBS News. Learn more about the fascinating history of the Biltmore when you watch the video below:

Well, what do you think: Is the Biltmore Estate haunted? Is there a Biltmore Estate dark history? Not everyone is tuned in to their ability to see and experience paranormal activity. Have you ever had a paranormal experience at the Biltmore? We'd love to hear about it in the comments! And for further paranormal adventures, visit Pritchard Park.

For more about the Biltmore, be sure to read Biltmore Estate: The Most Distinguished Private Place.