I am no stranger to the allure of Asheville, North Carolina. The award-winning food, the fun found on every corner, the wonder and beauty of Blue Ridge, it all draws me back again and again. Yet, I never knew that only seven minutes away from downtown Asheville, I would find the not-so-hidden gem of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We have all seen the commercials for this place; pastoral images of lush meadows and endless grounds unfold as a deep, tranquil voice speaks of the luxury and timelessness found only at America’s largest home, the Biltmore Estate. However, those commercials barely scrape the surface of what it means to experience the majesty that is Biltmore.
To give a bit of context, George Vanderbilt, the founding father of Biltmore, was born in 1862 into one of the richest families of the 19th century. In a rare move for someone so wealthy, he decided to put his money to good use. Enchanted by the beauty and the rejuvenating qualities of the Blue Ridge Mountains during his first visit to North Carolina, George Vanderbilt immediately purchased 125,000 acres of land as the setting for his new country home, the Biltmore Estate. Not only did he build a home for himself and his future family but George Vanderbilt also commissioned esteemed artists of his time to create a veritable castle with sprawling grounds and abundant gardens. After six years of craftsmanship, the 250-room French Renaissance-style chateau was complete, just in time to have the entire family visit for Christmas!
What began as a private family home sequestered in the serenity of Blue Ridge evolved gradually into a National Historic Landmark with endless amenities available to the public. From horseback tours of the grounds and vineyards and falconry lessons to on-site dining and bike tours followed by chocolate and wine tastings, Biltmore has everything a person needs to fulfill any vacation desire. There are also plenty of places to stay overnight at Biltmore (because you know one day is never enough). Whether you like the relaxed energy of the Village Hotel, the intimate vibe at The Inn on Biltmore Estate or like to sequester yourself away at the Cottages of Biltmore in your own “private oasis,” there are many options to choose from.
Unlike many companies lost in the corporate melange of moneymaking, Biltmore’s main goal is to treat its guests like family. Even today, the Estate remains under family ownership with George Vanderbilt’s great-grandson, William Cecil Jr., the acting president and CEO of The Biltmore Company. Bill Cecil Jr. and the predecessors before him all aim to follow George Vanderbilt’s credo of conservation, both in quality of life and the quality of the nature around them. Cementing themselves as a pillar of relaxation, history, culture and conservation, the Biltmore Estate continues to impress us and our families with the refreshing warmth and hospitality they provide.
Photo Credit: Biltmore Estate