Meet the Staff: A Look at Servant Life at Biltmore

In addition to boasting the latest and greatest in technology, Biltmore Estate required an exceptional team of domestic staff, also referred to as “domestic servants,” to ensure the house operated like a well-oiled machine.

How many domestic staff members would have worked in Biltmore House during George Vanderbilt’s era and what types of roles would they have held? Continue reading to find out!

Vignette of Mrs. King and Edith Vanderbilt in the Oak Sitting Room as displayed in the 2019 exhibition, “A Vanderbilt House Party.”

Staffing America’s Largest Home

In the days when George, Edith, and Cornelia Vanderbilt resided at Biltmore, they employed up to 40 staff members who each played a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the house and stable. With large house parties of guests coming and going throughout the year, Biltmore functioned more like a luxury hotel than it did a house. As soon as guests arrived on the estate, the domestic staff ensured that each of their needs were met.

George Vanderbilt not only provided room, board, and uniforms to his staff, but he also compensated his employees with New York wages, a substantially higher rate than the Asheville standard. Staff wages could be up to $2 for higher-ranking staff, which is substantial given that a week of room and board typically cost $2.50.

Demographically speaking, the domestic staff was majority female. While many of the servants were native North Carolinians, there were also a number of employees from around the globe including an English Head Housekeeper, a French cook, a Swedish laundress, and an Irish Butler.

Higher Ranking Domestic Staff

The domestic staff members were classified into two groups: upper and lower staff. The higher the ranking, the more defined the responsibilities of their role. While each member of the staff provided invaluable service to the Vanderbilts, there were a few upper roles that maintained the standard of service and hospitality for which Biltmore is renowned.

The wardrobe of Biltmore’s Head Housekeeper was recreated for the exhibition A Vanderbilt House Party – The Gilded Age (which was on display in 2019. The detailed recreation included a chatelaine (an accessory used to carry keys) the Head Housekeeper would wear at all times.

HEAD HOUSEKEEPER

• At Biltmore, the Head Housekeeper was among the highest-ranking staff members and the chief female servant. She reported directly to Edith Vanderbilt at Biltmore.
• Whether single or married, the Head Housekeeper was always addressed as “Mrs.” out of respect.
• The Head Housekeeper supervised all lower-ranking female staff, with the exception of the Chef’s kitchen staff.
• She oversaw the cleaning of the house, household inventory, and held keys to the storerooms, pantries, china closet, and still room.
• The Head Housekeeper typically dressed in a black dress.
• Read more about Emily King, one of Biltmore’s first housekeepers.

BUTLER

• As the highest-ranking male staff member in Biltmore, the Butler was responsible for all lower-ranking manservants.
• His primary responsibility was to ensure that Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt and their guests were seamlessly served three meals daily, as well as afternoon tea.
• The Butler was also tasked with maintaining  the family china, crystal, and silver (which was stored in the aptly named Butler’s Pantry)
• Other duties of the Butler: creating floral arrangements; overseeing the storage, decanting, and serving of wine; maintaining the clocks; greeting guests upon arrival; and assisting with the departures and return of Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt, as well as their guests.
• The Butler’s livery was formal and often included a coat with tails and multiple monogrammed buttons.

An archival photograph of Edith Vanderbilt’s Lady’s Maid Martha Laube. Photograph courtesy of A. Babette Schmid Schmaus.

LADY’S MAID

• The Lady’s Maid served as a personal companion to Edith and/or Cornelia Vanderbilt.
• The Lady’s Maid traveled with her mistress and managed her correspondence, and she was also responsible for dressing her mistress and combing her hair.
• The lady’s maid was also expected to be quite skilled at sewing, as her responsibilities included mending and packing Mrs. Vanderbilt and Cornelia’s clothing.
• Instead of a uniform, the Lady’s Maid wore dresses gifted or no longer worn by her mistress, which was regarded as a privilege.
• The lady’s maid was referred to by her last name.

Recreation of clothing worn by George Vanderbilt’s valet as it was displayed in “A Vanderbilt House Party” exhibition in 2019. Over his arm is a driving duster, as if he is assisting George prepare for a drive across his estate.

VALET

• The valet was one of the older and more experienced members of the male staff (typically in his 30s) who reported directly to George Vanderbilt.
• The valet traveled with George Vanderbilt and attended social functions and events with him.
• His responsibilities included making travel arrangements for George Vanderbilt. (Mr. Vanderbilt would travel first class, while his valet traveled in second.)
• The valet would be familiar with foreign languages, and be an expert of fishing and hunting to assist Mr. Vanderbilt.
• He did not wear a uniform and, like the lady’s maid, he was addressed by his last name.
• Read more about George Vanderbilt’s personal valet here.