My husband and I spent our honeymoon at Biltmore. Every day was a new adventure, from the exquisite mansion tour, the winery tastings, the gardens, the grounds, the horseback riding, dining in the fabulous restaurants....it was a magical time for us. I visited after his passing and the memories came back to life for me. The beauty of Biltmore Estate and grounds is indescribable and an absolute destination to anyone who adores the history of that time period. I shall return one day. Thank you for this video.
We got engaged at the top of the ramp deuce overlooking the front of the house! After several visits, we still love it! The winery in the old dairy barn is great as well!
I did a tour of this place when I lived in the area in the late 1990s. Included in the tour were the servants' quarters and a more detailed look at the kitchen. I will never forget the washing sink - the sink where the dishes were cleaned. It was so tiny, I just imagined that one servant would have had to stand there basically from first light to late in the night doing dishes in this tiny sink...
It is amazing that you noticed such a thing where everybody is talking about the beauty of the mansion. What do you think was it intentionally done that the sink was kept so tiny?
@@anastassiosperakis2869....the views from the "hill" at Hearst Castle are amazing but even more amazing is whichever direction one gazed, it belonged to HEARST as far as the eye could see in every direction and right down to the Pacific Ocean. Originally the castle sat on 250,000 acres compared to a skimpy 8,000 at the Biltmore. The East Coast has Biltmore and the West Coast has Hearst Castle!! Both fabulous homes, each having their own character.
I have been wanting to see Hearst for years, but haven't been able to work out the logistics of getting there. I had hoped to tie it in with my visit to Winchester, but it was impossible. Hopefully I can go there when I retire in a few years and have ample time.
I've visited the Biltmore several times and it never gets old. You can easily spend a few days touring the house, the gardens and support buildings all over the estate. I spent a semester in Europe studying for my degree in Architecture and the Biltmore rivals any estate you will find anywhere in the world.
@bbabbich3467Newports? Nah I’m more of a Marlboro guy myself Ok but really, that actually is the first thing that always pops in my head when I see the word “Newport” anywhere lol 😅
Honestly I thought you were talking about the Marlborough Blenheim in England and I'm pretty sure when you look at the logo on a pack of Marlboro smokes I always thought it came from the Marlborough Blenheim which is a real palace type home in England and where Winston Churchill was born . His grandparents lived there and he spent a lot of his youth especially his childhood there and it's hard to imagine because the place is absolutely massive . ... I had to look at several documentaries on it before I realized how immense it was . It's a bunch of buildings all built together as one and then down at the end it curves sort of u-shape and it is so enormous that you can be in one part of the building looking out the window across the courtyard at the other part of the same household . You might want to look at some of the documentaries about it because I'm positive that's where the marble cigarettes got their name but they Americanized the spelling .
I think you need to re-visit some of these estates you toured in Europe. As whilst Biltmore is huge in North American terms there are number of larger houses in England in floor terms, and the Royal residences are far larger again with much more opulent rooms with Buckingham Palace 3 x the size and Windsor Castle 4 × the size in terms of rooms.
I visited during the summer. Surprisingly, the house wasn't as hot as the gardens. My favorite room was the Winter Garden - a beautiful respite from all the ornate rooms. When I was visiting, the Music Room was being completed. The Library is spectacular and almost overwhelming. It's said the George Washington Vanderbilt had read every book in the room so it's very impressive. The interiors are spectacular but the gardens are on another level. Olmstead did a masterful job of creating the gardens.
I mean all you could do back then was sit around a read lol. It’s always funny to me how they had all these incredibly ornate rooms that they would just go and sit in to help pass the time. How quiet and boring it must’ve gotten back then lol
Well, you've finally done it: the creme de la creme. Excellent video - somehow, you're cadence and perfect English make this "home" and the estate grounds look even more regal. Thanks for all that you do.
I first went to Biltmore in 1976. After returning home from that first trip, I wrote a scathing letter to the Biltmore estate owners condemning them for their cruelty to the water foul that were on the estate. I scolded them in no uncertain terms that they would go so far as to amputate one leg of each of the large birds just to prevent them from escaping the grounds. (at the time, I was thinking they wanted to keep the birds there to add visually to the tourists experience).... The Biltmore people were kind enough to write me back. They explained to me that when it's cold, water foul often stand on one leg/foot, with the other leg/foot tucked up into the lower torso, warming one foot at a time. And they assured me that all of the birds on the estate still had both of their legs! I'll bet they got a good laugh from my ignorance; I still have their letter; I wonder if they still have mine?
I visited in 2021, and enjoyed it immensely., the Sunday after thanksgiving.at 8:00, (11/26/2023) the hallmark channel will show a Christmas movie that was filmed at the Biltmore. you haven't seen the place till you see it at Christmas.
I have been to the Biltmore several times over the past 10 years... it is an incredible place to visit! While Christmas time is a true joy to behold (the way they do things there are amazing!) any time is a special treat. The property - even in it's reduced state of several thousand acres is still *HUGE* - from the parking lot for visitors you have to take a tram to get to the main house and the ride is over 20 minutes to finally get there; it's also another 20 to 30 minutes winding the exit way out to finally leave Biltmore after you have finished your day there. One of the facts that they relate on the tram (oh, they talk all the way through it about the history and facts!) is that recently (in the last 50 years or so) researchers found the original Western gates of the estate - they were in Tennessee, over 50 miles away! Yeah - make sure you are ready to move because no matter what tour you take (gardens, the House, Upstairs/Downstairs, the Roof, etc.) you are going to be covering a lot of ground! Biltmore was also the training ground (and arguably the establishment) for the National Forestry Service - because George's estate encompassed so much property and he believed in sustainability, his estate had a lot of forest land that the US govt was the beneficiary of teaching people how to take care of it. Biltmore is incredible - the organ (when it plays, which it does on a regular interval) is incredible to hear billowing throughout the mansion. My favorite part (which you glossed over) was the butler's pantry and their collection of china - beyond that, I found amusing that the butler's pantry actually has two dumbwaiters - even though George was a "modernist" for technology, when the house was built, electricity was brand new - so one dumbwaiter was electrically operated, while the other (almost never used) was the typical pull rope manual - it was put in "just in case" electricity wasn't a big thing and failed. Biltmore is a true joy for anyone to see - it's restored sections, while still owned by a private family make it amazing. It is expensive to visit! This most definitely is *NOT* a $20 a day tourist destination - with entry, parking, the base house/garden tour, etc. you rack up the expense. Of course, to truly enjoy it you have to add a few tour options (such as the basement where the pool/work out room is, the servants areas (kitchens, pantry, etc.) and the rooftop (the house has an observatory with a telescope and a "widows walk" to truly enjoy the incredible views!) one can expect a $300-$500 visit for two people for the day not including food, lodging, souvenirs, or wine (the estate is known for it's winery!). But personally, I think it's worth every penny and will be visiting many times in the future! Thanks for the memories! RBS note: edited for grammar
I was attending a forensic Academy in Knoxville, and one weekend we decided let’s drive over to Biltmore. So it was me, a detective from Seattle, and a fellow crime scene tech from Tennessee. We adored the property and stayed there until dusk. After dining at the hotel, we made our way back to Knoxville after dark. This was in 2007. I remember one of the guys told us that we needed to come back at Christmas time because all of the rooms shown to the public would be decorated, and I could just imagine how beautiful it would be. Of all the rooms and areas on the property, I think my very favorite was stepping out onto one of the outside decks, and looking at that glorious view. I kept thinking if I had that kind of money, that’s where I would’ve build a mansion! 😂 haven’t been back since, but I still think about how enjoyable everything was when we went there. Highly recommend it if you’ve never been there.
I've visited multiple times and was always blown away, as the pictures don't do it justice. The bedrooms are all so large, that when you walk in, you see what you think is a tiny bed. However, once you get closer to the bed, you realize it's a regular-sized or even large bed that is just dwarfed by the scale of the room. Highly recommend renting the personal audio tour, a set of headphones that plays extra tidbits of information for each room you walk through, as well as ambient noise (like the sound of billiards balls in the billiards room) that make the house come alive.
This castle/palace/home is almost otherworldly! I've never been there. But I have been to Hearst Castle several times. And while that place is truly magnificent, it doesn't hold a candle to the Biltmore! Definitely on my bucket list of places to visit!
I have visited Biltmore Estate, twice. An amazing beautiful home. I loved everything about it. Imagine being a guest in that era. The ladies would have walked in the lavish gardens or maybe for fun ride a bicycle on one of the paths one the estate or maybe played a game of croquet on the massive lawn. The gentlemen riding or racing horses. Possibly, hunting or just walking around discussing business or politics. The stables there were very large and the horses would have been well cared for. If you ever get the chance to go, take you imagination with you.
I went here in 1994 when I was 13 while visiting my aunt who lived in Ashville for the summer. The property is enormous, and the house is insanely beautiful. I knew after that I wanted to be a home designer. I've made a pretty good living designing and building luxury homes, all thanks to my visit to Biltmore.
Seriously if you hadn't said that this was in America I would have thought that was like somewhere in England or maybe even France. That library is incredible and this by far is probably one of my favorite videos that you done have you ever thought about doing a compilation of one specific architect?
I visited several years ago - it is an astounding estate just as you describe. My favorite room was George’s library and that long metal spiral staircase going up to the ceiling with so many books. Walking the grounds was tiresome in North Carolina summer heat but had beautiful gardens everywhere. The stables were converted to a nice restaurant that sold the Biltmore label wines. Too bad George died so young from appendicitis. Very inexpensive admission for a great family day trip.
I have visited the Biltmore several times, once at Christmas. It’s spectacular! We went several years ago to see a Dale Chihuly special exhibit in the gardens. It was spring and everything was in bloom and gorgeous. I highly recommend a visit to the Biltmore!
Nicely presented. I worked there circa 1989-1991. Christmas was spectacular as the family had opened the entire building to us one evening. They opened The Stalls eatery where we could order and dine freely. The highlight, aside the generosity of the owners was all the behind things we saw. The family could not be better hosts or shown us a more magical time. By family I do mean the owners are the Vanderbilts. Wonderful people!
One of my most favorite places ever!!! I have always been fascinated by this particular house for a very long time!!! You have educated me more than I expected regarding this house!!! Well done indeed!!! Thank you 😊 💓 ☺️
I visited once back in 2005. Its absolutely breath taking, both inside and out. I was fascinated with the basement and all the rooms that were used for food storage, plus the pool! I ate at a restaurant on site and it did not disappoint! Everything was farm fresh and grown on site. Its extremely impressive how everything is run.
Lived in North Carolina for many years and visited a number of times. Fall is gorgeous there. In every house I seem to gravitate to the library, but the dining room with its rare flags is impressive. Christmas time is not to be missed. There were so many decorated trees, it inspired me to decorate for the season with more than one tree. If it’s good enough for the Vanderbilts…😂
My daughter and I visited from Australia in February 2020. It is without doubt the most beautiful of all the Vanderbilt mansions standing. This was the last on the list I had too see. It is simply beautiful.
I visited the Biltmore three times, it was beyond amazing. They open different sections of the mansion at different times. Hard to believe someone could be that wealthy they had a man whose only job was to make wine! A job I would have relished. Beautiful beyond comprehension. The surrounding gardens takes hours to investigate, the Biltmore, what a treasure!
Unfortunately, the only time I visited was on my birthday, and my birthday is in August!! Even here the temperature was in the 90's with brutal humidity. This estate is mind-boggling. Give me my own bathroom and kitchen and I could live in the library as a "studio." According to the tour guide, the books are in the 7 languages in which George was fluent. I also liked the winery tour on the estate. Maybe because I saw this mansion first and had a pretty good idea of what to expect, I would have to say that I was even more stunned by seeing Whitehall in Palm Beach than Biltmore. Excellent video.
My Grandparent's home was a couple miles from Biltmore. I never saw it as a child but my wife and I would visit every time we visited until my Grandmother passed in 1995.
Having lived in Asheville years ago and now in a town sixty miles away, I've been to the Biltmore over a hundred times. My favorite room - if you can call it that - isn't in the house at all but the conservatory outside with it's dazzling collection of plants from all over. Inside, I really like the library. Hard to believe something this grandiose was under private ownership. To me, it looks like something you'd only see in movies.
You probably would love Longwood Gardens Conservatory which is about 30 miles outside of Philadelphia Pennsylvania ... a spectacular world-class destination
Visted today.Delightful experience. Amazing architecture. So much planning and designing bedides meticulously executed interiors .One place - a MUST visit .
Make it a priority, it is more interesting than European homes, like the Palace of Versailles or Windsor Castle (which just feel like government buildings)...
I’ve visited Biltmore so many times over the years. It’s the most beautiful at Christmas. It’s crazy how the entire Vanderbilt family squandered all of their fortune. As I recall, George lived only twelve years to enjoy this; and he died. Sad.
@bbabbich3467, no I got your point. I just respect those who are good stewards of what they have. The old Commodore made all of their money, spent tons of it. By the time it got to George’s generation, and then the next one, the extravagant spending - combined with none of them working - it ran out. I just don’t respect that; but if you do, it’s fine! LOL
I remember being particularly struck by the beauty of the library when I visited. Most of the house was so grand I could not imagine being comfortable there, but I would enjoy the library!
I spent summers in my youth with my grandparents in Ashville. My grandfather helped them (was hired ) to open the first restaurants for visitators on the property. I remember fishing on the estate, stocked to the gills. One cast, one fish. I also remember the Cecils were very nice to me. Ashville is completely different today. This was before The Cut. I still remember the traffic back up when it was just the tunnel.
I’m so thankful that I lived near and was able to walk through freely before it became so regimented. I was able to see the good bad and ugly, and it was incredible l ❤️❤️❤️ I’m so grateful that the family stepped up and decided to invest into this remarkable home.
I have visited Biltmore several times over the years and it truly is an architectural masterpiece. The only problem is the large crowds that flock to the estate ruins the experience. I encourage anyone planning to visit to schedule during off season when there are not so many people.
Back in around 2008/2009ish school year as a fifth grader, my teacher has each student pick a state to do a project on as their major project grade for the grading quarter. I was given North Carolina. And I learned so much about this estate that I wanted to go there badly. Luckily, two years later for Christmas break, my parents, deciding to not only surprise me but to also see if I remembered what I learned, decided to take a family vacation to the city this place was located in. And took me to the Biltmore Estate. I was so utterly happy finally seeing the place I spent days learning about for a project that I still consider that trip to be my favorite trip ever, even after over 13 years later as a grown adult in her mid-20's
Any idea how it was heated? couldn't have solely been with the fireplaces? Love the double chandelier, and balistrade, I saw some other iron work around the place as well, a bit early for Yellin, he didn't open his shop till 1909. ANd the logistics in moving that ceiling mural!
Two or maybe three very large boilers (can’t remember the exact amount) they are in the sub basement, you can see them on one of the behind the scenes tours along with the large generator, power switch panels and other mechanical aspects of the house. Very much worth it!
Visited twice and each time I was mesmerized by the ornate features in every single room. Likely you could spend 20 to 30-minutes in each room before noticing all if the intricate details. Phenomenal architectural achievement and would recommend a visit for anyone that appreciates attention to detail and ostentatious features.
I wonder if this was ever in Vanderbilt’s will. Maybe Anderson cooper could do a deep dive into his family records and get an all access tour of his families home. Amazing video! Very informative.
We visited this past Tuesday. The attention to detail is outstanding. This house is a labor of love. The views are absolutely beautiful. The winter garden area was our favorite. We plan to visit again and tour the top floor and outside on the balcony. His vision has lasted more than a century and the house is still alive and full of so much history.
I first visited the Biltmore Estate in about 1963. My Great Aunt lived in Biltmore Forest and was friends with Bill and Mimi Cecil. Mimi gave us a private tour of the mansion and many parts that were not open to the public at that time. Several things I remember were the furnace and AC and DC power plants. We also visited an old garage-carriage storage area. There was a Stevens Duryea automobile, from about about 1915.
It is worth noting how many areas of the Biltmore estate had once been scrub farms that had used up the land. Olmsted had a massive reforestation project to insure the rebirth of the once ruined lands.
Have toured three times. The best way to see this magnificent "castle" is to get a ticket for the private tour. They take you behind the scenes from regular tour. You are taken to many private areas not in regular tour. I visited spring - beautiful, summer - lush green and lovely, and fall - breathtaking. Christmas would be beyond beautiful, I'm sure.
I have a daughter who lived in Newport, Rhode Island, and I must say when I saw this home, I was totally amazed! You have to keep in mind that you cannot compare the two, but this is definitely a must see, as is Newport. Terrific video. And I will take George's bedroom!
The most insane thing about this house is the small details. The carriage house floor joist are beveled. Probably the only barn ever built with that detail.
im so glad to see this video. i have seen many places that i probably will never see in person, om RU-vid. Everybody want to travel outside the U.S. but there are mny wonderful place to see right here in America. Thanks again.
This was the setting for the 1978 movie "Being There" - with Peter Sellers, Shirley Mclaine, Melvyn Douglas & Jack Warden ... absolutely stunning location .... and an exceptionally quirky comedy ... well worth a watch !!!!
Magnificent! this brings back wonderful memories of a visit during the Chihuly exhibit which in itself was breathtaking. The mansion is so beautiful along with the gardens....I did not want to leave...the views of the mountains were so captivating. There were visitors horseback riding and families with their children petting the farm animals. My first ever segway tour was through fields of beautiful sunflowers and ponds ...so very scenic!
I’ve not been lucky enough to have visited the Biltmore, but it is on my bucket list the other place being Rome and Vatican City. This is a magnificent house and my two favorite things are the library, wow…and the blue salon. I feel like the Victorians did not use enough blue, the Biltmore made for a pleasant change.
I visited Biltmore for the first time last year in May. It was absolutely beautiful! My parents had been years earlier and of course told be about it. I always wanted to see Biltmore and finally got the opportunity! I've been several last year after going the first time. Lucky for me I live about 2 hours away from Ashville North Carolina.....I live in South Carolina. If you ever get the chance go and visit. What a wonderful place to see and experience! Can't wait to go again!
Thank you Ken! I think on this visit, the oak sitting room has my attention, as does the third floor living hall. Both are relatively intimate considering the scale of the house.
I’m going back for the Architectural tour, the conservatory is amazing, art galleries, winery, hotels etc. it landscaping is incredible, lakes waterfalls, Bamboo gardens. Worth the visit
My wife and I have been to this place on three occasions for the Christmas lighting Candlelight thing that they do it's a really great great place. I can't imagine what would have been like to have lived there.
He ran out of money and never even totally finished the house, then his wife had to sell most of his land for pennies on the dollar which was turned into a state forest just to try to pay off his debts..........
We’ve been to Biltmore at least five times and taken several of the tours. The self guided tour is nice but was worth it to take a behind the scenes tour and the rooftop tour was amazing. So many awesome rooms cit would be difficult to pick a favorite. On our first trip, I think in 1996 we arrived mid afternoon and at that time late arrivals could go back the next day so we did. We spent a big part of the second day taking a slower tour to take everything in the building in then explored the grounds and outbuildings. It’s not for everybody, a coworker found it boring, but if you enjoy historic sites it is well worth the time.
I have been to the Biltmore 3 times each time I learned more about the house. The best time was during Christmas. Loved the decorations. A little disappointed I was not allowed to take my own pictures inside the house. Someday I will go back.
We visited once, but it was back in the mid 1970s. I seem to remember that there was a bowling alley in the basement. I think the driveway to the house is something like a mile and a half long. The whole place is a amazing.
I’m glad I got to experience it before it become a tourist guide. Back in the day we used to be able to park our car around the green grass. It was so nice like everything else becomes commercial and it loses spirit cell. They used to serve ice cream I don’t know if they still do.🎉
I stayed on property about 8 years ago I only live 2 and half hours away in East TN north Of Knoxville. It was really nice I took my niece she had never been we had a good trip
