1 Approach Road, Asheville, North Carolina 828-225-1333, 1-800-411-3812 Completed in 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt, Biltmore is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, the largest private residence in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. The estate - which boasts 33 bedrooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, 20,000-book library and bowling alley – draws more than 900,000 visitors annually from all over the world.
Biltmore History
Richard Morris Hunt designed the mansion and Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect of New York's Central Park, landscaped the original 125,000-acre estate (now 8,000 acres). Biltmore, which is today owned by Vanderbilt's grandson, William A.V. Cecil, contains Vanderbilt's original collection of more than 70,000 priceless antiques and art objects, including original works by Pierre Auguste Renoir, John Singer Sargent and Albrecht Durer. Biltmore has served as the setting for such popular movies as Being There (starring Peter Sellers), Richie Rich (starring Macauley Culkin) and Hannibal (starring Anthony Hopkins), among others.
Biltmore Tours
All general tours of Biltmore are self-guided. Special "Behind the Scenes" and "Rooftop" guided tours of the home are available at an additional cost. Guests also can enjoy more than 250 acres of gardens and formal grounds surrounding the house. One-day admission includes a stop at the Biltmore Winery, the most visited winery in the United States.
Biltmore Restaurants
The property contains three restaurants: the Deerpark Restaurant, the Stable Cafe and The Bistro - and eight specialty gift shops. The luxurious Inn on Biltmore features 213 guest rooms, an outdoor pool and hot tub, restaurant and lobby bar, fully equipped fitness center, library and gift shops.
Biltmore Annual Events
Annual events at Biltmore Estate include the Festival of Flowers (April 3 - May 16, 2010), Easter Egg Hunt (April 4, 2010), The Winery's 25th Anniversary (May 20-23, 2010), Biltmore Concert Series (June 4 - October 1, 2010), 36th-Annual Christmas at Biltmore (November 5, 2010 - January 2, 2011) and 27th-Annual Candlelight Evenings at Biltmore Estate. Biltmore is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5 PM (January to March hours are 9 AM to 4 PM). From Interstate 40, Biltmore is located just North of Exit 50 or 50B on U.S. Highway 25, approximately 50 miles East of Cherokee, North Carolina. For more information about Biltmore , visit www.biltmore.com.
