5 things you must see at the Biltmore Estates
Where do you start?
With some good walking shoes. You are in for a lot of walking and a lot of stairs.
175,000 sf home on 8,000 Acres…
But it is so worth it!
But there is so much to see you can easily miss something if you do not know about it or are not looking for it. Read on to see some of the beautiful Biltmore sites and some things you will not want to miss.
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The largest private residence in the United States, built by and the home of George W. Vanderbilt.
Biltmore’s Ramp Douce
1st thing you DO NOT want to miss.
We are standing at the top of the Rampe Douce. The 3 miles on the approach road through the beautiful landscaping designed to give the guest a relaxing ride, they would then arrive at the top of the Rampe Douce, where we are standing, and get the full view of the Biltmore and the Mountains behind, that would not have been as impressive if they just came in at ground level. Trees have grown up so you do not have the same view they had long ago, however, absolutely stunning. From where we are standing there is a zigzag ramp for horse and buggy to travel down and then approach the Biltmore home. Every detail of the grounds and home was so well planned. This view can easily be missed if you do the park and ride, which I suggest doing, but take the time to walk up and get this great view.
You can easily spend a FULL day. We spent almost 2 full days. There is a lot to take in, I am glad we had the two days so we did not feel rushed. Our visit included the Chihuly Nights, the exhibit on display at the time of our visit, which gave us an additional site to enjoy the Biltmore on the grounds. Throughout the year they have different events at the Biltmore to enjoy, so depending on when you visit your trip will be a little different and unique.
The entrance and grounds are so beautiful, and with my love for flowers, I was drawn in immediately.
As you enter through the gatehouse, you know you are in a very special place. The architecture is so beautiful and even the surrounding town just outside the gate is all the same type of design even the McDonalds.
There are several areas on the grounds to explore. The Biltmore Home, the Gardens and Antler Hill, and the Winery. The home, of course, is the stunning focal point, but every area is beautiful and full of history.
Ticket Information
You purchase tickets for the home for a specified tour time. Your ticket includes the gardens, Antler Hill, and the winery. You will purchase your guided tour tickets separately.
The general ticket for the home is a self-guided tour of only part of the home, however, it does cover a lot. Tour can take about an hour or more, depending on how fast you want to move because it is self-paced you can take your time. Additionally, it will also depend on the crowd size that day. For an additional charge handheld, audio guides are available or you can read the free pamphlet that tells you about each room as you move through. We used the pamphlet guide.
The Biltmore Home
The Biltmore took 6 years to build and opened on Christmas Eve in 1895.
One of my favorite parts of the house (hard to pick just one) would be all the photographs that documented the history of the construction of the Biltmore. These are on display in the basement.
Construction of the Winter Garden, located just inside the main entrance of the home.
George had a railroad installed to deliver construction material to the site. And after completion had it removed.
Chandelier with wrap around the grand staircase.
The banquet hall has an enormous triple fireplace, seven-story ceilings, and an organ loft. This is where the Vanderbilt’s entertained their guests and held their annual Christmas party for the Biltmore workers and their families. This small table in front of the fireplace is just a fraction of the larger table that seats 60 people.
This surprised me, a Bowling Ally.
Indoor swimming pool with original underwater lights.
Edith, George’s wife’s bathroom. Only bathroom with a tub and shower.
Trunk for transporting their clothes. Fun details remind us of a time long ago.
Additional Tours
The 2nd thing you DO NOT want to miss.
There are many tours you can take on the property and in the home. In addition to the general home tour, I did the upstairs-downstairs guided tour and thought it was well worth it. Your guide gives you so much additional information about the lifestyle and daily life. You even get to see the menu book with the daily menu plan, china, & communication system used within the Biltmore.
Modern Technology at that Time
This system allowed them to call from a particular room to let the staff know they needed something.
Below is a telephone used to call other areas in the home, and behind that was a dumbwaiter.
George wanted his staff to have everything they needed to make them very efficient.
The rooftop guided tour is another tour offered at the Biltmore. We heard from another couple that was a very good tour also, so I will have something to look forward to on my next visit. There are several different ways to explore the property Segway tours, horseback tours, & motor coach tours.
Antler Hill
The 3rd thing you DO NOT want to miss.
Antler Hill is full of farm equipment, blacksmith tools, and woodworking supplies. It is located a short drive from the home but so much there you will not want to miss it. We really enjoyed the many photographs and even a video depicting the way of life at that time. There is The Biltmore Legacy, sadly we missed this, so that is why I am telling you not to miss it. It is my understanding this area had information about their life abroad.
Now that is a tractor. In the barn, you will see the stables used in Vanderbilt’s time. Here we watched a movie with historians relating the life and time of the Vanderbilts.
Original blacksmith tools.
Many wonderful photos of life on the farm and the estate. Can you imagine working in a tie?
The Biltmore Winery
4th thing you must see, and DO NOT want to miss.
Entrance to the winery. It was once the site of the dairy barn.
Here we enjoyed tasting some of the Biltmore wines. There is also a beautiful gift shop.
After wine tasting at the Biltmore Winery, we had lunch at one of the restaurants on the estate, Cedric’s Tavern. Cedric was the family’s St Benard dog. On the wall behind us was a photo of George (sitting in the chair behind me) and Edith (head just behind AJ’s head) and Cedric. Hence the name for Cedric’s Tavern.
Felt like we were having lunch with the Vanderbilts. Nothing like a selfie with the Vanderbilts with my new selfie stick.
The Gardens is the 5th Thing you do Not Want to Miss.
What can I say besides, SPECTACULAR. I love gardens and flowers so this was just a slice of heaven for me. The gardens seemed to go on forever. So many plants, no words to describe them. This is another area that will be different depending on the time of year you visit. There were a lot of summer plants, but we could also see the mums that were planted and will be blooming soon, and that will give the garden a fresh new look. There were also several Chihuly Glass sculptures in the gardens, what beautiful additions they made.
The conservatory is also full of amazing plants. It is located at the far end of the garden, please go all the way to the conservatory you will not want to miss it. There are stairs behind the conservatory that lead to a beautiful gift shop. We almost missed this and had to ask how to get down there.
Italian Garden with several Chihuly Glass sculptures.
This is just a fraction of all there is to see. You will be amazed and you will not be disappointed.
Helpful Hints
Battery Life
If you are using your phone make sure you have a full battery and maybe a small charger I ran out of battery and had to go back to the car and spend time sitting there charging my battery.
Photos
I bought this cool selfie stick with a remote control just for this trip. It made it so nice for taking great pictures of the two of us throughout the day.
Food & Lodging
There are several places to get food and drink and a couple of sit down restaurants so you do not need to leave the property to eat. Although we did not stay on the property there are two Biltmore Hotels on the property if you would like to stay on property.
Parking
The first day we were there we self parked, which allowed us the view of the Rampe Douce,which is very impressive. However, it is a lot of walking. If you can park in the ‘park & ride’ do it. We did this the second day. The driver gives you added information about the Biltmore during the ride and drops you right at the front of the Biltmore home. Trust me, take the park & ride, you will thank me. But to get the view from the Ramp Douce, plan to do some walking.
How about YOU?
Have you been to the Biltmore or would you like to go there someday? Are you currently, planning a trip? If you have been there, I hope you enjoyed this post and the pictures. Hopefully they brought back memories of your trip. If you have not been there, I hope you will get the chance to make the trip and enjoy The Biltmore in Ashville NC as much as we did.
What is your favorite memory or part of the Biltmore Estates?
I would love to go back someday, maybe at Christmas time, as I have heard the Biltmore house at Chrimas is spectacular.
Tara
We moved to the Asheville area last year and have yet to visit the Biltmore. I’ve been wanting to go, and now want to go even more! Thanks for the great tips!
Donna
I hear the Christmas tours are beautiful. Hope you are able to go soon, and enjoy it as much as I did.
Joy
Wow! Great article, I truly enjoyed reading it. The photos you shared are amazing. I have never been to Biltmore but it has long been on my wish list of places to visit.
Donna
Joy, Thank You! You will love it.
Nissa
I love history and would love to visit this beautiful place someday! What an amazing experience and such beautiful photos!
Donna
Nissa, Thank you. There is so much there, these are only a fraction of what you see.
Trisha
This is on my bucket list! It looks so beautiful! Without having been there yet, I know my favorite would be the old photos. I love anything with a history! Thank you for sharing!
Donna
Trisha, I hope you are able to go soon, it was on my bucket list for a long time. You will love it!
Christine
We visited the Biltmore about 15 years ago and your post brought back some wonderful memories! I love all your colorful pictures and all the little details. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Donna
Christina, Thank you glad you enjoyed.
Christa
Great pics and history on the Biltmore! If I’m ever in the area, I will try to visit. I love the history on locales I visit. I’m in the West, so I’ve seen the Hearst Castle, Scotty’s Castle, and the Getty Villa.
Donna
Christa, Glad you enjoyed the pictures there was so much there to take pictures of it was quite overwhelming.
Michele
The Biltmore is definitely on our list of places to visit! Thanks for the info!
Donna
Michelle, Was on my bucket list for a longtime. I was so glad to make the trip. You will not be disappointed.
Julie Gazdecki
Good to know it’s best to take 2 days. Visiting Asheville is toward the top of our list, including The Biltmore. These tips will help with our planning.
Donna
Julie, I know you will love it. I would give it 2 days, it is not something you want to rush through and there is so much to see.
Lisa Wells
I visited the Biltmore many years ago with my mom, and it was such a wonderful trip!!! We stayed in the inn on the grounds just after it opened, so we were one of it’s first visitors. The Biltmore mansion itself was so incredible! Definitely a trip I will not forget!
Donna
Lisa, I am sure staying on the property was a great experience in itself.
Missy
We have not been to the Biltmore. Yes, we would like to see visit.
Donna
Missy, Definitely worth going, so beautiful. You will love it.
Tricia Snow
I have only been twice, once to take the tour of the house and the next day to tour the grounds on horseback, Totally worth it, too. I am sure I missed stuff in the house.
Donna
Tricia, Wow, I am sure the Horseback tour was amazing.
Shirley
I LOVE Biltmore! It’s practically in my backyard so I visit often. I might even have an article or two on my blog. 🙂 You captured the essence of Biltmore perfectly!
Donna
Shirley, Thank you, you are so lucky to be so close. If I were closer I would get season passes.
Sheila
Thank you for such a detailed post. I never considered visiting the Biltmore before reading your post – now I am very excited to do so someday. I love touring grand old homes like this.
Donna
Shelia, If you love touring homes, this is a MUST see. It really is amazing.
Vessy Smith
Oh, woow! This really looks stunning! Frankly, I didn’t know anything about the Biltmore, so it was fascinating to read…and now I want to go! These gardens are incredible! 🙂
Donna
Vessy, I love gardens, so I was just in heaven.
Junell DuBois
What an incredible place to tour around!!!
Donna
Junell, I was in awe, did not want to leave.
Janell
The Biltmore looks like an incredible place to visit. Thank you for sharing! I wasn’t expecting the bowling lanes!
Donna
Janell, Bowling and the pool really wowed me!
Janine
What an incredible estate! I’ve never been but after reading this I totally want to!
Donna
Janine, If you ever get the chance, GO! It is beautiful and the history of the home is just unreal.
Pam
What a great overview – it’s been years since I’ve been to the Biltmore and I’d love to go back.
Donna
Pam, It has only been a couple months and I could go back. I loved it.
Tracy @ Cleland Clan
We visited a few years ago. It’s so hard to believe that this huge mansion was for a family of three. We really enjoyed the gardens and the Upstairs, Downstairs tour.
Donna
Tracy, Yes a BIG home for 3, everything about it is just more than you can imagine.
Heather
This reminds me of Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs. General Palmer was ahead of his time as well. I love Chihuly glass!
Donna
Heather, My first time seeing Chihuly Glass. It was breathtaking. I will have to check out Glen Eyrie.
Jordin
What a blast from the past! Great photos.
Donna
Jordin, Thank you, and YES it was.
jen
WOW great photos! I remember being there as a kid. Fun to look at these pics and see what I can recall
Donna
Jen, Thank you. Glad it brought back good memories.
Ola
The winery is first on my list! Lol
I plan to make it up that way for a weekend at some point. I have to get serious about it!
Donna
Ola, It was on my bucket list for about 10 years, finally just made it happen. And I LOVED IT!
T.M. Brown
Those grounds are gorgeous. I love how much history you added to this post and what an amazing place to visit.
Donna
It was amazing! If you ever get the chance to go, go, you will love it.