Nestled into the surrounding mountains is the Biltmore House in Asheville North Carolina:
America’s largest private home with 250 rooms and one of America’s premier historic attractions. Stepping foot on these grounds for the first time may seem intimidating, but use this guide to maximize your visit to the Biltmore Estate!
Here is a brief chronological history of the Biltmore House in Asheville North Carolina:
1888 – George Vanderbilt, grandson of railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, decides to build his country estate near Asheville in North Carolina by purchasing 125,000 acres.
1889 – Renowned architects Richard Morris Hunt and Frederick Law Olmsted (creator of Central Park), were hired as co-architectors of this mansion and grounds design while Olmsted designed its landscape architecture.
1895-After six years and $10 Million dollars were invested into its construction, Biltmore Estate opened for business on Christmas Eve with 300 invited guests.
1896 – George Vanderbilt marries Edith Stuyvesant Dresser at Biltmore Estate’s banquet hall, and they move in.
1914 – Biltmore Estate closes during World War I to serve as a medical facility for soldiers fighting overseas.
After George Vanderbilt died, his widow sold 87,000 acres of forestland to the federal government.
1956 – Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil opens their home to the public to help finance its upkeep.
1963 – Biltmore Estate becomes officially designated as a National Historic Landmark.
1995 – To mark its centennial, Biltmore celebrated with an international six-month exhibition called Biltmore Legacy World Expo.
Biltmore today welcomes over one million visitors each year and remains privately owned by George Vanderbilt’s descendants.
A national treasure. Over its 125-year history, this estate has become synonymous with wealth, generosity, survival, and family legacy preservation.
Plan Your Visit to the Biltmore House in Asheville North Carolina
Before arriving, you can purchase tickets online and choose a time for the house tour. This ensures seamless admission and lets you plan your day to see it all! Also, visit their website and view any special events like holiday celebrations or behind-the-scene tours that might occur during your visit.
Allow at least half a day to visit Biltmore Estate’s major highlights; many visitors choose a full-day experience on its 8000 acres! Wear comfortable shoes as there will be lots of walking involved!
Exploring the Mansion
Explore America’s largest private residence to discover stunning architecture, priceless antiques, grand spaces, and exquisite details such as intricate architecture, exquisite furniture, and grand spaces. You can follow the audio tour to learn its rich history! Take your time admiring even its smaller details – don’t rush! Enjoy every second as much as you possibly can
An overview of some of the main rooms and features of Biltmore House in Asheville North Carolina:
Entry Hall – The 70-foot-long Entry Hall features a hand-carved oak staircase and 16th-century Flemish tapestries from this estate’s collection, setting the mood of elegance at first sight.
Library – Vanderbilt’s library houses over 10,000 volumes in two-story stacks on two levels with an elevated second-floor balcony for reading pleasure and learning. It demonstrates their passion for literature and learning.
Banquet Hall – The 70-foot banquet hall was custom-designed with a triple fireplace for grand entertainment and parties on the estate.
Winter Garden – Inspired by European conservatories, this glass ceiling room houses exotic plants under a glass cover with an elegant fountain.
Conservatory – Adjacent to the Winter Garden, the Conservatory houses tropical trees, flowers, and citrus fruit for viewing pleasure.
Music Room – This room showcases exquisite carvings and woodwork on its pipe organ and provides ideal acoustics for musical performances.
Master Bedroom – George and Edith Vanderbilt’s master suite on the second floor boasts ornate ceiling designs and 17th-century Flemish tapestries in their second-floor master bedroom suite.
Billiards Room – The lively billiards room for games, smoking, and male gatherings features rich wood paneling and an ornately carved 16th-century fireplace that makes an outstanding first impression.
These breathtaking spaces showcase the Vanderbilts’ wealth, aesthetic vision, and innovative thinking in creating the Biltmore House in Asheville North Carolina.
Biltmore Estate boasts an exquisite art collection resonant with the Vanderbilt family’s refined tastes and immense wealth, reflected in this mansion. Here is an overview of some types of art featured throughout Biltmore:
Paintings – The collection comprises masterpieces by Renoir, James Whistler, John Singer Sargent, and Gilbert Stuart and 16th-19th century European and American impressionist works.
Sculptures – Statues and bronze sculptures can be seen throughout homes and yards. Auguste Rodin, Daniel Chester French, and Karl Bitter are well-known sculptors to consider when searching for sculptures for sale or installation purposes.
Tapestries – Intricate 16th and 17th-century European tapestries decorate many rooms across Europe today, mostly made in Holland or Belgium and featuring ornate floral, biblical, or mythological scenes woven on fine cotton thread.
Furnishings – The decorative arts collection comprises over 10,000 objects. Furnishings from Europe from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Victorian periods make up the furnishings selection.
Ceramics – From 18th-century Meissen porcelain and Oriental vases, fine ceramics have long been used to decorate spaces and entertain audiences. The Banquet Hall alone displays over 50 pieces.
Books – The two-story library houses over 23,000 rare books. There is an exceptional collection of first editions, manuscripts, and incunabula.
Biltmore Estate’s art collection showcases classic to contemporary works and represents the rich Vanderbilt family’s global travels and cultural passions.
Explore Antler Hill Estate’s sprawling formal gardens, scenic trails through wooded areas, Antler Hill Village’s restaurants and shops, and its rich history by talking with friendly staff members or booking a Segway tour – unique ways of taking in all this estate has to offer!
Dining options at the Biltmore House in Asheville North Carolina
Biltmore restaurants provide exquisite dining experiences. The Dining Room boasts fine dining in an opulent environment while for something casual try the full menu at Biltmore Bistro or don’t leave without tasting some of their famous signature ice cream!
The Dining Room at The Inn on Biltmore Estate: For an exquisite dining experience, The Inn’s Dining Room provides guests with farm-to-table cuisine highlighting seasonal ingredients. Enjoy gourmet dishes in an atmosphere reflecting timeless elegance as a guest of The Dining Room at Biltmore Estate.
The Bistro: Nestled in Antler Hill Village, The Bistro offers casual yet relaxed dining in its casual cafe setting. With sandwiches, salads, and entrees created using locally sourced ingredients on its menu – perfect for either an enjoyable leisurely lunch or a quick bite while exploring this estate – The Bistro provides casual yet relaxing dining at its cozy space – an excellent spot for leisurely lunching or quick nibbles between estate exploring!
The Stable Cafe: Also located in Antler Hill Village, The Stable Cafe provides family-friendly comfort food reminiscent of Southern-style cooking in a relaxed environment – offering sandwiches, salads, traditional Southern fare, and desserts and beverages for dine-in or take-out service.
Cedric’s Tavern: Drawing inspiration from Vanderbilt family favorite Saint Bernard Cedric, this pub-style restaurant in Antler Hill Village serves traditional British pub cuisine such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and craft beers.
The Bake Shop: Looking to satisfy that sweet tooth? At Antler Hill Village’s The Bake Shop, you will find all sorts of treats, from pastries and cookies to cakes and more – ideal for satisfying that indulgent craving while exploring this sprawling estate!
Since I updated, dining options and availability will differ based on season, special events, and any updates or modifications. I suggest visiting its official website or contacting its guest services department directly for the latest and most accurate dining information at Biltmore Estate.
Special events and seasons at Biltmore House in Asheville North Carolina:
Spring Celebrations
Biltmore House and Garden offers visitors an unforgettable European-style mountain retreat experience in spring. Admire its colorful flowerbeds, award-winning wines, and the elegance of Biltmore House as you experience this season at Biltmore.
Easter Celebrations (April) – For Easter weekend on the estate, special teas, menus, and activities will be planned for an exciting Easter event! Included with admission is a Scavenger Hunt with children under nine receiving special treats!
The magnificent blooms and splash of colors everywhere make Spring at Biltmore unforgettable!
Summertime at Biltmore House in Asheville North Carolina
Summer Evenings at Biltmore (June-July) – Extended evening hours to see the gardens illuminated with lanterns. Enjoy live music performances every Friday. There are also movie nights, special observances, and more.
Independence Day Celebrations (July 4th) – Enjoy outdoor picnics, live music performances, and fireworks over the estate on Independence Day!
Autumn at Biltmore (September-November) – Biltmore comes alive with autumn leaves! Chili cook-offs, harvest events, and costume parties make memorable experiences at the
Biltmore Estate.
Christmas at Biltmore (November-January) – Biltmore Mansion is exquisitely decorated for Christmas with over fifty Christmas trees, wreaths, and more, offering candlelight tours, musical entertainment, and holiday-related events for an unforgettable Christmas experience!
Valentine’s Day Events in February: Romantic concerts, chocolate tastings, photography packages, and more await those celebrating Valentine’s Day this February. There’s hardly a more romantic place than the Biltmore House in Asheville North Carolina!
Accommodations on the grounds at Biltmore
Biltmore Estate provides numerous luxurious lodging options to visitors looking to experience its grounds after hours.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate – Situated at Antler Hill Village, this AAA four-diamond hotel has 204 guestrooms ranging in price from $219-$579 per night, featuring vintage Biltmore photos, sitting areas with free WiFi connectivity and marble bathrooms; some also come equipped with canopy beds or fireplaces – guests also take advantage of special privileges including estate tours!
Biltmore Estate Cottage – For maximum privacy, guests may reserve a freestanding 4,500 sq ft Cottage that accommodates ten people starting at $2750 per night and featuring four bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, chef’s kitchen, exercise room, and pool table – as well as their own personal chef and butler!
There are cottages available for smaller gatherings as well!
Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate – Open since 2015, this hotel provides 153 guestrooms and suites priced between $249-$849 per night with warm decor, free Wi-Fi access, views of estate grounds, and upgraded rooms with fireplaces providing cozy retreats for travelers to Biltmore Estate.
Staying at accommodations located within Biltmore Estate allows guests to gain intimate access to this one-of-a-kind estate. Luxury rooms, custom dining experiences, and VIP events await them here!
Biltmore Estate’s year-round beauty makes each season unique! Experience it through each change.
Biltmore Estate provides an unforgettable experience! Follow this guide for your first trip and ensure a positive journey that immerses you into Vanderbilt history that still thrives today!