When construction on this French Renaissance castle was finished in 1895, the Biltmore Estate was officially the largest undertaking in residential architecture in the country. And it has been kept in peak condition ever since.
Keep reading to discover why you need to visit the home of the Vanderbilts.
1. The Backyard is 8,000 Acres
With this much land, you’ll find endless activities for you and your family.
Hit the Trails
Explore the grounds through 22 miles of biking and hiking trails. Access is free for all guests. You can bring your own bike, or head down to the Bike Barn to rent one.
Not into bikes? Try horses instead! You can ride them through the property or take a splendid carriage ride along the estate pathways.
Work on Your Marksmanship
If shooting is your thing, then you’re at the right place! You can learn the ancient art of archery or grab a shotgun and go hunting for clay pigeons.
Go on a Land Rover Expedition
Rent a Land Rover and go off-roading! Drive through obstacles such as steep hills, log crossings, and rock crawls for a unique adventure!
2. A River Runs Through it
The French Broad River winds its way through the entire Biltmore estate. This slow-moving channel is perfect for summer activities.
Go on a Float Trip
You can either go as a group on a raft or take a self-guided kayak trip.
The Biltmore Estate is a real fly-fishing school where you can learn techniques from top instructors.
3. There’s Wine
George Vanderbilt was an avid wine collector. So, William Cecil, the estate manager and son of John Cecil and Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil, decided to build a vineyard on the property. He planted the first vines at the Biltmore in 1971. In 1983, the Biltmore Estate Wine Company was established and later opened to guests in 1985.
You can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting when you purchase a Biltmore Annual Pass, have a daytime ticket, or are staying at the estate.
To immerse yourself in this experience, choose from specialty wine tours like Red Wine & Chocolate to taste delicious pairings. Or hop on a Vine to Wine tour to visit the vineyards. After you’re done, stop by the Wine Bar in the evening for some live music.
4. The House is Spectacular
The Biltmore House is the historic home of estate designer George Vanderbilt and his wife Edith. It’s a marvel of art history frozen in time – the magnificence enduring nearly a century since it was first designed.
You’ll find original art by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and John Singer Sargent, a library with over 10,000 volumes, and breathtaking 16th century tapestries.
When you visit the Biltmore House, you can either go on a self-guided audio tour or hire a guide for your small group. Visiting with little ones? No problem. There’s a special audio tour just for kids, where they learn about the house from the perspective of Cedric, a beloved Saint Bernard.
5. The Food is Fantastic
The Biltmore Estate is home to 7 restaurants!
Each one is curated to give you the kind of hospitable experience the Vanderbilts are known for. They feature estate-raised specialties, from small bites to full course meals.
You’ll enjoy local farm-raised food prepared by masterful chefs.
6. There’s Even a Spa
Luxury is the name of the game at the Biltmore. And what better way to lavish it upon yourself than with a world-class massage or facial?
After a long day of exploring the property, this is the perfect place to unwind. You can choose from a variety of massage enhancements to make the experience truly magical:
- Aromatherapy
- Hot stones
- Exfoliation
- And more!
Ready to book the luxury vacation of a lifetime?
Get your tickets to Asheville and plan your trip with Allegiant!
