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Mansion and garden · Asheville, North Carolina
Biltmore Estate
The 250-room mansion built by George Vanderbilt in the 1890s, the largest private house in the United States, with gardens by Frederick Law Olmsted, a winery and a large estate of woodlands.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Biltmore Estate
George Vanderbilt, the grandson of one of the country’s wealthiest men, visited Asheville in 1888 and decided to build his country house there. Biltmore was constructed between 1889 and 1895, designed by Richard Morris Hunt and inspired by the French châteaux of the Loire, and it remains the largest private home in the United States, still owned by descendants of the family.
The visit takes you through the reception rooms, the library with thousands of books, decorated bedrooms, the kitchen and service areas, the indoor pool, and the basement bowling alley. The collections include tapestries, furniture, and works of art Vanderbilt acquired in Europe.
The gardens and estate layout were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of New York’s Central Park. There is a walled garden, a glass conservatory, an Italian garden, woodland trails, and an access road of about 5 km lined with trees.
In Antler Hill Village, inside the estate, you’ll find the winery with tastings and exhibitions about the family. At the end of the year, the house is decorated for Christmas, with candlelit evening tours.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day.
Best time
From spring through fall for the gardens; from November to early January for the Christmas decorations. Weekdays are quieter.
How to get there
The entrance is in Biltmore Village, about 5 km from downtown Asheville, via US-25. From the gate, the internal road leads to the house parking lots.
Tip
Buy your ticket in advance on the website: it has a date and entry time for the house. Plan for a full day, because the estate is large and internal distances are long.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Biltmore Estate
Do I need to reserve the Biltmore visit?
Yes. The ticket has a date and entry time for the house; book on the website, especially in the fall and at Christmas.
How long does the Biltmore visit take?
A full day for the house, gardens, and Antler Hill Village.
Is Biltmore the largest house in the United States?
It is the largest private home in the country, with 250 rooms, and it remains with the Vanderbilt family.