At the Biltmore Estate, George and Edith Vanderbilt had separate bedrooms not because of a cold relationship, but because it was the standard social custom for the ultra-wealthy during the Gilded Age. In high-society households of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, "separate but connected" suites were a sign of status and practical luxury. Having individual rooms allowed each spouse to have a private sanctuary where their personal servants (valets for men, lady’s maids for women) could assist them with the complex dressing and grooming rituals of the era without disturbing the other. At Biltmore, George’s bedroom and Edith’s bedroom are joined by the Oak Sitting Room, a shared private space where they could take breakfast together or plan their day in a less formal setting than the grand dining hall. This architectural choice also accommodated different sleeping habits; George was known to stay up late reading or working in his library, while Edith might retire earlier. Far from indicating a lack of affection, these separate quarters were designed to provide the ultimate level of comfort, privacy, and "gracious living" that the Vanderbilts were famous for.