Our Christmas tree-toppers top them all! Posted on October 21, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux When George Vanderbilt’s grandson inherited Biltmore House in 1960, the immense home had been open to the public for three decades. Each year, Biltmore House was closed December–March because there were so few visitors during the winter. A successful experiment After repeated requests from guests to see his family home decked for the holidays, William A.V. Cecil decided to keep Biltmore open and see what happened. What began as a modest experiment with a few decorated trees has grown enormously through the years to become Biltmore’s grandest season. The estate now welcomes approximately 250,000 visitors each year during this time period! The showpiece of Christmas at Biltmore is always the 35-foot fresh Fraser Fir tree that adorns the Banquet Hall. Once lighted and decorated, the big tree—grown especially for Biltmore at a family farm in Avery County—becomes a memorable part of the guest experience. Grand tree-toppers Adorning the top of such a grand tree, there must be an equally grand tree-topper. Each year, Biltmore’s floral team envisions and then creates a tree-topper in keeping with the Christmas theme, the size of the tree, and the immense scale of the Banquet Hall. “If we used an ordinary tree-topper,” said Cathy Barnhardt, Biltmore’s Floral Displays Manager, “it would be completely lost in that enormous space!” Each member of the Floral team is responsible for the design and execution of the decorative them in several areas in Biltmore House—usually one of the elegant rooms on the First Floor, plus another section on upper or lower floors—and the team member assigned to the Banquet Hall has a big job ahead of her! In 2011, Floral Designer Susan Partain created a beautiful Renaissance-style angel to top the big tree. From her fluttering wings to the rich fabric layers of her robe, Susan’s angel looked delicate, but had to be sturdy enough to survive a ride on the swaying tip of the tree as it was raised into position in the Banquet Hall. The angel passed the test with “flying colors!” Two years later, Simone Bush, Biltmore Floral Designer and Wedding Consultant, drew on the idea of families coming together at the holidays, and the wonderful, whimsical ways in which their joy might be expressed, to create a charming, light-hearted tree-topper beribboned like a jester’s staff, delighting everyone who saw it atop the towering tree. A new creation For 2014, the theme is a A Vanderbilt Christmas. According to Cathy, “This year’s tree topper is a three-dimensional gilded globe star that is about three feet tall. It reflects a traditional vintage theme with glitter, tinsel, and beading.” Be sure to look for the tree-topper as we raise the Banquet Hall tree on Wednesday, November 5, on your next visit during Christmas at Biltmore or Candlelight Christmas Evenings!
Welcoming Edith Vanderbilt to her new home Posted on October 13, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Stacie King Edith Stuyvesant Vanderbilt was just 25 years old when she arrived at Biltmore on October 1, 1898, following her marriage to George Washington Vanderbilt. The couple, who wed in Paris, enjoyed a three-month honeymoon in Europe before traveling to Asheville where Edith caught her first glimpse of her new home. Archival photograph of Biltmore Estate employees lining Approach Road to welcome the newlyweds. The arrival of the newlyweds was celebrated all around Biltmore; employees and their families lined estate roads to greet the Vanderbilts. Festivities continued into the night with fireworks and music in front of Biltmore House. The Asheville Daily Citizen reported that estate employees gathered at the arch, “…representatives from the agricultural departments of the estate were massed, each group bearing a device typical of their labor.” Dairy workers wore white suits and led Jersey calves by their halters, while employees of the Biltmore Nursery tossed flowers as the couple passed by in a carriage. Archival photograph of the floral arch constructed by estate employees to welcome home the newlyweds. It was a warm welcome as estate employees constructed this dramatic floral arch celebrating George and Edith Vanderbilt’s arrival at Biltmore on October 1, 1898, for the first time since their wedding.
Experience the thrill of The Hunt Posted on September 5, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux We are honored to announce the release of our newest wine—The Hunt. Inspired by the celebration of feasts based on estate hunts, this wine is a robust, Bordeaux-style red blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Merlot, handcrafted using grapes from our growing partners in Sonoma County. Winemaker's notes According to winemaker Bernard Delille, The Hunt has been aged for about 18 months in French and American oak barrels. “The intensely dark, black cherry color shows its rich layers, while its nose expresses black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry, with notes of vanilla, oak, and chocolate,” said Bernard. “We have worked hard to attain a nicely balanced wine with velvety, mouth-coating tannins that linger softly. The Hunt offers good aging potential. If you let it age, good—but if you can’t wait, The Hunt is delicious by the glass and pairs especially well with smoked meats and cheeses, short ribs, duck confit, venison, and other game meats.” A label inspired by the past The Hunt’s striking label was inspired by the strong lines and rich heritage of an extraordinary firearm in Biltmore’s original collection and features a photograph of the finely wrought engraving of a vintage Auguste Francotte shotgun crafted of walnut, steel, and silver. Remarkable for its outstanding balance, finely hand-checkered stock, and detailed engraving, this double-barreled, double-trigger shotgun was made by the Belgian company Francotte & Cie, one of the world’s premier gun makers. “Francotte’s sporting firearms were considered to be among the highest quality,” said Leslie Klingner, Biltmore’s Curator of Interpretation, “and would have been a first-rate choice for the Vanderbilts and their guests when shooting rabbits and quail.” Architectural elements The Hunt is also a nod to Biltmore’s legendary architect, Richard Morris Hunt, who worked closely with George Vanderbilt to create the iconic French Renaissance-style chateau, which would be his final masterpiece of creative design and technological innovation. Join us in the celebration of The Hunt’s release. This outstanding wine is a perfect choice for those who appreciate luxury, adventure, and the best that Biltmore has to offer! Purchase The Hunt on the estate during your next visit.
First in Forestry: Carl Schenck and the Biltmore Forest School Posted on September 5, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux A little bit of the past caught up with Biltmore last week when actors portraying George Vanderbilt, Frederick Law Olmsted, Gifford Pinchot and Carl Schenck were on property to film scenes for a documentary about Schenck, “First in Forestry: Carl Schenck and the Biltmore Forest School.” The film looks at the role that Schenck, Biltmore’s chief forester in the 1890s, and America’s first school of forestry, played in American conservation history. As you can imagine, the production created chatter among our guests and in particular, Biltmore employees, who recognized Vanderbilt, Biltmore’s visionary founder. Actor Peter Van Rijssen easily looked the part, especially due to the moustache he grew for the role. The Forest History Society and Bonesteel Films of Asheville are collaborating on the film. We think they did a fine job of casting the four pivotal roles. See for yourself: Click here to view the documentary trailer on YouTube!
Backyard chickens—in a 8,000-acre backyard! Posted on September 5, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Chicken farming in your backyard is growing in popularity around the country as more people get interested in heirloom breeds and fresh eggs. Biltmore also has its own backyard chicken farm, although we have a bit more space than most families! Visit the Farmyard in Antler Hill Village to see dozens of chickens, learn about their role in supplying our restaurants with eggs, and how they contribute to our educational programs. “We keep more than 500 chickens that lay hundreds of eggs each week. These fresh eggs partially fulfill our restaurants’ need for 250 dozen eggs a week—that’s a lot of eggs!” said Melonye Trivett, Director of Equestrian and Antler Hill Farm Programs. Chickens are not new to Biltmore; there were many different breeds raised here during the Vanderbilts’ time. Some of those same heirloom breeds, including Light Brahma and Barred Rock, roam our Farmyard and fields today, in addition to Rhode Island Reds, Wyandottes, and the odd-looking Transylvania Naked Necks. “The Naked Necks don’t have feathers around their necks, and we get many, many questions about them,” Melonye said. “Some people express concern but that’s really the way they look. They are very healthy and good egg layers.” The Farmyard houses everything from eggs to chicks to adult hens and roosters, enabling guests to understand more about chickens and their appeal. “We have chicks throughout the summer and into fall, and a few during the winter,” Melonye said. “We bring them from our Brooder House and place them in a bin so guests can hold them. Children and adults love to do this.” When you visit, you’re sure to see the head rooster or “yard bird,” a large Silver Laced Wyandotte rooster—one of 10–15 mature roosters in the flock. He frequently sits on a wine barrel at the entrance and allows children to pet him. He’s quite the celebrity, with some families visiting 3–4 times a week to see him and other animals in the Farmyard. Our Farmyard chickens graze freely in the pastures, and we rotate chickens to different pastures to assure they have an ample food supply of grass and insects. “Chickens are part of our intensive pasture rotation,” explained Melonye. “We use portable chicken coops called ‘chicken tractors’ that allow us to easily move the flock to different fields.” The portable hen houses were specifically designed to be self-sustaining. Rain is harvested from the roof into rain barrels to provide water for the chickens, while the mesh floor allows droppings to fall to the ground and fertilize the pasture. Inside the Farmyard’s chicken coop you can see dozens of colored eggs—reminiscent of an Easter egg basket—but these come by their colors naturally. Certain breeds lay specific colors; Amereucanas lay beautiful green and blue eggs; Leghorns produce white eggs, and Copper Marans lay the darkest brown eggs. Almost all the eggs are laid in the coop and drop into baskets, but some are found among the wood shavings inside. The volume of eggs produced is determined by a variety of different factors, including the seasons and weather patterns. Regardless of the time of year, Biltmore’s eggs find a ready audience waiting at estate restaurants. “There’s nothing like farm-fresh eggs,” Melonye said.
Guastavino’s architectural influence in Asheville Posted on September 3, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton When Spanish architect Raphael Guastavino came to the U.S. in 1881, he already had a reputation for creating grand arches, domes, and vaults in Europe. Within a few years, his work caught the attention of Richard Morris Hunt, head architect for Biltmore House. “Guastavino had introduced an impressive and inexpensive alternative to iron beam construction in the U.S. that resulted in interiors with soaring arches and open spaces,” said Leslie Klingner, Curator of Interpretation. “His tile work was low maintenance, fireproof, and functional.” He was commissioned by Hunt to create the decorative tile vaulting at Biltmore House, including the hall ceilings around the Winter Garden. His tile work in the Swimming Pool is reminiscent of the vaulting in New York City’s earliest subway stations, another Guastavino design. “The herringbone pattern on the ceiling of the Porte Cochere as you exit the house is remarkable,” Leslie said.“He also created the beautifully patterned vaults at the Lodge Gate—the acoustical effects when horses passed through there must have been amazing.” After his work on Biltmore House, Guastavino also remained in the area, focusing on two projects near and dear to his heart. His masterpiece—St. Lawrence Basilica in downtown Asheville—is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the architect is buried there. Guastavino finished the plans, including a dramatic freestanding elliptical dome, and gave them to the church but died before construction was complete. Guastavino built a modest estate known as Rhododendron in Black Mountain. His home, called the Spanish Castle, was a rambling three-story wood structure built with timber from his property. Outbuildings included wine cellars, chapel, bell tower, and kilns where he experimented with tile and glazes. Unfortunately, the home burned in the early 1940s. Some ruins remain, mostly the kilns and wine cellars, on property which is now part of Christmount Christian Assembly. A walking tour on the property offers a view into this working estate from the late 1800s into the 1940s, including photographs and information from historical sources. The Christmount Guest House hosts a temporary exhibit displaying relics from the house and kiln areas found over the years; the exhibit is open to the public. Around the country, more than 1,000 buildings feature his designs, including his signature vaulting, including the Boston Public Library, New York’s Grand Central Terminal, Carnegie Hall, and the Elephant House at the Bronx Zoo. Photos Main: Swimming Pool in Biltmore House, with tile vaulting created by Raphael Guastavino Left: St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, ca. 1909, designed by Raphael Guastavino. Photo courtesy of St. Lawrence Basilica.
Preserving History in Biltmore’s Italian Garden Posted on August 31, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Filled with numerous varieties of exotic water lilies, tropical bananas, papyrus, and koi fish, the Italian Garden pays tribute to George Vanderbilt and Fredrick Law Olmsted’s vision each year. Although it’s is one of the most visited areas on the estate, many guests do not realize this special garden is astoundingly accurate to Fredrick Law Olmsted’s original design in 1895. The Italian Garden’s design intent has remained unchanged since Vanderbilt’s time. Two of the pools have been refurbished, and the Hemlock hedges have recently been replaced with American Holly hedges to preserve Olmsted’s visions. Century-Old Traditions In early spring, Biltmore Gardeners Charles Cissell and Steven Ayres strategically choose which lilies they will order from Tricker’s Water Gardens – the very same supplier that Olmsted used in 1895. The William Tricker Company was one of the first commercial water lily growers in the United States, experimenting with growing and hybridizing water lilies to improve the shape, colors and hardiness. Olmsted’s keen eye took note of these unique beauties and deemed them a perfect fit for Biltmore, an idea that still rings true today. From planting, to grooming, to cleaning, the Italian Gardens require extensive maintenance. “We plant each lily in a 45-gallon nursery pot with a mixture of clay and manure. Then we use a Bobcat to lift each plant into the pool,” recalls Cissell, a process that is no doubt far easier than in 1895. Although “plant metabolism” is a foreign term to most aquatic plant novices, Cissell notes that, “Lilies are heavy feeders. We fertilize once a week and groom three times a week throughout the season, usually June to October. Grooming is especially important because the more pollinated blooms you remove, the more new blooms it will produce,” says Cissell, who has spent the last four of his seven years with Biltmore dedicated to the Italian Garden. In addition to the lilies themselves being originally-sourced from Tricker’s, the pool filtration features the original 1895 technology as well. “It’s a natural system with constant water flowing into and out of the pools. The original gravity-fed reservoir provides the water for the pools, which also used to provide water to the house,” says Cissell. This natural filtration is especially beneficial to the dozens of koi swimming about – one of which Cissell says is close to 50 years old! Meticulous attention is devoted to preserving the pristine condition of the Italian Garden Pools. Magical Lilies of the Italian Garden Each year, Cissell gets excited to see the new hybrids and cross-varieties that Tricker’s Water Gardens offers. He orders many of the exact plants featured in 1895, but now with new colors and hardier blooms that Tricker’s has cultivated over the years. Each pool is strategically planned and includes several varieties of night-blooming lilies, the distinct Victoria Water Platters, hardy lilies, and various banana trees and shrubs to add texture and depth. Each lily variety works together to provide an unforgettable experience, no matter what day or time a guest visits. Night-blooming lilies reach their peak bloom in the early morning and will be completely closed by noon, while day-bloomers will open in the morning and carry into the early evening. Though each plant is expected to show between three to nine blooms at a time, Cissell notes that many guests don’t realize that lily blooms only last for three days, and he describes the bloom process as being “sort of magical.” Hardy lilies typically have standard colors like red, white, yellow, and pink while tropical lilies produce vibrant blues, purples and even combinations of color. “One of my favorites is Nymphaea ‘Green Smoke’ which transitions from green outer petals to blue, then yellow inner petals to finally having light purple in its center,” says Cissell. And in the case of the large Victoria Water Platters, he notes that these lily blooms can even change colors. “The Victoria is hermaphroditic – when it blooms, it changes from female to male overnight. Beetles are attracted to this flower’s warmth, and as the bloom closes, it traps the beetles inside and forces them to pollinate the flower. The new bloom will change from white to a pink or maroon the next night.” The Italian Garden pools in summertime are filled with aquatic plants such as tropical water lilies, Victoria water platters, papyrus and huge lily pads. Photo credit: The Biltmore Company. Uniquely Biltmore In 2014, the Italian Garden closely resembles original outline by Olmsted, with Cissell saying the only main difference being the center bed display. “I use a more contemporary garden design with banana trees and elephant ears. Also, due to the sheer amount of lily varieties available now, we’re able to create a mosaic effect out of the different colors they would not have had back then,” says Cissell. The Italian Garden serves as an introduction to aquatic gardening for many Biltmore guests, as water gardens are not something often seen. It draws thousands of admirers each spring and summer, and Cissell says the garden has even inspired a few to create their own water garden at home. Parker Andes, Director of Horticulture at Biltmore says, “This is world-class. This water garden is as good as you’re going to see pretty much anywhere in the United States, but it’s a bit different. It’s uniquely Biltmore.”
Fall Florals Highlight Pretty Print Posted on August 29, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Consider a favorite piece of artwork in your home or office as a source of inspiration for a floral arrangement that captures the glorious tones of fall. We've chosen a print entitled “A Coup D'Oiel,”custom framed in our Olmsted Collection and taken from one of the George Vanderbilt’s beloved books in his Library. The warm sepia tones of the print blend with most décor, and our Floral team has created a stunning tribute that draws the eye, just as the print’s title suggests! Materials Decorative container Floral oasis foam Blue Hydrangea Safari Sunset Asiatic Lilies Solidago Corkscrew Willow Italian Ruscus Instructions For this fresh fall arrangement, begin by placing dampened floral oasis foam in the decorative tin container. The foam should fill the space, but not be visible over the top of the container. Add enough hydrangeas to cover the floral foam and provide a lush, mounded layer of subtle color and texture. Add taller elements such as solidago and curly willow toward the back to give the arrangement a bit of height. Fill in with lilies as focal points. Allow greenery elements like the ruscus to trail naturally over the sides of the container. Floral arrangement shown in our Biltmore-inspired tin container.
Cornelia’s birthday celebrations continue Posted on August 19, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux As Cornelia Vanderbilt grew older, her birthday parties became grand events. Her twenty-first birthday on August 22, 1921 began with a surprise gathering of 250 estate workers and tenants at 7 a.m. in front of Biltmore House. The staff clearly had a deep affection for Cornelia, and many of their children had been her playmates since her birth. As part of their surprise for Cornelia, whom they had watched mature into a sophisticated young woman, the employees improvised a band that played old-time dance tunes. The group then presented Cornelia with a game-bag as a gift. Later that same evening, more than 200 guests attended a masquerade party at Biltmore House in Cornelia’s honor. An elegant masquerade party The Asheville Citizen-Times published the following account of the occasion: Miss Vanderbilt is accorded honors on reaching majority; masquerade party given on Monday at mansion Miss Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt reached her 21st birthday Monday and was accorded honors becoming the lady of Biltmore mansion. Monday night a large masquerade was given and guests were present in large numbers. The social calendar for the week started with one of the most brilliant of the season's entertainments, the fancy dress ball, given the Monday evening at Biltmore House by Mrs. George Vanderbilt in honor of the birthday of her daughter, Miss Cornelia Vanderbilt. Dancing was enjoyed in the sunken garden where masses of ferns and palms made a pleasing and charming background for the two hundred or more fascinating and gorgeous costumes of the guests. The Garber-Davis orchestra from Atlanta provided the dance music. Late in the evening supper was served in the banquet hall. A special feature of the entertainment was that the assemblage of the guests, at the commencement of the evening, a closed sedan chair was brought in by four attendants, and as the curtains were drawn, Miss Vanderbilt stepped forward in a most attractive costume of a page of the period of the French Renaissance. Miss Rachel Strong, of Cleveland, who is visiting Miss Vanderbilt and was among the chief guests at the party, was charming as an oriental dancing girl, her frock being among the most gorgeous. Among the costumes represented were Japanese Geisha girls, Gypsies, pirates and Sultans. Miss Vanderbilt received many birthday gifts. Grand parties continue Cornelia’s birthdays continued to be stunning occasions, even after she married the Honorable John Francis Amherst Cecil in 1924. The Asheville Gazette reported on celebrations for Cornelia’s 25th birthday. Again, note how employees were always part of the celebration. On Friday, August 22, 300 employees attended a garden party and tea at 4 pm with dancing to Guthrie’s Orchestra. Biltmore Dairy employees gave Cornelia a surprise birthday gift of a giant ice cream cake—4’ high and 2’ square at the base—made of 26 gallons of Biltmore Dairy ice cream. It “consisted of alternate layers of chocolate parfait, Lady Ashe ice cream, and a covering of vanilla mousse. The cake was studded with roses and lilies and also bore the inscription ‘May your joys be as many as the sands of the sea.'” Cornelia celebrated the following evening with an open air ball for 300 people at 9:30 p.m. Guests danced in a pavilion to the Charles Freicher Orchestra. The lawn was lit with Japanese lanterns placed in trees and shrubbery. The Gazette further noted that, “the beautiful array of summer gowns of the many dancers made a scene as beautiful as that of gay moths and fireflies in a fairy garden,” and a buffet supper was served at midnight. Although we have no further descriptions of Cornelia’s birthday parties, we are sure they were often celebrated in style. From her earliest days as the “Biltmore Baby” to her life as a celebrated socialite of wealth and style, Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil continues to exemplify the Roaring 20s and the Jazz Age that still fascinate us today.
Happy Birthday, Cornelia Vanderbilt Posted on August 6, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux On August 22, 1900 George and Edith Vanderbilt welcomed the arrival of their only child—a daughter—who was born in the grand Louis XV Bedroom in Biltmore House. She was named Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt in honor of prominent members of both her mother and her father’s family. Cornelia’s birth was mentioned in the society pages of newspapers all across the country, including the Asheville Citizen, which reported: Stork comes to Biltmore To Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt a Child is Born “The advent of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. George W. Vanderbilt was announced last evening from Biltmore House. The little stranger is a Buncombe baby—pretty as babies go—but with the Buncombe birthright of the mountain health its days of babyhood will dot in dimpled sweetness and the fairy lines of beauty blend in a vision fitting to its home on the grand estate.” And from the Spartanburg Journal of upstate South Carolina: Biltmore’s New Star “A new star has appeared at famous Biltmore, and the charming mistress of this most gorgeous home is smiling upon her first born, a tiny girl called Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt…” Birthday celebrations Although we have no specific descriptions of birthday parties during Cornelia's childhood, we do know that she had many playmates among her cousins and the the children of families who lived on the estate. As Cornelia grew older, her birthdays would be celebrated in a style befitting a young woman who was making her debut in society. We’ll take a look at some of those festivities in an upcoming post. In the meantime, happy birthday, Cornelia Vanderbilt!