Biltmore’s Historic Honeymooners Posted on February 7, 2022 at 2:50 pm.Written by Heather Angel Did you know Biltmore has historically been the site of many honeymoons and romantic occasions? Perhaps it’s the warm, pink glow of the mountains as the sun sets over the Deer Park, the way the wind carries a sweet perfume from the gardens into the air, or the subtle whisper of a bottle of sparkling wine being masterfully uncorked nearby, but one thing is for sure—love is certainly in the air at Biltmore. From before construction of Biltmore House was completed all the way to our modern day guests who visit, there is no denying that this historic estate offers a desirable destination for a romantic getaway any time of year. Get to know some of Cupid’s earliest captives and the historic honeymooners who spent their precious time together at Biltmore many moons ago. Jay & Adele Burden’s Honeymoon Jay and Adele Burden honeymooned at River Cliff Cottage on Biltmore Estate, c. 1895 One of Biltmore’s earliest guests included newlyweds, Jay Burden and Adele Sloane, George Vanderbilt’s niece. The darling young couple spent their honeymoon with a romantic retreat to River Cliff Cottage at Biltmore in June of 1895, months before Biltmore House was completed. “Adele, actually Lila Sloane’s older sister, wrote about Biltmore being terribly romantic years before she married Jay Burden—it seems her opinion didn’t change!” says Meghan Forest, Biltmore’s Archives and Curatorial Assistant. Ernesto & Edith Fabbri’s Honeymoon Biltmore Honeymooners Ernesto and Edith Fabbri, c. 1896 Ernesto Fabbri and Edith Shepard, another one of George Vanderbilt’s nieces, celebrated their nuptials with a honeymoon at Biltmore after their 1896 wedding. Records indicate that Biltmore remained a special place for the Fabbris as they visited Biltmore six more times together over the next nine years, bringing along their children after they were born. George & Edith Vanderbilt’s Homecoming George and Edith Vanderbilt, c. 1900 George Vanderbilt was a bachelor when he first moved into Biltmore House. It would only be a few short years before he met his bride-to-be, Edith Stuyvesant Dresser. After whirlwind courtship abroad, George and Edith were married in Paris in a 15-minute civil ceremony on June 1, 1898. The couple honeymooned in Italy for three months before arriving home to Biltmore in October. Ever the romantic, a 1910 correspondence shows that George coordinated some modifications to Biltmore House as a surprise for Edith when she returned home from a trip abroad, including adding stairs by the Porte Cochere to provide access to a forest trail. Willie & Lila Field’s Honeymoon Biltmore Honeymooners Willie and Lila Field, c. 1902 One of George Vanderbilt’s closest comrades, William B. Osgood Field, was a frequent guest at Biltmore. During subsequent visits, “Willie” was introduced to one of George Vanderbilt’s nieces, Lila Sloane. It seems there was some matchmaking at play as the duo may have been deliberately encouraged to do activities together. The couple became engaged at Biltmore and spent their honeymoon on the estate, as well. An interest piece about the Willie and Lila Field honeymoon from society columnist “Cholly Knickerbocker” read: “[George Vanderbilt] is fond of paying this particular kind of compliment to his young relatives, and Biltmore, one of the most fairy-like country seats in this country, has been the scene of quite a number of honeymoons, and of the inauguration of what have turned out to be happy marriages. In this case the selection of Biltmore for the honeymoon will be especially appropriate. For it was there that Willie Field and Lila Sloan first plighted their troth and became engaged.” Cornelia & John F.A. Cecil’s Wedding Portrait of the Honorable and Mrs. John F.A. Cecil’s wedding party inside the Tapestry Gallery, c. 1924 Wedding bells rang as Cornelia, George and Edith Vanderbilt’s daughter, married the Honorable John Francis Amherst Cecil at All Souls Church in Biltmore Village on April 29, 1924. No detail was spared in this elaborate celebration that welcomed notable guests from around the globe and intrigued society columns. Biltmore is a Romantic Getaway for the Ages Romantic sunset view of the Deer Park from Biltmore’s Library Terrace Whether it’s warming up together by the fireside at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, taking a mini tropical vacation inside the Conservatory, marveling at the grandeur and history inside Biltmore House, sharing a sweet treat in Antler Hill Village, or spending time exploring the gardens and grounds at dusk, we can say confidently that Biltmore’s reputation as a romantic getaway for sweethearts has aged like a fine wine. No matter the time of year, we invite you to find, rekindle, or celebrate your love at Biltmore. For the ultimate romantic getaway, join us as an overnight guest at our four-star Inn, cozy Village Hotel, or one of our private historic Cottages and enjoy the beauty of this “fairy-like” country estate as George Vanderbilt intended.
Plan a Romantic Date at Biltmore Posted on January 22, 2022 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Biltmore is the perfect place to plan a romantic date, especially when Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Whether you’re looking for a day of special activities or a long weekend getaway, winter is a wonderful time to visit the estate. From the magnificence of America’s Largest Home® to special packages at both of our distinctive hotels, we’ve compiled a list of five sensational ideas for planning your romantic date at Biltmore. 1. Share a sweet treat with someone special Indulge in a sweet treat from The Bake Shop during your romantic date at Biltmore! Enjoy fresh–baked pastries and baked goods, excellent espresso, gourmet coffees, and herbal teas from The Bake Shop located in the Stable Courtyard next to Biltmore House. Before or after your self-guided house visit, this is a perfect way to warm up winter’s chill. Romantic date tip: While you’re in the neighborhood, take time to visit the collection of gift shops located inside the Stables–you’re sure to find a charming memento of your time together! 2. Escape to the tropics! Wander among tropical treasures in Biltmore’s Conservatory Indoor enchantment awaits in Biltmore’s Conservatory. Possibly one of the warmest spots in North Carolina’s mountains during winter, the Conservatory is filled with thousands of exotic plants, including an expansive orchid display at its showiest peak in the peaceful winter months. Romantic date tip: Be sure to snuggle up for a selfie together with a lush back drop of tropical treasures! 3. Discover the Vanderbilts’ love story George and Edith Vanderbilt sitting on the front steps of Buckspring Lodge, their rustic retreat on Mt. Pisgah The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition highlights the Transatlantic courtship and wedding of George and Edith Vanderbilt with archival letters, personal items and exotic treasures they collected during their world travels. The exhibition is located at The Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village, just steps away from the Winery. Romantic date tip: After learning more about the Vanderbilts, take time for a sweet treat or light bite from the nearby Creamery. 4. Warm up at the Winery A match made in heaven–red wine and chocolate! As soon as you arrive at our Winery, enjoy your complimentary wine tasting and savor a variety of our award-winning Biltmore wines. To make your romantic date truly memorable, enjoy a specialty wine experience like our Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting together! Romantic date tip: Bubbles make everything better, so indulge in a glass (or a bottle!) of our refreshing Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs or our pretty-in-pink Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir sparkling wine! 5. Let your romantic date take flight Explore the thrilling art of falconry at Biltmore Our 8,000-acre backyard provides natural habitat for a variety of beautiful birds this time of year. Meet them, explore their habits, and learn about their environments with engaging, informative activities that invite you to expand your Biltmore knowledge in a new way. Feathered Friends, Waterfowl Habits, and Guided Bird Walks offer a great way to spend time outdoors with someone special. Romantic date tip: Let your hearts soar as you discover the ancient art of Falconry together! Plan your romantic date at Biltmore now! Plan your romantic getaway at Biltmore! Join us during Winter at Biltmore for a romantic date, or simply enjoy spending time together with family and friends. We look forward to making you welcome!
Biltmore’s Top 5 Most Naturally Romantic Spots Posted on January 9, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico Biltmore Estate’s year-round natural beauty and long tradition of hospitality have earned its recognition as a romantic destination for more than a century. But with 8,000 acres to explore, it can be hard to pick the perfect must-see romantic spot to share with your loved one. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a scenic date, or even proposing to your sweetheart at Biltmore, get inspired with this list of the top five most naturally romantic spots on the estate! 📷 by @sasha_playz_musik 5. Tea House Strategically set on the far west corner of the South Terrace, this romantic spot offers sweeping views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain vistas. 📷 by @jason.rosa 4. Tennis Lawn & Pergola Tucked away between the Pergola and the Shrub Garden is the Tennis Lawn, an often overlooked “outdoor room” with a fairy-tale view of America’s Largest Home®. 📷 by @rongriswell 3. Conservatory Indoor enchantment awaits in Biltmore’s Conservatory, a private tropical oasis that houses a wide variety of exotic plants beneath its grand glass roof. This romantic spot offers multiple greenhouses to explore with your sweetheart! 📷 by @avidavlhiker 2. Bass Pond Waterfall & Trails An easy stroll down our Azalea Garden path leads to rewarding views of our Bass Pond bridge, Boat House, and, of course, the Bass Pond Waterfall—a picturesque backdrop for many Biltmore proposals! 📷 by @georgebassen 1. Shores of the Lagoon Perfect for a picnic or a pleasant stroll, the shores of Biltmore’s Lagoon offer a number of quiet, romantic spots with a marvelous view of Biltmore House in the distance. 📷 by @t_r_a_v_e_l_n_o_w BONUS! One of our onsite lodging properties An overnight stay on the estate offers the opportunity to wake up on George Vanderbilt’s magnificent estate with your sweetheart. Our four-star Inn, cozy Village Hotel, and private Cottages on Biltmore Estate each offer a distinct and memorable experience for your next romantic getaway. 📷 by Camryn Glackin Romantic Spots on Biltmore Estate to Propose If you’re planning to pop the question during a visit to Biltmore, consider this list of romantic and picturesque locations for your proposal: In a Horse-Drawn Carriage: Couples wishing for some privacy (and a very discreet driver) may take one of our horse-drawn carriages for a gentle journey through forests and pastures, and stopping at the top of a hill that features a stunning view of the back of Biltmore House. At the Statue of Diana, Goddess of the Hunt: After an easy hike to the top of the hill where The Statue of Diana stands, catch your breath and take in the majestic view of Biltmore House with sky and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. Then proceed! In the South Terrace Tea House: With its gorgeous views of Mount Pisgah and the southern end of Biltmore House, the Tea House is a charming, open-air structure. On top of Biltmore House: The guided Rooftop Tour takes you to the roof for up-close inspections of the home’s structure and intricate carvings. Don’t let the gargoyles and grotesques scare you. They’re harmless. By the Bass Pond Waterfall: This is a more secluded location, below the formal gardens. This location is great in springtime or during October when the leaves are changing colors. During a candlelight dinner: Our estate chefs create incredible meals using fresh ingredients grown right on the estate. On The Inn’s Veranda: Relax with your sweetheart on a grand outdoor veranda where the estate’s sparkling wine can be delivered for your big moment. Under the Pergola next to the South Terrace: This spot by Biltmore House is particularly romantic in springtime when Wisteria vines are blooming. In the Italian Garden: Pop the question by one of the semi-secluded benches in the Italian Gardens. The reflecting pools full of lily pads and other exotic blooms set a soothing tone for an early summer evening proposal. On a scenic picnic: If you like to bike or hike, you can pack a picnic, rent bikes or take one of our many hiking trails for an exciting adventure. Stop at the Lagoon to picnic and pop the question.