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America’s largest home is a French Renaissance style castle located in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina among the Blue Ridge Mountains. Who knew, right? The Biltmore Estate has been a famous Asheville attraction for many years and seeing it first-hand will certainly show you why.
You’ll be surprised to find that the home itself is just the beginning. The entire 8,000-acre estate is filled to the brim with gorgeous views and a multitude of activities for you and your family to enjoy. They say that the Biltmore is as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Just read on to discover what makes this historic property a must-do during your next outing in Asheville!
Visit the Biltmore Home
Kick off your visit to the Estate by marveling at the gorgeous mansion that’s at the center of it all! Completed in 1895, this collaborative effort between Estate owner, George Vanderbilt, and architect, Richard Morris Hunt, contains over four acres of floor space, which includes 35 bedrooms, 45 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. This luxurious and historic home is the largest privately owned mansion in America, not to mention the priceless collection of original art and antiques that fill it!
Here you can take a self-guided tour as you explore all the rooms and floors of the home. We recommend allotting about two hours for the tour. If you’re interested in more facts and history related to the home, opt for the audio companion tour which you can pick up upon entering the front doors. Guided tours that take you “behind the scenes” are also available for purchase.
Once you have made your way through the magnificent home, grab a bite to eat at The Stable Café, located in the Stable Courtyard to your left as you exit the home. Here, you can enjoy delicious sandwiches, burgers and salads as you sit in, what used to be, the Estate’s horse stables. Some of the café’s tables are in former horse stalls!
Outdoor Estate Exploration
Now that you’re fueled up and ready to go, take a stroll through the neighboring Gardens. Designed by renowned landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead (who also designed Central Park in New York City), these lush gardens are enough to impress any garden enthusiast. Be sure to visit between April and May to experience the Biltmore Blooms Festival of Flowers, complete with thousands of vibrant tulip blooms!
Looking to explore the great outdoors? The Biltmore Estate offers many opportunities to enjoy the surrounding mountain landscape that Asheville is known for. Several great hiking trails run throughout the property for you to trek on foot or on your mountain bike. At the Outdoor Adventure Center, you can sign up for biking, fly fishing, Segway tours, horseback riding, river trips and more!
Wine & Dine
Taste the legacy of Biltmore by visiting the historic Winery located at Antler Hill Village. Here, you can enjoy a self-guided Winery tour and sample Estate wines in the Tasting Room, both are included with your ticket! Afterwards, browse the Wine Shop and take home your favorites for everyone back home to try.
Also in Antler Hill Village, many dining and shopping options await! Here, you can choose from a upscale to casual selection of eateries and enjoy delicious cuisine as you reflect on your fun-filled day at the Biltmore. Cedric’s Tavern, named after the Vanderbilt family’s beloved Saint Bernard, is a spirited pub offering robustly-flavored American and global dishes to go along with a selection of craft beers, spirits, and Biltmore wines. For more seasonal farm to table fare, try the Bistro where you can enjoy estate-raised ingredients expertly crafted by chefs in a Europe-inspired setting. Tables surround the open kitchen so you can watch your food being prepared as you sip inspiring Biltmore wines. After dinner, enjoy browsing the Biltmore Retail Store where you can purchase gifts, apparel, food, wine, books, jewelry and more!
Stay the Night
With so much to do within the Biltmore Estate, you may be asking yourself, how do I fit it all in? No need to rush, reserve a room at the luxurious Biltmore Inn to extend your stay. Offering gracious hospitality, attention to detail and a high level of service, you can enjoy feeling like a guest of the Vanderbilt’s for the night! Looking for something a bit more casual? Just steps away from the Winery, the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate offers a convenient, comfortable and affordable resting point for your stay.
The Biltmore Estate is truly a gem and is just one of the many incredible cultural attractions that the town of Asheville, North Carolina has to offer! If you’re looking to make Asheville your next home, let us assist you in making this dream a reality. For over 26 years, Troy Flack has been helping people just like you find their ideal Asheville home. Contact us today to get started!