Biltmore House – North Carolina, USA is one of the largest private home in North America. It’s one of the most famous tourist attractions in the southeastern United States. In Northern California, this mansion will take you to another world, full of history, architectural beauty, elegance and secret places that not everyone has access to, it will give you an unrepeatable and unforgettable experience.
Things to Do
Soaked in a château style of Vanderbilts, Biltmore House has a size and architecture that are simply amazing. It is a house full of elegance, luxury porcelain, bronzes, paintings, carpets, and precious furniture, which tell the story of its owners, guests, and employees.
A curious fact that will surely surprise you, is that most visitors hardly see 10% of the entire charming mansion. This place actually has more than 250 rooms, including bathrooms, rooms, fireplaces, bedrooms, and basements. If you want to know the parts of the house that not everyone knows, you must take one of the two routes that are little known.
Specialized tours
These special tours will let you know the secrets, the treasures and the incredible little corners hidden by Biltmore House. The tour behind the scenes will show you all the inner world of the house. Walks along the small corridors of the servants’ area and admires all the machinery that kept the house running.
Also, enter the charming living room covered in beautiful 16th-century tapestries, the private Vanderbilts locker rooms and the spacious guest rooms that have been empty for several decades. There is also the large Banquet Hall, which is 70 feet high and has a huge table for 38 people. Adorned with beautiful paintings and a triple fireplace, in addition, a Skinner organ from 1916 and tapestries from the 1500s.
The rooftop tour will take you through the unrestored parts of the house, although its main attraction is the upper part. The stairs will take you to some hidden balconies on the roof that give you splendid panoramic views of the wonderful gardens of the estate and the private study of George Vanderbilt. In addition, you can also observe dozens of gargoyles and statues, all with a different face and poses.
How to get there
Baltimore is about 2.5 miles (4 km) south of downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The nearest airport is Asheville Airport (AVL), about 16 km (17 minutes) from Biltmore House. From the airport, take a car or taxi to your destination. There is also the option to take a bus, however, this does not go directly to the mansion, so you will have to walk a little.
When to go
Summers in the Blue Ridge Mountains are mild, so any time from April to the end of October is good to visit. The most festive moments are during spring flowering (May to mid-June) and fall colors (mid-October).
How Long
In one day you can do several tours around the house and get to know the gardens and grounds. If you want to know every corner of the place, you can take me 2 days. You can even spend the night at the farm.
Opening and Closing Hours
The mansion is open every day of the year, however, its schedule varies according to each season. For more information about special event schedules, visit the website.
- Winter: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Spring and autumn: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Christmas season: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Planning
Tickets to enter the house can be obtained at the door, however, it is best to book them in advance, there may even be discounts if you buy them through the website. There are different rates for each tour. As for lodging, the small town of Asheville is well known for its lively arts scene and restaurants that pride themselves on serving local organic foods. The award-winning Biltmore Inn at Biltmore Estate is an excellent lodging option.
Inside Information
The admission ticket includes a self-guided visit. In addition, it includes a free tour of the estate’s wineries, where you will taste exquisite wines. You also have the option of audio guides for adults and some more fun for children. You can even visit the restaurants, gift shops, and wineries if you want to buy a product, from elegant sheets, vases, paintings and bottles of wine.
History
Built for George Washington Vanderbilt II at the height of the golden age. In 1889 the construction of the mansion began, with hundreds of workers managed to build a large building with 3 floors and more than 250 rooms. However, by the time Vanderbilt officially opened it for family and friends in 1895, only about 35 rooms are ready. After George married and had a son in Biltmore, he died in 1914. The one who was his wife held a marriage with another man and in 1930 they opened the house to the public.
Websites
- www.biltmore.com
- www.exploreasheville.com
- www.asheville-mountain-magic.com
Other Nearby Attractions
In the southeast of Asheville is the Arboretum of North Carolina. A large botanical garden filled with an immense variety of flowers and trees that are still in development and services for research. You can walk on trails and even ride mountain bikes. Between fountains, statues and beautiful roads, you will spend a pleasant and relaxing afternoon among so much natural life.
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