While Biltmore House is extraordinarily impressive, the gardens and grounds are a clear reminder that the setting is what drew George Vanderbilt ll to build the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC in the first place! Completed in , the combination of beautiful plants, natural light, and delicate architecture make the Conservatory one of my favorite places at Biltmore Estate.
Be sure not to miss the loggia accessed from inside Biltmore House or the terraces located next door to the house! Your Biltmore admission ticket includes a complimentary wine tasting—be sure to take advantage of it more details on how in the next section. If you want to get beyond the standard rooms on your tour of Biltmore House, consider signing up for an additional tour!
It is essential to book your visit to the Biltmore in advance in order to secure a chance to tour the house which is, without a doubt, the star of the show. For context, we visited on a weekday in June and were able to schedule our visit 48 hours in advance, but only had a couple of house tour times to choose from, as most were already sold out.
The property spans over 8, acres, including brilliant gardens which were designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Although I have a black thumb, even I appreciated the lushness and beauty of the grounds. As we strolled the garden paths, I imagined the footsteps of those who came before me and felt a deep connection to the land. As we passed from the Italian Garden, I envisioned guests playing croquet and tennis; the Rose Garden, where over 40 varieties of roses bloom; and the Conservatory, which once provided flowers and plants for Biltmore House like the ever-present orchids, ferns, and palms.
The genius behind the design cannot be overlooked because it envelops you. The estate admission ticket also includes a winery tour and complimentary wine tasting for those 21 and over. We squeezed in a tasting of mostly red and varietals before touring the rest of Antler Hill Village. At our tasting, we learned that the grapes grown on site include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
Go beyond the Biltmore House and explore this massive estate with a trip over to Antler Hill Village. Home to the Biltmore Winery, the main draws at the Village are a farm, several restaurants, and one of the Estate resorts, Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate. Antler Hill Village is like a time warp to a period where staff lived on the estate raising livestock, tending crops, and working at Biltmore Dairy in the s.
The biggest hit with the little ones is the Barnyard where goats and lambs cavort and roosters strut their stuff. Opening on Christmas Eve in , the Biltmore House was the culmination of six years of construction and collaboration. Seems fitting then that holidays at the Estate are such a big deal. Called Candlelight Christmas Evenings, this special ticketed event showcases the Biltmore House in holiday splendor. Due to high demand, entrance on these evenings is timed and does sell out.
Plan your trip with our page Biltmore guide see links to all the pages below. Biltmore House: Experience the wonder of Biltmore House , the largest privately owned mansion in America, with a priceless collection of art and antiques original to the Vanderbilt home. Since the house is a self-guided tour, we recommend getting the audio companion tour as soon as you enter the house. After exploring the house, stop at the Stable Courtyard for refreshments or browse the shops.
Allow at least two hours for the self-guided house tour. See our photos of Biltmore House decorated for Christmas. Gardens: Spectacular gardens and woodlands are perfect for leisurely strolls. From the house, walk through gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The lush and beautiful reflecting ponds of the Italian Gardens are a fitting entry into a stunning world of garden paths.
Conservatory: Adjacent to the Walled Garden is the tropical wonderland open year-round, complete with a big orchid collection. Bass Pond: For a longer walk, follow signs to the Bass Pond to find a more secluded and romantic area, especially at the Boat House above. In spring and summer, the Meadow Trail features wildflowers and grasses, while the Woodland Trail is ablaze with azaleas in spring.
Photo Spot: Our favorite view of Biltmore House is along the drive from the house to the winery. Look for the small lake Lagoon on your left. There is a narrow unpaved road at the far end that crosses a small bridge for a stunning view of back of the House.
It's a great picnic spot and place to take a hike. Antler Hill Village: This village provides a relaxing place for dining, shopping, and learning more about Biltmore history - a great stop after your house tour. It's home to the Winery and Farm see below. Enjoy live entertainment on the Village Green. See the special exhibits that rotate at the Legacy, and tour the historic barn. Read more about Antler Hill Village.
Winery: Enjoy a self-guided Winery tour and sample Estate wines in the Tasting Room both included with your ticket. Browse the Wine Shop or dine at The Bistro. Check out cooking demonstrations and special wine tours and classes.
Relax at the Wine Bar beneath the clock tower. The Winery is open until 8 PM, so it's a great way to unwind after your busy day of touring.
Read more about the Biltmore Winery. In addition to displays of historic farm equipment in the impressive barn, meet draft horses, calves, lambs, and chickens at the Farmyard.
Watch the blacksmith or woodworkers. Outdoor Activities: There is much to explore outdoors, including several great hiking trails and greenway. Read more about hiking and Biltmore outdoors. At the Outdoor Adventure Center, sign up for an array of outdoor fun including biking, carriages rides, horseback riding, falconry, sporting clays, river trips, and more. Go to the Biltmore website for more details. Biltmore Restaurants There are many options for dining during your visit.
Since all of these are located inside the Estate, you'll need a ticket to reach them. All are open every day of the week. Read more on the Biltmore website.
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