Sights & Sounds
Biltmore Estate
The historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina remains America's largest privately owned home and one of the state's most enduring attractions. The estate boasts a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, 8,000 acres of gardens, a winery, a working farm, and a luxury inn.
In 1888, George Washington Vanderbilt, grandson of "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt, was captivated by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and decided to build a country retreat in Asheville. The retreat he envisioned grew into a 250-room home surrounded by a pleasure park and formal gardens. Vanderbilt called his estate "Biltmore" and invited family and friends to stay as guests.
More than a century later, Biltmore House continues to welcome guests year-round. Guests enjoy a self-guided tour of more than 60 meticulously restored rooms. Priceless treasures such as 16th-century tapestries, Napoleon's chess set, paintings by Renoir, and antique furniture demonstrate Vanderbilt's love for beauty and his frequent world travels.
The estate's grounds consist of 8,000 acres and are a living tribute to Frederick Law Olmsted, their creator. The Rose Garden, Walled Garden, Shrub Garden, Spring Garden, and Azalea Garden are filled with blooms in the warmer months and have trails and walking paths. Palms, ferns, orchids, and other plants fill the glass-roofed Conservatory year-round.
Other attractions include a winery where the art of winemaking is showcased with a self-guided tour and samples, and the River Bend Farm where hands-on fun reveals Biltmore's agricultural legacy. Outdoor experiences on the estate include carriage rides, guided trail rides, biking, hiking, horseback riding, river float trips, fly-fishing, guided Segway tours, and the Land Rover Experience Driving School.
Those interested in shopping and dining can explore eight gift shops and sample four restaurants. For overnight lodging, reserve a room at luxurious Inn on Biltmore Estate.
Events at the estate include the spring Festival of Flowers, Summer Evening Concerts, Christmas at Biltmore Estate, and Candlelight Christmas Evenings.
Hours of Operation
Biltmore Estate is open year-round, seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
The admissions gate closes at 4:00 pm.
The Biltmore House front door closes at 4:30 pm.
Admission Fees
Ticket prices vary seasonally from $33 to $55 for adults. Tickets for children ages 10-16 are about half of the adult price. Children 9 and under are free with a paying adult. See website for more details.
Hours of operation and fees are subject to change. Contact directly for most current information.
Location
From Interstate 40 East: Take I-40 east to Asheville. Take exit 50 (US Highway 25), then turn left at the traffic light after exiting. Stay in the left lane and follow signs to the Biltmore entrance.
From Interstate 40 West: Take I-40 west to Asheville and take exit 50B (US Highway 25 North). After exiting, stay in the left lane and follow signs to the Biltmore entrance.
From the Blue Ridge Parkway: Take the U.S. Highway 25 North exit; Biltmore is approximately 4 miles from the parkway.
Biltmore Estate
One Approach Road
Asheville, NC 28803
1-800-411-3812
Also Nearby
- Transylvania Heritage Museum
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1 miles
The Transylvania Heritage Museum in Brevard, NC interprets the history and heritage of Transylvania County.
- Cradle of Forestry
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1 miles
The Cradle of Forestry Historic Site near Brevard, NC commemorates the beginning of forestry conservation in the United States.
- Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education
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3 miles
The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, near Brevard, NC, offers unique exhibits and programs on wildlife and mountain habitats.
