Before considering designs for his future home, George Vanderbilt brought landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to assess the land he had purchased. Olmsted agreed with Vanderbilt that the distant views of the Blue Ridge Mountains were pleasant, though the land itself was poor. He understood that placing the house presented challenges because it stood on a hill with no windbreak. Olmsted suggested adding the Stable Complex to the north of Biltmore House and including surrounding walls to block the strong winds that would otherwise meet family and guests arriving at the front of the house. Although architect Richard Morris Hunt had not yet visited the site, he accepted Olmsted's recommendation and included the Stable Complex in the house's design. By strategically placing the house, stables, and South Terrace, Olmsted preserved the wide open western view and helped create sheltered home grounds for Vanderbilt and his guests to enjoy in all seasons.