Experience everything spring with a tour of the acclaimed Biltmore Estate and Gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a safe and relaxed stay at the popular mountain lodge, the Sourwood Inn.
Everyone loves a fairytale and spending the day at the Biltmore will transport your imagination back to the late 1800s . You will experience the grand lifestyle of one of our countries most wealthy families.
Biltmore Estate
The magnificent Biltmore is the largest privately owned home in the United States. The estate includes over 8,000 acres of gardens, farmland, streams and a winery. Check out this useful visitor’s guide for maps and details.
Springtime adds a special bonus to visiting the estate as many of the 30+ acre gardens are in full bloom. For the latest report, written by Bill Quade, Senior Manager of Horticulture at the Biltmore, check out this link to have the latest information and current pictures.
12 things to look for at the Biltmore Estate
Your house tour tickets at the Biltmore Estate includes access to the Antler Hill Village and Winery, the 22 miles of hiking trails and the Biltmore Conservatory and Gardens. Here are twelve things not to be missed during your visit:
- While touring the Biltmore House take a close look at original art by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and John Singer Sargent.
- Imagine dining in the banquet hall on Christmas Eve in 1895 when George and Eve opened their country estate to family and friends.
- Marvel at the Biltmore Gardens Railway exhibit inside the Conservatory which consists of eight trains on over 800 feet of tracks that run in and out of the rooms, on overhead tracks, and on tracks at eye-level.
- Don’t miss the lower level of the home which includes a indoor pool complete with dressing rooms- no lady could be seen walking through the mansion in her swim suit!
- When you visit the stables catch the time of day with the original clock on the barn designed by Richard Morris Hunt
- Check out the huge collection of 10,000 volumes books in the library.
- Watch out for the gargoyles!
- Of course the Vanderbilts had to have a bowling alley too
History of the Biltmore Estate
In 1888, at the age of 25 , George Washington Vanderbilt purchased the land that would become the Biltmore Estate! He loved the scenery and climate so much that he decided to build a summer house in the area, which he called his “little mountain escape”.
Construction of the house began in 1889 with about 1,000 workers and 60 stonemasons. During the construction period, Vanderbilt went on extensive trips overseas to purchase decor furnishings for his newly built home, including tapestries, hundreds of carpets, prints, linens, and decorative objects.
Your tour will include not only the history of the estate but also little tidbits about the Vanderbilt family.
Several generations of the Cecil family continued living in the estate until 1956. At that point Biltmore House ceased to be a family residence and was operated as a historic house museum. Biltmore is still family owned, and is assessed at $157.2 million, although due to an agricultural deferment, county property taxes are paid on only $79.1 million.
History of the Gardens
Vanderbilt envisioned a park-like setting for his home and employed the acclaimed landscape architect Frederick Olmsted to design the grounds. Included in Olmsted’s vision are 75 acres of formal gardens, including a Roman formal garden, a bush and tulip garden, water fountains and a conservatory for palms and roses.
The estate also includes over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails (bike rentals available) around the property.
To purchase your Biltmore tickets check out your options here.
Come Stay with us
Spring has sprung on Elk Mountain too! Our mountain view rooms will engulf you in comfort, including our luxurious 600 thread count sheets and plush Turkish towels. Our value packed Wine and Dine Package, along with new complimentary lavender room sprays and chocolate truffles, will make your Asheville Getaway a long time memory.
Covid Practices and Safety
Both the Biltmore Estates and Sourwood Inn have enhanced their stringent disinfection procedures in accordance with CDC guidelines and industry best practices. You can rest assured your Asheville getaway will be both safe and memorable.
