Making a brick fireplace look like stucco

It's all in the details...

Often when we think of architecture we think of grandeur, opulence, and buildings that have a place in history.  Maybe we think of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Empire State Building, the Colosseum in Rome, the Taj Mahal of India or maybe the Chrysler Building in New York City.  What makes them great?  Often we look at the obvious, the size or stature of a building.  But do we pay attention to the details, maybe the seemingly small things that make a building great?

I'll give you an example...

This is the Biltmore estate located in Ashville, North Carolina.  It was built between 1889 and 1895.  It is approximately 178,926 square feet with 250 rooms.  When you look at it you might just see the grandeur.  But if you have a chance to visit, I hope you'll see the details.

Richard Morris Hunt was commissioned by George Washington Vanderbilt to design Biltmore in the Chateauesque style.  Often this style features elaborate towers, spires or steeply-pitched roofs and is influenced by Gothic or Italian Renaissance architecture.  

So when you look at a building, don't forget the details!

Thanks Rob for the pictures!