The Biltmore in North Carolina is a very impressive destination unto itself, with a lot of American history behind it.
George Vanderbilt fell in love with Ashville after visiting the area in 1888. He then began the process of building his country home. Construction began in 1889 and Biltmore House was first opened to friends and family on Christmas Eve, 1895.
George Vanderbilt’s magnificent 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt and is America’s Largest Home spanning 175,000 square feet, which is more than four acres of floor space. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.
The Biltmore Company is owned by the descendants of George Washington Vanderbilt. William A.V. Cecil Jr. serves as president and CEO of the company. The late William A.V. Cecil, grandson of George Vanderbilt, assumed sole ownership of The Biltmore Company in 1979. His brother, George H.V. Cecil, formed Biltmore Farms Inc. that same year.
Today, Biltmore has grown to include Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate; Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; and Biltmore For Your Home, the company’s licensed products division.
Over one million people visit Biltmore every year for the day or for a vacation, making it a major attraction and one of the most successful destinations in the country.
Guests can experience America’s largest home for the day when you purchase a ticket for your self-guided house visit which spans three floors and the basement of the luxurious family home where you will explore the stories of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees through displays of vintage clothing, accessories, art, furniture, and more.
A visit to the Biltmore Winery for wine lovers is a must. You can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at the Tasting Room. Visit the indoor/outdoor Wine Bar for charcuterie and locally-made truffles. Let knowledgeable wine hosts take you on a journey through award-winning vintages and so much more. To access the Winery, a guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.
Included with admission is a visit to Antler Hill Village, a relaxing way to extend your Biltmore experience. A vibrant hub of activity that connects the estate’s past and present with dining, shopping, exhibits, a Farmyard, and an Outdoor Adventure Center, the Village also features year-round learning and entertainment opportunities for guests of all ages.
Biltmore’s formal gardens and pastoral grounds were designed to create a European country setting. The variety of Biltmore’s gardens attracts garden lovers, master gardeners, and hobbyists every day from all over the world.
In the heart of Biltmore’s Walled Garden is an architectural treasure, almost as beautiful as Biltmore House. The Conservatory was built to provide Biltmore House and the gardens with flowers and tender bedding plants. Today, more than a century later, it still fulfills that role.
This beautiful property offers so much to see and enjoy and to appreciate its National Historic Designation. It is always a perfect time to visit.
Christmas is a very special time to enjoy the enchantment of the holidays at Biltmore, which features a dazzling array of twinkling lights, glitter-ing ornaments, and dozens of hand-decorated Christmas trees. Christmas at Biltmore will begin November 3 and runs through January 7, 2024.