Celebrating 100 years of Pisgah Forest Posted on March 4, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst May 2014 marked a significant milestone for both Biltmore and Pisgah National Forest: the 100th anniversary of Edith Vanderbilt selling part of the estate to the U.S. government to create the first national forest east of the Mississippi River. George Vanderbilt acquired Pisgah Forest under the direction of his forest manager, Gifford Pinchot, as part of his land holdings which eventually totaled 125,000 acres. Pinchot, who later served as the first chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, developed a forest management plan for the property. In 1895, Dr. Carl A. Schenck succeeded Pinchot, and continued and expanded the plan over the next 14 years. Dr. Schenck founded the Biltmore Forest School—the first school of forestry in the U.S.—graduating more than 300 of the nation’s first professionally-trained foresters. While the Vanderbilts originally had offered to sell 86,000 acres of Pisgah Forest in 1913, the offer was rejected. After her husband’s death in March 1914, Edith Vanderbilt resumed negotiations with the Secretary of Agriculture, David Franklin Houston. Cradle of Forestry In her May 1 letter, she stated her family’s interest in preserving the property: “Mr. Vanderbilt was the first of the large forest owners in America to adopt the practice of forestry. He has conserved Pisgah Forest from the time he bought it up to his death, a period of nearly twenty five years, under the firm conviction that every forest owner owes it to those who follow him, to hand down his forest property to them unimpaired by wasteful use. I keenly sympathize with his belief that the private ownership of forest land is a public trust, and I probably realize more keenly than any one else can do, how firm was his resolve never to permit injury to the permanent value and usefulness of Pisgah Forest. I wish earnestly to make such disposition of Pisgah Forest as will maintain in the fullest and most permanent way its national value as an object lesson in forestry, as well as its wonderful beauty and charm; and I realize that its ownership by the Nation will alone make its preservation permanent and certain… I make this contribution towards the public ownership of Pisgah Forest with the earnest hope that in this way I may help to perpetuate my husband’s pioneer work in forest conservation, and to insure the protection and use and enjoyment of Pisgah Forest as a National Forest, by the American people for all time…. In the event that my offer is accepted, I shall be glad for the Government to assume control of Pisgah Forest as soon as it may desire. In the same event, it would be a source of very keen gratification to me if the tract retained, as a national Forest, the title of “Pisgah Forest”, which my late husband gave it.”Very truly yours,Edith S. Vanderbilt Pisgah National Forest was dedicated to the memory of George Vanderbilt in a 1920 public ceremony attended by Edith Vanderbilt and her daughter Cornelia, N.C. Governor Locke Craig, and George S. Powell, secretary of the Appalachian Park Association. Today, the Cradle of Forestry is a 6,500-acre Historic Site within Pisgah National Forest, set aside to commemorate the beginning of forestry conservation in America and the lasting contributions of George Vanderbilt, Gifford Pinchot, and Dr. Carl Schenck. Visit Biltmore today Make plans now to visit George Vanderbilt’s magnificent estate and see the results of managed forestry for yourself.
Biltmore’s hidden garden Posted on March 4, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Nestled in the heart of Biltmore’s landscape is a secret garden. Well, maybe not “secret” since it’s contained in the Conservatory, which sparkles as the centerpiece of the Walled Garden. But it can certainly be considered an “overlooked” garden, because so many guests walk or drive past it without ever opening its lovely arched doors. When you do venture inside, you are transported to another world—a tropical jungle of ferns, palm trees, and exotic blooms that rivals any South Beach hotspot. No matter the weather, the climate indoors welcomes you with a heady perfume that combines fragrant flowers and damp earth to create a treat for your senses. The transition is quite deliberate, and is based upon George Vanderbilt’s original vision for the Conservatory. In the late 1800s, vast glass structures like Biltmore’s Conservatory were the ultimate statement of luxurious living, exhibiting hundreds of blooming flowers, exotic plants, and delicate orchids in abundance. At the turn of the 19th century, gardening was widely viewed as a healing pastime as well as an opportunity to showcase collections of rare and unique plants. A generation of wealthy collectors dotted the nation with lavish conservatories inspired by similar structures found on Europe estates, including Longwood Conservatory in Pennsylvania and Lyndhurst Conservatory in New York. While serious gardeners were determined to provide optimal growing conditions for their plants, many owners chose to entertain friends and family amid giant palms and luscious orchids, A few commissioned plant hunters to travel the world’s most remote locations to seek out rare specimens. Archival records indicate George Vanderbilt furnished his Conservatory in a more typical manner—by ordering plants from nurseries around the country. A report in the 1894 issue of American Gardening titled “George W. Vanderbilt’s Palms” mentions he fitted out his new conservatory with some of the largest palms under cultivation in the country. The collection included 15 tree ferns imported from Australia years earlier and described the “long dark green leaves of the finest specimens reach twenty feet into the air.” Additional plants included sago palms and several “immense Palmetto palms from South Carolina.” Today, the Conservatory continues to bring a taste of the tropics to western North Carolina despite winter’s chill. To help Mother Nature, our gardeners have coaxed spring bulbs into early bloom. Daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths brighten the central Palm House and the Cool House now, with Asiatic and oriental lilies adding their intoxicating scent in mid-April. The Cool House also hosts plants who call the subtropics home, including Australian tree ferns like the ones Vanderbilt obtained (although not the same plants), accompanied by banana trees and the evocatively-named Lollipop plants and Shrimp plants. In the Hot House, you’ll find plants that originate in tropical climes and are familiar as houseplants, such as the philodendron and colocasia (or elephant ear)—but in larger sizes than you’d ever typically see. Among the canopy of foliage, be sure to look for the large Mexican breadfruit. The orchids are mesmerizing this time of year, brightening even the dreariest of days with amazing colors and forms. The Orchid Room is filled with blooms both recognizable and unusual, from the corsage and lady slipper varieties to more rare examples. “The lady slipper orchids have lips that look like shoes,” said Marc Burchette, who tends the collection. “We also have small yellow-flowered dancing lady orchids.” Less common varieties include a large orchid species from Southeast Asia with clusters of red and yellow flowers on a long pendant, and a particularly fragrant orchid with crystalline green blooms from Papua New Guinea Exotic blooms aside, you really can’t miss the most dramatic plants in the Conservatory, since they are right in front of you! As you enter the Palm House, where the glass roof rises 38 feet high, the towering specimens of Madagascar palm, Bottle palm, and Bismarck Fan palm create a tropical escape in the middle of winter.
Pillowed In Comfort Posted on February 27, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux George and Edith Vanderbilt welcomed all their guests with warmth and hospitality, ensuring that no detail was overlooked. From the moment friends and family arrived at Biltmore, everything was done to make their stay at America’s largest home comfortable. With more than 30 bedrooms in Biltmore House, making beds and fluffing pillows could have kept the entire staff busy during extended visits and house parties! While today’s homes have fewer rooms to manage, a good night’s sleep is still a priority for most of us. For expert advice on choosing pillows that suit your needs, we turned to Nicki Cloud, Assistant Product Manager in Sheets, Bath & Utility Bedding for Belk. “The most important aspect of selecting a pillow with the correct amount of fill is the position in which you start your night’s sleep. For those who sleep on their side, more fill is better. For those who sleep on their stomach or back, less fill is better,” Nicki explained. “The right style of pillow is beneficial in attaining healthy and comfortable rest.” “We’re also seeing a trend in down prices continuing to rise due to an extreme shortage of this natural material,” said Nicki. “But technology has come a long way, and down alternative options feel closer to down than they ever have before. Between technology and pricing, this is the perfect time to give down alternatives another try.” For ease and comfort, Nicki recommends the following collections of pillows—inspired by the legacy of luxury at Biltmore—and available at Belk: Artisan Collection This collection features Serene fiberfill which truly replicates the feel of down. The innovative fiber mimics the compression of down, but unlike down, does not require fluffing. It is also hypoallergenic and machine washable, making it a perfect solution for down lovers that have allergy concerns. Artisan 2-inch Gusset Pillow–A deluxe 2-inch wide gusset offers a plush, full pillow that looks as lavish as it feels. Because of the way this fiber responds, this pillow is a great choice for all sleeping positions. “Try combining our Artisan Gusset Pillow with our Artisan Comforter,” Nicki said. “This 100% cotton covered comforter is a perfect choice for your day-in and day-out use. Providing year-round comfort, you’ll rest comfortably with the perfect amount of warmth, and that cozy down feeling.” Click here to shop our Artisan Comforter. Memorelle Collection “Our Memorelle Collection features Memorelle fiberfill which consists of loose fibers blown into the pillow. Memorelle has an especially fast rebound, so once you rest your head on the pillow, the fiber returns to position to offer you support where you need it, while taking it easy on pressure points. Best of all,” Nicki added “is the fact that Memorelle is machine washable.” There are four pillows in this collection: • Memorelle Damask Scroll Classic Shape Pillow–A beautiful jacquard scroll makes this pillow a perfect fit for any luxury bed ensemble. A classic shape appeals to the largest number of people. • Memorelle Infinity Gusset Pillow–Perfect for side sleepers, this pillow has a specially designed gusset that allows room for your shoulder to rest comfortably while offering plenty of support for your head. • Memorelle 2-inch Gusset Pillow–A deluxe 2-inch wide gusset offers a plush, full, pillow that makes a great choice for side or back sleepers. • Memorelle Teardrop Pillow—The most versatile pillow for any sleep position. One side of the teardrop shape offers plenty of support for back or side sleepers, while stomach sleepers will appreciate the other side. It’s a winning solution for a guest bedroom or for those who change positions throughout the night. Click here to shop our pillows. Pillow Care Tips Pillow protectors and pillowcases are a great way to extend the life of a pillow; however, pillows should still be cleaned on a regular basis. For ease of care, look for machine-washable pillows and be sure to follow the care instructions on the label. Ensure to dry pillows completely to prevent mold from forming.
The Presence of a President Posted on February 17, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Coleman Minter Biltmore has had the privilege to welcome many notable people through this grand Entrance Hall, but the presence of a president has always been a rare honor. In recognition of Presidents’ Day, we are remembering those special guests. President George Washington could not have visited Biltmore in person, but we were honored to serve as a temporary home for his well-known portrait. The painting was stored here by the National Gallery of Art during World War II. The unfinished Music Room on the first floor of Biltmore House was refitted with a steel door, bars on the windows, and other protective measures outlined by the gallery staff. On January 8, 1942, 62 paintings (including the portrait of George Washington) and 17 sculptures arrived in Asheville under heavy guard. The iconic portrait was painted by Gilbert Stuart, an 18th century America’s master portrait artist. In his five-decade career, he produced well over 1100 pictures. Of these portraits, nearly one-tenth are images of George Washington, to whom he was introduced by their mutual friend Chief Justice John Jay. It is interesting to note that each of Stuart’s portraits of Washington, about 100 in all, is based on one of three life portraits of the president. Happy Birthday Mr. President. President William McKinley, Jr. visited Biltmore Estate on June 14, 1897. George Vanderbilt was in Europe at the time and Estate Superintendent Charles McNamee was in London, so Butler Walter Harvey gave President McKinley and his entourage a tour of Biltmore House. President Theodore Roosevelt visited Biltmore Estate on September 9, 1902. President Roosevelt met Dr. Carl Schenck, the German forester Mr. Vanderbilt had hired to oversee the Biltmore forestry operation. He also took a drive across the estate, toured the gardens, and toured the Main Dairy Barn where our Winery is now located. President Jimmy Carter attended a fundraising dinner on September 22, 1978 at the Deerpark pavilion on Biltmore Estate and spoke to a crowd of approximately 300 guests. Presidential candidate Ronald Reagan visited Biltmore in early May 1980 as part of a multi-city visit to North Carolina. Rick King, former vice president of Biltmore House, gave Reagan and his wife Nancy a tour of the home. Reagan went on to win the presidential election in November 1980. President and Mrs. Barack Obama visited on April 24, 2010 while on a trip to Asheville and were greeted by the Cecil family for a tour of Biltmore House.
The Inspiration for our Balustrade Rug Posted on February 11, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Of all the beautiful elements in Biltmore House, which one do you think inspired our Balustrade Rug? Find out! The flowing scroll pattern that graces the Balustrade Rug and gives it such a sense of movement was actually inspired by something quite fixed and immovable—the balustrade of the Grand Staircase in Biltmore House. Designed specifically for George Vanderbilt’s French Renaissance chateau, the openwork iron-and-wood balustrade that winds around the immense 4-story staircase gives an airy feel to the massive stone steps. Similarly, the railing around the nearby Winter Garden keeps this indoor conservatory space intimate without making it look “fenced-in” or unwelcoming. Though crafted in wool rather than iron, our Balustrade Rug captures the elegance that Biltmore’s architect intended for America’s largest home. Hand-tufted to provide years of warmth and beauty, this transitional design is a lovely accent for any room in classic tones of black, ivory, or mink. See more Biltmore-inspired rugs here.
A Birthday for Edith Vanderbilt Posted on January 17, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux In honor of the 141st anniversary of Edith Vanderbilt’s birthday, we have been reflecting back on the festive days surrounding her arrival at Biltmore in 1898. Since George Vanderbilt had mainly courted Edith Stuyvesant Dresser abroad, estate managers and employees were filled with curiosity about the future Mrs. Vanderbilt. The Vanderbilts were married in a relatively simple ceremony in Paris in June. While George and Edith were on an extended honeymoon in Europe, the estate made preparations for a celebration befitting a queen. What would their first impressions be? No one was quite sure what to expect. When the newlyweds’ train arrived at the passenger depot in Biltmore Village, curious onlookers, civil authorities, and hordes of media watched on as Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt boarded a carriage bound for their future home. Biltmore’s Chief Forester, Dr. Carl Alwin Schenck, shared a vivid description of this momentous occasion in his book Birth of Forestry in America: “The young couple, our lord and his lady, arrived on a gorgeous afternoon and were welcomed by the officials of the estate at a huge horseshoe of flowers overarching the approach road to Biltmore House. All was cheers and smiles and happiness! Mrs. Vanderbilt! One could not help but love her! Her face…was sparkling with kindness, sweetness, lovability, grace, and womanliness.” After passing under this emblem of good luck, the Vanderbilts were greeted by estate employees and their families lining both sides of the road. Following an English baronial tradition, each worker held a symbol of his trade and the children joined in welcoming Edith to her new home. The sheer number of estate employees must have been overwhelming, but there were still many more surprises in store for Mrs. Vanderbilt. A lengthy article from the Asheville Daily Citizen detailed the celebrations once the party had reached Biltmore House: At night the employees continued the festivities… Shortly after 9 o’clock the men met north of the esplanade and Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt viewed the scene from the roof balcony over the main entrance to Biltmore House. The Biltmore band, stationed in the tea garden at the top of the vista began an inspiring march, and the men with torches moved in converging lines…to the winding steps of the rampe douce, where the march continued in crossing belts of fire…Suddenly their appeared a glow of light on the ridges of the deer park and within a brief period there was a brilliant illumination of the grounds by colored arc, extending to the lake and through the shrubbery of the winding roads and walks. The finale of the illumination came in showers of flaming stars from fireworks that exploded in different points surrounding the mansion. On Pisgah and other prominent peaks of the estate huge bonfires were lighted and beamed their welcome. Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt evinced great interest in the event of the evening and frequently applauded the hearty endeavors of the men who were showing their good will to the bride. At the conclusion of the illumination and until past midnight the employees enjoyed refreshments in the open before the conservatory. Dr. Schenck’s memoir makes it clear that the employees offered Edith a grand welcome not only onto estate, but into their lives. Schenck wrote: “…Mrs. Vanderbilt took a personal interest in every man and woman connected with the estate. … she went to every humble cabin of a forest worker in Pisgah Forest when she was near it; she encouraged the small home industries… at Christmas she had a small gift for every child of every employee of the estate; and whatever she did or said, she did or said so gracefully that she put at ease whomever she met.” Mrs. Vanderbilt’s long legacy of grace and heartfelt hospitality is still very much alive at Biltmore. What fun it has been to look back at first impressions, grand celebrations, and the cherished memories of such a special woman who helped to shape and preserve the estate. Happy Birthday, Edith!
A Special Frame Of Mind Posted on January 12, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux From Valentine’s Day to Mother’s Day, graduations, and June weddings, it’s never too early to plan a gift for someone special. A custom-framed photograph can capture a moment–and we have some great ideas for turning that moment into a memory that will last forever! Make the gift extra special when you use Biltmore frames like the one featured here. It's from our Billiard Collection, which is inspired by the Billiard Room in Biltmore House. Candid With Quote Rather than the typical pose facing the camera, choose a fun or candid image from your wedding and add a meaningful quote below it. Tip: ask your custom framer to cut a section out of the matting and add the favorite quote in the cut-out. Our Place Frame a picture of a couple's favorite place. A city skyline, favorite restaurant, or hiking spot are all great choices. Tip: consider choosing the spot where your friends met—it will always be a keepsake for them! Dreamy Destination For a great wedding gift, frame a map of their honeymoon destination, or the spot where your friends are planning to go. Tip: old-world maps add a vintage look and another layer of interest to the presentation. This is also an easy project to turn into a shadow box with mementos from their trip! Remember, professional matting, framing, and glass choices can help keep those precious photographs from fading over time. Find our estate-inspired collections of Biltmore Frames here.
Tea-Time, Vanderbilt Style Posted on January 10, 2014 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Hot or iced? Cream or lemon? Black, green, herbal, white, spiced? Sugar, honey, or unsweetened? There are as many ways to enjoy tea as there are people who enjoy it! The Vanderbilt family was no exception—they enjoyed tea themselves and served it to their guests, perhaps lingering over an afternoon tea outdoors on the Loggia in warmer weather, or by a crackling fire in fall and winter. The tea service used by the Vanderbilts is currently on display in the Tapestry Gallery in Biltmore House—the lovely porcelain pieces were made in France around 1888 and feature fine floral detailing in heavenly shades of blue and gold on a crisp white background. Time Travel With Tea Elevate your tea time to new heights with our beautiful china serveware inspired by the original Vanderbilt set. The delicate gilding and rich colors highlight any occasion, adding an elegant note of old world charm to your table. Hint: if you wonder what it was like to be a guest of the Vanderbilts, or are anticipating each new episode of this season’s Downton Abbey, let our Vanderbilt Tea Service help you time travel back to the Gilded Age simply by savoring a freshly brewed cup of tea! Click here to view our Vanderbilt Service Collection.
A Vanderbilt Christmas Posted on December 17, 2013 at 12:00 am.Written by Coleman Minter Biltmore’s archives are full of letters and documents detailing the lives of George and Edith Vanderbilt, their daughter, Cornelia, and many of their friends and family members who visited them at Biltmore. Below are some of the Vanderbilts’ yuletide traditions…and even a glimpse of the food they enjoyed during the holidays. How did our Christmas tradition begin? Although George Vanderbilt moved into Biltmore House in October 1895, the house did not officially open to guests until Christmas Eve of that year. Great efforts were made to ensure all (or most!) would be ready by this special day. Mr. Vanderbilt was still a bachelor during the first Biltmore Christmas and his mother, Maria Louisa, presided as hostess. Correspondence between Mr. Vanderbilt and his staff indicates that planning was intensive and no detail was left unattended. Managers debated which nearby county had the best holly and the most desirable mistletoe, while staff scouted for the perfect candidate for the Banquet Hall Christmas tree. Mr. Chauncey Beadle, estate horticulturalist, writes estate manager, Mr. Charles McNamee: “I quite agree with you that we should have a very large tree for this occasion; in fact, I think a twenty foot tree in that large Banquet Hall would be rather dwarfed.” When Mr. Vanderbilt’s mother, several of his brothers and sisters and their spouses, and assorted nieces and nephews arrived, they were greeted in the Banquet Hall by a splendidly tall tree laden with gifts for estate workers. At the foot of the tree was a table piled high with family gifts. Because of this, the Banquet Hall has always been the focal point for Christmas celebrations in Biltmore House. A Family Gathering The family and guests gathered around the 40-foot Banquet Hall table for elaborate dinners served both evenings. Mr. Vanderbilt’s niece Gertrude kept a series of Dinner Books in which she recorded the seating arrangements of all of the parties and dinners she attended as a young woman, and she was one of the guests at the first Christmas dinner in Biltmore House. Gertrude kept two Dinner Books in 1895, and the Christmas meal at Biltmore House was the 193rd formal dinner that she attended that year. In her diagram of the dinner, she listed 27 Vanderbilt family members. It was said to be the largest gathering of the family since the death of William Henry Vanderbilt, George’s father, in 1885. In addition to the grand meals and festive décor, stockings hung on mantles, plum puddings and mince pies were served, and George’s mother read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the children. It must have been a grand time — one article even stated that the family exchanged gilded and jeweled Christmas cards! Christmas and New Year’s meals in Biltmore House, 1904 In 1904, George and Edith Vanderbilt were raising their 4-year-old daughter, Cornelia, in Biltmore House. The 1904 Menu Book, kept by cook Esther Anderson, contains luncheon and dinner menus for Christmas Day and New Years Day. Surprisingly, they are not the most elaborate meals included in the book. The 1904 Christmas Day luncheon featured a fairly light menu that began with clear broth, followed by broiled oysters. The Christmas Day luncheon entrée consisted of venison steak (very likely from the estate deer herd), served with string beans, potatoes and cauliflower. The salad course consisted of roast partridge and salad. Luncheon dessert consisted of apple tart, not surprising, since estate orchards produced over twenty varieties of apples. Coffee followed dessert and served as a separated course. Christmas dinner began with Consommé Royale, a clear chicken broth thickened with tapioca and served with a savory garnish made from bullion, egg and herbs, poached in buttered molds, floating in the broth. A fish course of broiled Spanish mackerel accompanied by cucumber salad came next. The main course featured roast turkey and cranberries, served with potatoes, peas and celery. The Vanderbilts ate turkey in one form or another on average every three days. Mrs. Doris Johnson, whose daughter-in-law, Ellen, was a Biltmore House cook at the turn of the century, recalled that turkey and dressing were Mr. Vanderbilt’s favorite of all the things Ellen cooked, and it is very likely that turkey was indeed one of Mr. Vanderbilt’s favorite foods. A salad of Virginia ham and spinach followed. Christmas dessert consisted of plum pudding, ice cream and cake. The New Years Eve luncheon began with fish cutlets, followed by braised rabbits and lamb chops served with potatoes, beets and stuffed tomatoes. Chicken salad followed, and dessert consisted of apple tapioca pudding, followed by coffee. New Years Eve dinner began with either purée of chickens or consommé, followed by the fish course consisting of mousse of bass. The mousse was followed by an entrée of mushroom patties, and a relevé consisting of filets of beef with potatoes, spinach and baked macaroni. Roast partridge accompanied the salad. New Years Eve dessert was Fanchonette, an “old-fashioned French cake, somewhat like a pie made with rough puff pastry and a pastry cream filling baked in a slow oven. After cooling, it is piped with meringue, sprinkled with sugar and baked until brown. Coffee followed dessert, and midnight toasts no doubt welcomed the New Year!
The Right Desk For Writing Posted on December 14, 2013 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Edith Vanderbilt's younger sister Pauline was both an avid letter writer and a frequent visitor to Biltmore. Pauline’s letters to friends describe the time she spent at Biltmore in glowing detail, giving us wonderful word pictures of the gracious lifestyle enjoyed by the Vanderbilts and their guests. In one 1905 letter, Pauline describes an afternoon at Biltmore this way: “I go out, either driving or walking or sauntering down with the children to feed the swans or settle on the library terrace with lots of books and read and read and read. The air is soft and warm, the hills change colour continually, there is no noise, no friction, no jar.” With its flowing curves and handsome detailing, our elegant Pauline Writing Desk honors Pauline Merrill’s passion for the written word. Classic styling makes it a welcome addition to any room and we believe it will inspire your own writing for years to come. Click here to learn more about this beautiful desk for your home. Click here to read Pauline’s letter in full.