105 SOUTHERN HOME | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019
DESTINATIONS
Biltmore
DAZZLING GUESTS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS, THIS ICONIC
DESTINATION OFFERS STUNNING VIEWS, LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS,
AND A HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE THAT CANNOT BE MATCHED.B
uilt in the late 1800s in Asheville,
North Carolina, Biltmore was the vision
of George Vanderbilt and came to life in
the form of a 250-room French
Renaissance chateau—now known as America’s
largest home. First-time visitors to the estate
might be surprised by the number of things to see
and do once they arrive at the sprawling 8,000-
acre mountain retreat. Not only does it offer access
to the home’s rooms, 80 acres of formal gardens
and an award-winning winery, but also an up-close
look at the Vanderbilt family’s original collection
of furnishings, art, and antiques.
Guests wishing to enjoy the iconic surroundings
for two days or more can choose to stay at either
The Inn or the Village Hotel. While The Inn
features warm, gracious rooms and plenty of
Southern hospitality in a private hilltop setting,
the Village Hotel offers a casual and social
atmosphere in the heart of Antler Hill Village.Both options provide a range of interesting
and luxurious options for overnight visitors
looking to make the most out of their exploration
of Biltmore.
Hours of enjoyment can also come from spending
time in the estate’s manicured gardens, rolling
hills, and dense forests. Once enjoyed by George
Vanderbilt and his family and friends, horseback
riding and fishing are still the crown jewels of
experiencing the grounds, while modern activities
such as Segway tours, sporting clays, and off-road
driving lessons are available as well. Guests can
even rent a bike or bring their own to trek
through the miles of trails ranging from easy to
difficult. The formal gardens beyond the house
were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and
offer quiet places to relax, stroll along serene paths,
and view a soaring conservatory overflowing with
tropical palms, ferns, and orchids.
No matter what a guest’s Biltmore House