George Washington Vanderbilt II planned his 250-room Biltmore Estate in North Carolina as a summer getaway, but it is known today as one of the grandest residences in the U.S. and a prime example of the nation's Gilded Age.

The 175,000-square-foot structure took six years to build and is still owned by one of Vanderbilt's descendants, but it was permanently opened to the public in 1956, became a National Historic Landmark in 1964, and now reigns as one of the premier tourist attractions in the Southeast.

On Saturday, Oct. 6, a VIP tour of the house and 75 acres of grounds will be featured as a live auction item at the 17th Annual FirstHealth Hospice Pottery Auction.

Celebrity auctioneer CK Swett of New York will lead the live auction component of the Hospice Foundation fundraiser that is scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Country Club of North Carolina.

A variety of items will highlight the event, including "The Big Lollipop," the Chairman's Choice piece from Dean and Martin Pottery of Seagrove. Potter Jeff Martin created the large piece of local stoneware - featuring his recognizable lollipop design - out of regional clays from Montgomery County's STARworks.

Other items to be sold under Swett's auctioneering auspices will include:

n Tickets to the 2013 U.S. Open Men's Golf Tournament to be held June 13-16 at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa.

n A handmade bird house donated by Bob Schlict

n Private bartending lessons for 12 from Chef Warren (includes snacks, cocktails and a limousine service to and from Chef Warren's in Southern Pines)

n A French wine-tasting for eight in the private wine-tasting room at The Wine Cellar and Tasting Room in Southern Pines (conducted by master sommelier Robyn James and featuring wines from the great French wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Loire and Champagne, accompanied by gourmet cheeses, saussions and spreads)

n A romantic one-night stay at Greensboro's classic O.Henry Hotel that includes accommodations in the hotel's King Room (with various amenities) as well as a balloon ride for two

n A VIP Pinehurst package for two to the Pinehurst Concours d'Elegance car show that is scheduled for Pinehurst in May 2013 (includes admission for two to the Aerodrome Party, admission for two to the auction or two spots in the golf tournament, two tickets to the Heroes Gala and two VIP tickets to the Concours)

The successful bidder on the Biltmore offering will be able to claim his/her two-day getaway for two Sunday through Thursday only from April 1 to June 30, 2013, or any time from Jan. 3 to March 31, 2013.

The certificate includes a deluxe room with one king-sized or two double beds at the Biltmore Inn as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the Biltmore House and Gardens and Antler Hill Village; a welcome amenity upon room check-in; a private winery tour and tasting; and estate transportation.