Buckspring Lodge: A Summer Retreat for Sheep Posted on June 23, 2021 at 1:32 pm.Written by Kristina Smith In addition to Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, the Vanderbilts had another home on the estate’s original 125,000 acres: Buckspring Lodge. A rustic, Adirondack-style retreat on the slopes of Mt. Pisgah, located about 20 miles from Biltmore House, Buckspring Lodge was a world away from the elegantly landscaped terrain surrounding America’s Largest Home®. George and Edith Vanderbilt sitting on the front steps of Buckspring Lodge, their rustic retreat on Mt. Pisgah An Elevated View It was fashionable at that time for wealthy families to create summer retreats in the mountains or by the seashore, often spending the entire season away from their main residence. George Vanderbilt had already acquired a cottage in Bar Harbor, Maine, which he enlarged and renamed Pointe d’Acadie, but he spent less time there after making Biltmore his permanent home, choosing instead to enjoy the cool heights and splendid views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A flock of sheep being tended near Buckspring Lodge with Mount Pisgah in the background. Family, Friends & Biltmore Sheep In addition to the main Buckspring Lodge building, which was designed by Biltmore architect Richard Morris Hunt and completed under the direction of his son Richard Howland Hunt, there was separate kitchen structure, a smaller guest cottage, and a stable that would eventually become a garage. Edith Vanderbilt added a garden and a tennis court to the site, and guests could hike and hunt to their hearts’ content. Family and friends weren’t the only visitors, however—a flock of Biltmore sheep spent time there, as well, providing effective “grounds maintenance” in return for their room and board. The sheep kept the grass short and added a pleasant pastoral note to the ambience of the Vanderbilt’s private mountain retreat. Today, our Outdoor Adventure Center in Antler Hill Village is your headquarters for estate exploration. New Life for an Old Cabin After George Vanderbilt‘s death in 1914, Edith Vanderbilt sold most of the estate’s Pisgah Forest land to the federal government to become a national forest. Her grandson George Cecil inherited the property, eventually selling it to allow unobstructed construction of the Mount Pisgah section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. A ranger’s cabin, constructed in 1912 of decades-old logs salvaged from early settler’s cabins on Vanderbilt’s Pisgah Forest tract, was removed from the site at that time and rebuilt in Asheville as a family home. In 2015, this historic cabin and some of its furnishings were donated to Biltmore. Now restored in Antler Hill Village, the cabin serves as the headquarters for our Outdoor Adventure Center and Land Rover Experience.
Tomato Gazpacho Recipe Posted on June 1, 2021 at 11:00 am.Written by Heather Angel Enjoy your own garden-fresh tomatoes with this lovely cool soup created by Bistro’s Executive Chef. Perfect for lunch with some crusty bread and olive oil, or as an elegant appetizer before dinner. Wine Pairing Suggestion: Pair this refreshing Spanish soup with an equally refreshing wine, such as our Biltmore Estate Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy your own garden-fresh tomatoes with this lovely chilled Tomato Gazpacho soup recipe by Biltmore. Tomato Gazpacho Total time: 30 minutes Ingredients: Gazpacho Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds fresh tomatoes 2 red peppers – diced 3/4 cup red onions – diced 3/4 cup cucumber – peeled seeded and diced 1/3 cup celery – diced 1/3 cup fennel – diced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup tomato juice 1 clove garlic – minced 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste Chipotle Crème Fraiche Ingredients 1 cup crème fraiche Juice and zest of 1 lime (reserve zest for garnish) 1 tablespoon canned chipotle peppers – finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish Instructions: Soup: Bring a medium pot of salted water to boil. With a small knife, remove each tomato core and cut a small X into the bottom of each tomato. Put water and ice in a large bowl; set aside. When the salted water comes to a boil, carefully drop tomatoes into the pot and blanch for 30 seconds. Remove tomatoes from the pot with a slotted spoon and place in the ice water. Allow a few minutes to chill. Once chilled, remove tomatoes from ice water and peel off outer skin. Cut tomatoes in half and remove seeds. Discard skins and seeds. Place tomatoes and all remaining gazpacho ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. For best results, store gazpacho in refrigerator overnight before serving. Chipotle Crème Fraiche: Place crème fraiche, lime juice, and chipotle peppers in a small mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serving Suggestion: Place approximately 1 cup of chilled gazpacho in each bowl. Garnish with a dollop of crème fraiche, some of the reserved lime zest, and a few cilantro leaves.
Woven in Wonder: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty Posted on April 28, 2021 at 3:13 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Woven in wonder, Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty is a fascinating outdoor sculpture created exclusively for Biltmore. Stickwork is a one-of-a-kind installation “Each of Patrick’s sculptures are one-of-a-kind,” said Travis Tatham, Director of Entertaining and Event Programming, “and that makes his work a perfect fit for Biltmore, which is a one-of-a-kind destination.” Weaving with willows Patrick Dougherty with his Stickwork creation for Biltmore Working with willow branches, Patrick creates large-scale installations that reflect the beauty and character of the site that hosts them. Patrick and son Sam Dougherty arrived at Biltmore in mid-March to begin work on the installation in Antler Hill Village along with a truckload of willow branches grown in New York. Patrick Dougherty weaves willow branches into his Stickwork sculpture “Given the large crowds that Biltmore draws, we wanted something palatial and roomy, with walking areas to accommodate large numbers of visitors,” said Patrick. “We aimed for a free-wheeling sculpture to occupy the site with flowing energy.” Free as a Bird A curious mockingbird checks the progress on the Stickwork sculpture in Antler Hill Village While working at Biltmore, Patrick and Sam noticed a pair of mockingbirds that came from a nearby holly bush every day to serenade the creation. “They seemed to be staking a claim to the work,” Patrick said, “so we decided to name the sculpture Free as a Bird in their honor.” In the past three decades, Patrick has built more than 300 of these large-scale environmental works worldwide, from Scotland to Japan to Brussels, and all over the United States. Sam Dougherty adds his signature woven edges to the Stickwork creation for Biltmore Sam, Patrick’s full-time construction assistant since June 2016, has developed into an expert stickworker. His signature can be found on every sculpture, especially in the rolled top edges. Stickwork is fun for all ages! Some Biltmore staff members had an opportunity to assist Patrick and Sam Dougherty in the creation of the Stickwork sculpture in Antler Hill Village According to one Biltmore team member who had an opportunity to work with Sam and Patrick as they wove the whimsical sculpture, “Adults have asked ‘what is this?’ but kids walk up and know exactly what to do with it. They say ‘it’s a stickhouse and I need to run through it and play!'” Discover Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty The new Stickwork sculpture in Antler Hill Village is fun for all ages! Now through September 30, discover Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty, located in Antler Hill Village near the Outdoor Adventure Center. This delightful sculpture entitled Free as a Bird invites excitement and exploration for all ages, and is included with estate admission. Free as a Bird is lit at night, further enlivening the space, especially for those who are enjoying a stay at either of our distinctive hotels or our two private historic cottages.
Biking in Biltmore’s 8,000-Acre Backyard Posted on April 23, 2021 at 3:26 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico When it comes to exploring the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s magnificent 8,000-acre estate, there are plenty of options: hiking, carriage rides, and of course, biking. “The estate has both a variety of trails and gorgeous scenery, which makes it an ideal place for biking,” says Outdoor Adventure Center guide Roy Vandervoort. The Lagoon Trail is a paved 6-mile path stretching from Antler Hill Village to the Lagoon. “Of all the wonderful 22 miles of trails here on the estate, I’d have to say the Westover Trails are my personal favorite,” says Roy. And we are now offering exciting new experiences led by our expert guides so you can explore the estate grounds like never before! The Market Gardener’s Cottage, an historic estate home. Our Guided Bike Ride takes you along the French Broad River and the estate’s lush agricultural fields. Our Intro to Mountain Biking covers all the essentials of the sport, including understanding of bike parts and basic handling techniques, before taking you out on the trails to test your new skills. Bring your own mountain bike to our Intro to Mountain Biking or, for an additional fee, use one of ours. If you prefer to explore the estate at your own pace, just head over to the Bike Barn in Antler Hill Village to rent a bike. Choose from tandems and tagalongs, single-speeds for the paved Lagoon trail or all-terrain geared bikes for woodland trails. An extension of our Outdoor Adventure Center, the Bike Barn is located in lively Antler Hill Village. You’re invited to discover all of the estate trails this season at Biltmore. Take a look at our trail map to plan your adventure. We kindly ask that you adhere to the Biltmore Bike Policy* at all times. See you on the trails! *Only Biltmore Annual Passholders, lodging guests, and ticketed guests may ride bicycles on estate roads and designated bike trails. Bicycles are considered vehicles in North Carolina and must be operated in full compliance with state vehicle laws and all traffic and directional signage on estate property. Bicycles are prohibited in all non-guest areas and in the shuttle zone in front of Biltmore House. Riders must disembark and “walk” bicycles on garden paths.
Craft Incredible Cocktails with Biltmore Wines Posted on April 22, 2021 at 4:43 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Craft incredible cocktails with Biltmore wines and enjoy a refreshing new way to savor summer sipping on the porch, patio, or by the pool! Biltmore Basil & Bee Cocktail White Wine Mojito Cocktail Summer Riesling & Tonic Cocktail Chenin Blanc Pineapple Slushies Aperol Spritz Purchase our award-winning wines in estate shops or find a Biltmore wine retailer close to you. Biltmore Basil & Bee Cocktail Biltmore Estate ingredients shine in this craft cocktail featuring Biltmore sparkling wine, honey, and basil! When served at the restaurants on Biltmore Estate, this bright and herbal cocktail features hyper-local ingredients including Biltmore basil, honey, and sparkling wine, as well as Chemist Spirits, an Asheville favorite. Enjoy it year-round at our restaurants or follow this recipe to enjoy it at home. Ingredients: 1 ½ oz Chemist Spirits American Gin 1 oz Honey-Basil Syrup ¾ Fresh Lemon Juice 2 Dashes of Orange Bitters 2 oz Biltmore Estate® Brut *Honey Basil Syrup Recipe ½ cup Biltmore Honey ½ cup water 1 cup Basil (use large leaves for making syrup and pluck smaller leaves for garnishes) 1 Star Anise 1 Lemon peel Instructions: Prepare the Honey Basil Syrup: Simmer water and basil on low heat for 5 minutes. Add honey and stir to dissolve. Add star anise and lemon peel. Allow to cool before straining and setting aside. Add gin, lemon juice, and honey basil syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until very cold, about 30 seconds. Strain the drink into a coupe or martini glass. Top with Biltmore Sparkling Brut and orange bitters. Garnish with small basil leaves and serve. White Wine Mojito Cocktail Craft this White Wine Mojito Cocktail featuring Biltmore Estate Limited Release Sémillon for summer sipping all season long Summer is the perfect time to craft incredible cocktails featuring wines handcrafted here at Biltmore’s Winery in Asheville, North Carolina. And if you are looking for a lower-proof version of your favorites, simply switch out the spirit for a similar style of Biltmore white wine. In the case of the white wine mojito below, we swapped the traditional rum for Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Sémillon, which is a dry medium-bodied white wine with bright notes of pear and grapefruit. It makes a perfect “shady afternoon sipper” to enjoy while reading in the hammock (naps optional!). Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe! Ingredients: 2 ounces dry white wine, like Biltmore’s Sémillon or Sauvignon Blanc 2 ounces Italian lemon soda ¾ ounces freshly squeezed lime juice ¼ ounce simple syrup 4 mint leaves Instructions: Muddle 4 mint leaves thoroughly in 2 ounces of white wine using a rough edge muddler. Add lime juice, simple syrup, and shake briefly on ice in a Boston shaker. Double strain into a martini glass and top with Italian lemon soda. Serve straight up with a floating mint leaf as a garnish so ice does not overly dilute the cocktail. (Muddle different types of fruit to bring new flavors to this recipe—we give you a license to be creative!) Serves 1. Summer Riesling & Tonic Cocktail Savor the flavor of your favorite fruits in this Summer Riesling and Tonic cocktail Fresh fruit and wine pair beautifully together, and warmer weather is the perfect time to experiment with your favorites and share the delicious results. Whether you’re serving craft cocktails on the patio, porch, or poolside, outdoor entertaining takes on a new meaning when you invite a special guest like rum. Yum! Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe! Ingredients: 1 bottle Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Dry Riesling 8 ounces white rum 1 cup blackberries 1 cup fresh basil leaves (reserve some for garnish) 2 lemons (sliced into thin wheels and halved) Elderflower tonic Instructions: The day before you want to serve these cocktails, pour Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Dry Riesling and your choice of white rum into a pretty pitcher. Submerge several basil leaves and blackberries in the mixture and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, use your favorite glassware and build each drink with ice, blackberries, basil leaves, and a couple of lemon wheels. Fill glasses a quarter of the way with elderflower tonic, and the rest of the way with the chilled wine and rum mixture. Enjoy! Serves 6. Chenin Blanc Pineapple Slushies Treasure the tropical taste of our Pineapple Slushie Cocktail! This craft cocktail is a fun way to liven up a summer gathering. There’s a bit of nostalgia to any slushie drink, but this is definitely a grown-up version of the ones you remember from childhood! Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe! Ingredients: 8 ounces of chilled Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc 4 ounces chilled Plantation Pineapple Rum (used as a float) 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks 1 cup frozen mango chunks 6 ounces pineapple juice 3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice 2 ounces ginger syrup (recipe below) 4 dashes Bittermen’s Tiki Bitters (or your favorite brand) Ice *Ginger Syrup 1 cup of water 1½ cups organic sugar 1 medium ginger root, sliced Instructions: Tip: Put wine in the freezer 30 minutes prior to mixing these cocktails. Prepare the Ginger Syrup: Place all ginger syrup ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring constantly so the sugar doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 1 hour while it cools. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Makes 1½ cups of syrup. Craft the cocktails: Place all ingredients except rum in a blender. Blend until you have obtained a super slushy consistency. Pour into a glass, leaving room to float 1 ounce of Plantation Pineapple Rum on top, then garnish with extreme creativity! Serves 4. Aperol Spritz This lower-alcohol content cocktail is perfect for summertime sipping. Summertime wouldn’t be complete without a classic Aperol Spritz, highlighting the bittersweet and citrusy flavor of the namesake liqueur. While traditionally made using Italian Prosecco, any dry sparkling white wine will do the trick. Ingredients: 3 oz. Biltmore Estate® Brut 2 oz. Aperol 1 oz. soda water Instructions: Chill all ingredients and fill a wine glass with ice to chill before you begin. Add sparkling wine, Aperol, and soda water to the chilled glass and gently stir to combine. Garnish with a freshly sliced orange wheel, if desired. Tip: If you find the cocktail is too bitter or too sweet for your taste, you can easily adjust the ratio of ingredients.
The Dairy Foreman’s Cottage: A Brief History Posted on April 13, 2021 at 5:09 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico There’s a new overnight offering at Biltmore—a cozy, casual home in a peaceful woodland setting. Introducing the freshly renovated Dairy Foreman’s Cottage on Biltmore Estate™, an historic structure, reimagined to offer today’s guests an oasis of service, style, and charm. In honor of this exclusive new lodging option, let’s take a step back in time for a closer look at the history of this unique Biltmore residence. A Family Home for Estate Workers Originally labeled a “Dairy Worker’s Cottage,” this welcoming home was one of five identical houses designed by Asheville architect Anthony Lord in 1935 for Biltmore Dairy employees and their families. According to archival correspondence from the time, the cottage was built for $535 with materials provided by the estate. The earliest archival photo of the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage (center of image, top of hill), ca. 1940 One of the first families to live in this house was likely the Allen family in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Ernest Allen brought his family to the estate in 1927, and over his 38 years of employment at Biltmore, primarily as a Farm Foreman, they lived in seven different estate residences. Ernest’s daughter Martha Allen Wolfe recalled in a 2016 interview with our Oral History Program that they had indoor plumbing and electricity while growing up in the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage. Archival photo believed to be the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage, ca. 1950 Even with seven brothers and sisters, she remembered the home as being very comfortable. Her brothers slept upstairs, and apparently, they would secretly climb out of the windows at night, engage in some youthful mischief, and then sneak back in the same way. One of her brothers was Bill Allen, who would eventually follow his father’s footsteps and have a 45-year career at Biltmore—first as Farm Manager and later Vineyard Manager. Martha said of the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage, “We loved it, and it was home.” The cottage’s gorgeous gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances. New Life for an Old Cottage Today, this 1,778-square-foot home has been beautifully updated with modern touches. Accommodating up to six guests, the cottage offers three bedrooms with a king-sized bed in each as well as a pullout sofa in the reading room. And there’s plenty of room for entertaining: an open kitchen that extends to dining and living areas, a formal sitting room, a screened-in back porch, and an outdoor dining patio. The charming front porch offers a secluded oasis of rest and relaxation. The Dairy Foreman’s Cottage puts you just steps away from quiet nature trails, made lush by original forest plantings that contributed to the estate’s National Historic Landmark designation as the birthplace of American Forestry. This welcoming abode is also located within walking distance of lively activity in Antler Hill Village, tastings of award-winning wines at our Winery, and the luxurious amenities offered at our four-star Inn. For your next getaway, we invite you to make the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage your home away from home. Delight in the privacy of one of the most exclusive and customized lodging experiences the estate has to offer. Book your stay today.
Biltmore Trails: 22 Miles to Explore Posted on April 6, 2021 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico Whether you’re visiting for the day or you’re a Biltmore Annual Passholder, exploring Biltmore Estate’s 22 miles of trails is an excellent way to get some outdoor exercise. From leisurely strolls to intense workouts or trailside picnics, our estate trails offer a variety of routes that can be tailored to your skill level with spectacular views in every season. Access to Biltmore’s private trail system requires an admission ticket, Biltmore Annual Pass, or an overnight stay. Enjoy the manicured landscape along paved paths in our historic gardens. Easy Biltmore Trails Historic Gardens (walking) Our historic garden paths incorporate the Italian Garden (gravel), Shrub Garden (paved), Walled Garden (paved), and Spring Garden (mulch). Routes stretch approximately 1-2 miles depending on which paths you choose. Enjoy seasonal blooms with benches nearby to take a break and soak it all in. Azalea Garden (walking) This mostly paved walking path can be accessed from either the Spring Garden or Walled Garden. It is a great opportunity to go even deeper into Biltmore’s historic gardens, offering benches along the way, and leads to Bass Pond Waterfall and Boat House. Take in spectacular views across the Bass Pond at approximately 1 mile. The Lagoon offers a striking reflection of the west side of Biltmore House. Moderate Biltmore Trails Lagoon Trail (walking, running, biking) This mostly flat, paved trail leads to the Lagoon, which offers a striking view of the west side of Biltmore House (a popular picnic spot). Start and end at Antler Hill Village for a pleasant 3-mile trip. The French Broad River and estate farmland provide pleasant scenery as you explore the path. Farm Trail (walking, running, biking) This flat gravel and dirt road runs along the perimeter of Biltmore’s grounds and the French Broad River. Totaling 6 miles, this trail leads to the Arbor Trace Trail at one end and the Lagoon Trail at the other. Westover Trails (hiking, trail running, biking) Access this set of Biltmore trails from the Bike Barn or The Inn on Biltmore Estate® to see Biltmore’s beautiful woodlands. The green (1.7 miles) and blue routes (2.8 miles) immerse you in nature while offering wide trails for a comfortable experience with a few challenging hills. The Westover Trails provide access to some of the estate’s more secluded woodlands. Challenging Biltmore Trails Westover Trails (hiking, trail running, biking) The black route totals 3.5 miles round-trip inside Biltmore’s beautiful woodland. The narrow trail offers steep hills and is great for a technical single-track bike ride or an authentic hiking experience. Arbor Trace Trail (hiking, trail running, biking) This trail can only be accessed by first following the Farm Trail. The 3.5-mile round-trip route travels in and out of the woods providing scenic views of the estate’s agriculture and the historic Market Gardener’s Cottage on Biltmore Estate™. The last stretch of the trail (black) is quite narrow and an optional loop. Deer Park Trail (walking, running, biking) This challenging uphill trek is quite popular due to the stunning view of Biltmore House it offers. To extend the challenge, start at Antler Hill Village and take the Farm Trail to the Lagoon Trail which leads to the Deer Park Trail. Quick Overview of Biltmore’s 22 miles of trails Get Ready to Hit the Trails Be sure to check out, download, or print our trail map before you embark. Orientation and detailed maps are available at the Bike Barn and Outdoor Adventure Center in Antler Hill Village. All Biltmore trails are pet-friendly, well-maintained, and accessible only to Passholders, lodging guests, and ticketed guests. If you’re looking for a more curated experience, consider one of our guided hiking or biking offerings. Please note: We may temporarily close our trails and wooded areas without advance notice during inclement weather. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with trail closure signage. See you on the trails!
Experience Our Annual Biltmore Blooms Celebration Posted on March 27, 2021 at 12:00 am.Written by designsensory Enjoy this archived Biltmore Blooms content from Spring 2021! Experience our annual Biltmore Blooms celebration across the estate as winter loosens its grip to make way for spring! Gardens and grounds From the earliest flowering shrubs and vivid blooms in the Walled Garden–including this year’s colorful kaleidoscope of yellow, white, pink, purple, and red tulips in the patterned beds–to the glorious progression of color along the Approach Road, we’ve been delighting guests with our annual Biltmore Blooms celebration for more than three decades. The Approach Road to Biltmore House is lined with azaleas each spring The splendid spring show isn’t limited to the outdoors, however; our Floral and Museum Services teams have worked together to develop an “Art in Bloom” theme featuring beautiful arrangements throughout Biltmore House. Inspired by Biltmore’s collections “This year for Biltmore Blooms we are celebrating the fact that George Vanderbilt envisioned Biltmore not just as a home, but also as a platform to showcase the incredible works of art he collected,” said Leslie Klingner, Curator of Interpretation. “Vanderbilt developed a passion for art early in life,” Leslie said,” and he amassed an impressive collection. To highlight some of these amazing pieces, our floral team has created designs inspired by works throughout Biltmore House.” Art in Bloom “Each year during Biltmore Blooms, our floral designs reflect not only the welcome return of spring, but they also showcase the scale and grandeur of America’s Largest Home®,” said Lizzie Borchers, Floral Displays Manager. Floral designer Cristy Leonard creating a larger-than-life arrangement for the Third Floor Living Hall (design inspired by a painting of a ship in that room) “For ‘Art in Bloom’ in 2021, we envisioned flowers as the paints, pastels, and pencils of spring, turning our arrangements into works of art themselves,” Lizzie said. “When you visit this season, see how our designs highlight the colors, textures, shapes, and forms in the artwork.” A sneak peek at Biltmore Blooms details! In the Breakfast Room, Biltmore floral designer Lucinda Ledford drew inspiration from two works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Young Boy with an Orange, painted in 1881, and The Young Algerian Girl, painted in 1882. The vibrant colors of Renoir’s “Child with Orange” painting inspired the details of this floral arrangement for the Breakfast Room Giovanni Boldini’s lovely 1910 portrait of Edith Vanderbilt that hangs in the Tapestry Gallery near the entrance to the Library inspired floral designer Jodee Mitchell to create a sweeping arrangement featuring delicate white flowers and greenery. Design sketch for a Biltmore Blooms arrangement featuring lilies of the valley and other white flowers, inspired by Giovanni Boldini’s stunning portrait of Edith Vanderbilt Based on the series of mid-16th-century Renaissance tapestries detailing the history of Roman mythological gods and goddesses in Biltmore’s Banquet Hall, floral designer Cristy Leonard developed a glorious spring centerpiece befitting the massive table in that room. Cristy carefully selects each element in an enormous Biltmore Blooms floral arrangement for the Banquet Hall table These are just a few of the wonderful arrangements in Biltmore House this spring; there are countless others to discover! Experience Biltmore Blooms this spring Visit now and enjoy spring across our 8,000 acres! Experience all the excitement of Biltmore Blooms included with your daytime admission to Biltmore. Make required Biltmore House reservations now while your preferred dates and times are still available, and experience the spectacular seasonal show in our historic gardens. In addition to Biltmore Blooms, enjoy the delights of Biltmore Gardens Railway in the Conservatory and Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty in Antler Hill Village, also included in daytime admission.
Market Gardener’s Cottage: Your Private Oasis Awaits Posted on March 11, 2021 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Your private oasis awaits at Biltmore when you reserve a getaway at our Market Gardener’s Cottage on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Built in 1896, this original private home is part of our collection of historic cottages—along with the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage and our Line House Cottages—that are available for overnight stays. Our historic cottages offer privacy to relax and enjoy your stay at Biltmore. Your private oasis “The Market Gardener’s Cottage really is a private oasis and our most luxurious retreat,” said Trina Massingill, Lodging Events Manager. “This beautifully appointed home features quaint porches, lush gardens, and the opportunity to customize your stay with concierge service and a private chef.” “You’ll enjoy access to estate gardens, grounds, and Antler Hill Village & Winery for your length of stay, plus access to amenities at our four-star Inn,” said Trina. “That includes The Spa Biltmore, fitness center, and outdoor heated pool and hot tub that are open seasonally.” Archival image of agricultural workers and estate residents at the Market Garden, photographed in front of an elaborate display of estate-raised produce. Cottage history Designed by Richard Howland Hunt, son of Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt, the Market Gardener’s Cottage originally anchored the Market Garden, also known as the Truck Farm. This garden was considered the most important vegetable growing site on the property, where many seasons of vegetables and fruits were harvested to serve the estate. The staff always employed the latest scientific farming techniques and machinery, not surprisingly since George Vanderbilt often was thought of as an innovator. The Vegetable and Flower Garden (now the Walled Garden), circa 1895 It may be hard to imagine now, but the estate’s first vegetables were intended to grow in the Walled Garden near Biltmore House. After a short time, however, Mr. Vanderbilt wanted the gardens closest to Biltmore House to thrive with ornamental plants and flowers. Fruits and vegetable production was relocated to the site of the Market Gardener’s Cottage, on fertile bottomland along the Swannanoa River near its juncture with the French Broad. Biltmore’s first market gardener George Stevenson Arthur (1861-1945), a native of Scotland, came to Biltmore in 1897 to manage the estate’s gardens and greenhouse. For the next 17 years, he and his wife, Isabella, lived and raised nine children in the cottage. Following George Vanderbilt’s death in 1914, the family moved to Biltmore Village. Archival image of estate workers during harvest season at Biltmore, ca. 1900 The estate’s agricultural heritage Archival documents tell us that Biltmore sold excess vegetables and fruit to the public at wholesale rates. An Asheville Daily Citizen article alerted its readers “and housekeepers [to] have their attention attracted to the new advertisement of the Biltmore Farms …” An article later that year predicted that, because “Mr. Vanderbilt … has both brains and science at his command,” the Biltmore Market Garden could easily compete with the long-established farms of the northeastern U.S. Archives also show that in 1897, estate superintendent Charles McNamee placed an ad in the Asheville Daily Citizen for cabbage and three kinds of sweet potatoes for sale from the garden. The courtyard by the cottage also served as a vegetable packinghouse and wholesale outlet for local merchants who could access the estate from Victoria Bridge on the Swannanoa River. One of two comfortable, well-appointed guest bedrooms in the Market Gardener’s Cottage Creating a modern private oasis In the early 1980s, the cottage was renovated to provide accommodations for VIPs and individuals from out of town who had business with the estate. The courtyard was used as an outdoor set during the 1992 production of Last of the Mohicans, filmed on the grounds of Biltmore and at other locations in Western North Carolina. “The Market Gardener’s Cottage was renovated again in the last few years,” said Trina. “This time, it was reimagined to feel like a private home, as if you are a guest of the Vanderbilts with your own address!” The cottage, which features exceptional furnishings and décor, offers an oasis for those who desire a private and luxurious setting as a home base for enjoying their Biltmore experience. The Market Gardener’s Cottage features a courtyard as part of its private oasis charm Your private oasis awaits! Beautifully updated to offer a unique experience of Biltmore, each of the Cottages on Biltmore Estate™ is a private oasis of service, style, and charm that harkens back to the Vanderbilt era—classic homes wrapped in history and refined with modern touches. Plan your stay today.
Celebrate Our 125th Anniversary with Sparkling Wine Posted on December 30, 2020 at 5:55 pm.Written by Jean Sexton To celebrate our 125th anniversary, Biltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak created a sparkling wine to commemorate the occasion. Here’s a brief history of the first Christmas event at Biltmore, and the seasonal spirit that inspired our new Biltmore Estate® 125th Anniversary Release Brut sparkling wine. Biltmore’s first Christmas The towering Banquet Hall Christmas tree has been a tradition for 125 years On Christmas Eve of 1895, George Vanderbilt welcomed his friends and family to celebrate the holiday in his magnificent new home. The following account of “Christmas at Biltmore” was reported in The Times-Democrat newspaper from New Orleans, Louisiana, two days later: Newspaper account of the celebration Garlands and greenery are still used to decorate Biltmore House “For many days workmen were enhancing the splendor of the chateau with decorations appropriate to the Christmas season, under the direction of Mr. Vanderbilt. His suggestions have covered every detail, and a beautiful and elaborate scene was unfolded before his guests yesterday. Decoration of the planthouse (Winter Garden) is the chief feature. The design called for an unobstructed view from all the approaches within the chateau, and the idea is thoroughly realistic. The exquisite charm of the enclosed garden is apparent at the first glance as the guests enter the main floor. The Winter Garden decorated for Christmas at Biltmore in 2020 Above, from a symmetrical dome, fall great festoons of spruce and waxen holly, forming arching lines, while garlands of the same evergreens adorn each point of vantage. The effect is as if a vast green canopy had been erected under the span of the dome, the supports of which, also laden with green, serve as pillars of the canopy.About the floor of the planthouse innumerable palms and ferns are arranged in such a way as to give all the natural effect of a garden in the opening of a tropical forest. That eye may not be wearied with one unvaried hue of green, many plants in full bloom are placed here and there in the planthouse, their color being used to the fullest advantage. This enormous berry-and-ribbon wreath in the Library recalls the natural decor from Biltmore’s first Christmas celebration The forests of Biltmore estate afforded a wealth of the desired foliage, and plants from a New York florist, who arranged the whole scene, and bushels of scarlet holly berries were ordered from the marshes of Eastern Carolina and were used in ornamentation of the chateau.” The tradition continues This year marks the 125th time that the halls of Biltmore House have been decked in honor of Christmas. As part of the celebration, Biltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak spent months developing our new Biltmore Estate® 125th Anniversary Release Brut. Celebrate Our 125th Anniversary with Sparkling Wine Add sparkle to your celebrations with Biltmore sparkling wines “This sparkling wine is handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes selected from partner vineyards in California,” said Jill Whitfield, Senior Wine Marketing Manager. “It’s a wonderful wine with a touch of rose gold color and aromas of tangerine, yeast, strawberry, and honey,” Jill said. “The taste is refreshing and nicely balanced with tiny bubbles and hints of strawberry, mint, and Meyer lemon.” Celebrate our anniversary–or yours–with the new Biltmore Estate 125th Anniversary Release Brut According to Jill, this is an excellent sparkling wine to pair with charcuterie and cheese boards, fresh fruit, caviar, steak tartar, scallops, and angel food cake with strawberries. Perfect for any occasion! Include Biltmore wines in your Valentine’s Day celebration! “It’s also perfect for ringing in the New Year, or giving as a thoughtful gift of the season,” noted Jill. “And be sure to have plenty of our exceptional Biltmore bubbles on hand for your Valentine’s Day celebrations!”