Discover the grandeur of the Gilded Age at Biltmore Estate
Self-guided tour of the mansion and gardens
Exclusive access to restricted areas with expert guide
Complete experience including wine tasting
Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, Biltmore House is the largest privately-owned house in the United States. This magnificent Châteauesque-style mansion contains 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms, spread across 178,926 square feet.
Completed in 1895, the estate showcases the pinnacle of Gilded Age luxury and craftsmanship. From the Banquet Hall with its 70-foot ceiling to the Library containing over 10,000 volumes, every room tells a story of American aristocracy and architectural brilliance.
The estate encompasses 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain beauty, featuring formal and informal gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect who designed Central Park. Today, visitors can explore the house, gardens, winery, and various exhibitions that bring the Vanderbilt legacy to life.
Explore the Mansion
Experience the grandeur of the largest privately-owned house in the United States, with 250 rooms of unparalleled luxury.
Stroll through 75 acres of spectacular gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, featuring seasonal blooms and stunning landscapes.
Visit America's most visited winery, where traditional winemaking techniques meet modern innovation in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Explore 8,000 acres of pristine Blue Ridge Mountain landscape, offering hiking trails, scenic drives, and breathtaking vistas.
The Biltmore Estate story begins in the 1880s when George Washington Vanderbilt II, grandson of railroad and shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Inspired by the natural beauty and climate, he envisioned creating a self-sufficient estate that would serve as a country retreat.
Construction began in 1889 under the direction of architect Richard Morris Hunt, who designed the house in the Châteauesque style. The project required six years to complete and employed over 1,000 workers. The estate originally encompassed 125,000 acres, making it larger than many small countries.
Vanderbilt's vision extended beyond the mansion itself. He hired Frederick Law Olmsted to design the grounds and gardens, and established the first managed forest in America. The estate included a working farm, dairy, and various industries to support the community.
Today, Biltmore remains owned and operated by Vanderbilt's descendants, continuing his legacy of preservation, innovation, and hospitality while welcoming over one million visitors annually to experience this American treasure.
Read the complete history
Marvel at the two-story library containing over 10,000 volumes, including rare books and first editions. The room features a stunning painted ceiling by Giovanni Battista Smeraldi and serves as a testament to George Vanderbilt's love of literature and learning. The collection spans multiple languages and subjects, reflecting the cosmopolitan interests of the Vanderbilt family.
Explore 75 acres of formal and informal gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. From the Italian Garden with its reflecting pools to the Rose Garden featuring over 250 varieties, each garden offers a unique experience. The Azalea Garden bursts with color in spring, while the Walled Garden provides year-round beauty with seasonal plantings and a conservatory.
Discover the basement recreation area featuring a two-lane bowling alley, gymnasium, and swimming pool - amenities that were revolutionary for a private home in the 1890s. The bowling alley still contains its original pins and balls, while the swimming pool was one of the first indoor pools in a private residence in America.
Step into the glass-roofed conservatory where exotic plants from around the world thrive year-round. This Victorian-style greenhouse features tropical plants, orchids, and seasonal displays. The conservatory serves as both a functional growing space and a beautiful transition between the formal gardens and the house itself.
Make the most of your Biltmore experience with these helpful planning tips:
Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, United States
Coordinates: 35.540000, -82.551944
Biltmore Estate is located in Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains just south of downtown.
A self-guided tour of Biltmore House typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, but many visitors spend additional time exploring the gardens, winery, and other attractions on the estate.
Photography is permitted in most areas of the house for personal use. Flash photography and tripods are not allowed, and some special exhibitions may have photography restrictions.
Yes, Biltmore House offers wheelchair accessibility to the first floor and basement level. Wheelchairs are available for loan, and accessible parking and restrooms are provided throughout the estate.
Each season offers unique beauty at Biltmore. Spring features blooming gardens, summer offers lush landscapes, fall showcases spectacular foliage, and winter brings elegant holiday decorations throughout the house.
Pets are not permitted inside Biltmore House or the formal gardens, but leashed pets are welcome in designated outdoor areas of the estate, including some walking trails.
Your estate admission ticket includes access to the winery building and complimentary wine tastings. Additional premium tastings and wine purchases are available for an extra fee.
Biltmore House contains 250 rooms total, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Visitors can explore approximately 60 rooms during the self-guided tour.
Yes, Biltmore offers several dining options ranging from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Reservations are recommended for table service restaurants, especially during peak seasons.
