Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Season shortribs with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large heavy pan. Brown short ribs on all sides, remove. Add carrots, celery, and onion to a hot pan; cook until just brown. Return short ribs to the pan along with thyme and beef stock. Cover pan, and place in hot oven.
Braise for 3 hours, or until meat is extremely tender and falls away from the bone. Remove meat to a covered platter, and keep warm. Strain and reserve cooking liquid.
In a medium saucepan, bring the reserved cooking liquid to a simmer. Reduce until halved in volume. Stir in molasses, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, and dried cherries. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Bring heavy cream and butter to a simmer. Bring to boil a large pot of salted water. Add diced sweet potatoes. Cook until sweet potatoes are tender. Drain. Run cooked potatoes through a food mill or ricer. Stir in warmed cream and butter along with minced ginger and honey. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
To serve: Divide sweet potatoes between 4 plates. Place one short rib atop each portion of sweet potatoes. Sauce the beef with the cherry barbeque.
Whether it’s your first time visiting Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, or you’re planning your return, we’ve compiled our top five insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to our 8,000-acre estate any time of year!
Autumnal views from the South Terrace showcase the grand scale of Biltmore Estate.
Tip #1: Plan ahead & purchase tickets in advance
“People often underestimate the vast scale of Biltmore Estate and the amount of walking or moving about that will take place during a visit, even beyond exploring America’s Largest Home. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance online for the most flexibility in finding your preferred date and time.
I also recommend checking the local weather forecast, wearing comfortable shoes, and making sure you have time and transportation to get between the different areas of the estate, some of which are actually miles apart!” – Bryan Yerman, Senior Manager of Interpretive Hosts
You’re going to want to linger a bit longer to enjoy all that the estate has to offer, like an award-winning Winery!
Tip #2: Don’t rush!
“If you really want to make the most of your Biltmore visit, it would be a real shame to not allow yourself time to relax and enjoy meandering through the beautiful estate the way George Vanderbilt intended! Give yourself sufficient time to explore the beautiful gardens, visit Antler Hill Village, sample award-winning wines at our Winery, and enjoy the various activities offered on the estate.
I recommend planning to spend a whole day (or two!) if you can, but at a minimum, be prepared to spend about six hours on the estate. That should give you time for a Biltmore House visit, a stroll through the historic gardens, plus some time for grabbing a bite to eat at one of our estate restaurants and exploring Antler Hill Village.
If you’re like me and love wine, be sure to allow time to visit our estate Winery where you can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting or savor your wine by the glass at the Wine Bar!” – Jean Sexton, Biltmore’s Editorial Manager, and Vanderbilt Wine Club member
Biltmore’s vast trail system offers adventure and beautiful scenery year-round, including at the Bass Pond!
Tip #3: Explore the gardens, grounds, and trails
“Don’t miss the breathtaking gardens and grounds surrounding Biltmore House. The pristine landscapes are meticulously designed, and each season brings its unique charm. Plan your visit accordingly to witness the vibrant blooms in spring, the lush greenery and tropical plants of summer, the colorful foliage and mum display in autumn, and the peaceful scenery with long-range views in wintertime. Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and capture unforgettable photos all year long by becoming a Biltmore Annual Passholder.
You may be surprised to learn that Biltmore Estate admission includes access to over 22 miles of trails for exploring. It’s like having a private national park to explore right here in Asheville!” – Bill Quade, Biltmore’s Director of Horticulture
Staying overnight on Biltmore Estate means you have a sprawling, private estate to explore at your leisure.
Tip #4: Make Biltmore your home base
“When you’re on George Vanderbilt’s private estate, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported to a European village, but, in reality, all the wonderful things that bring people to Asheville are very close by.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with your sweetheart, your best friends, or the whole family, I recommend staying overnight on Biltmore Estate so you can wake up like a Vanderbilt and enjoy easy access to all that the estate has to offer just outside your room!
You’ll have fun exploring the gardens and grounds, meeting Farmyard friends and learning about Biltmore’s field-to-table legacy in Antler Hill Village, lounging at your hotel’s pool, and, of course, visiting the Winery! Plus, when you stay overnight, you can easily explore the greater Asheville area nearby.” – Beth Poslusny, Vice President of Destination Guest Experience
Guided tours of Biltmore House are a great way to expand your knowledge and see new areas of America’s Largest Home!
Tip #5: There’s something for everyone
“I always recommend checking out Biltmore’s website, blog, social media, or YouTube so you can learn a bit about the estate before you arrive.
Whether you are interested in the Gilded Age history, fine art, architecture, gardening, family-friendly activities, or learning about Biltmore’s agricultural history, there really is something at Biltmore for everyone!
Be sure to keep an eye on Biltmore’s event calendar so you can plan your visit during special events, like exhibitions, and seasonal celebrations like Christmas at Biltmore!” – Meghan Forest, Biltmore’s Associate Curator
Biltmore’s European-inspired Antler Hill Village is home to the Winery, Farmyard, Pisgah Playground, and exclusive estate shops and restaurants!
Make Your Biltmore Visit Memorable
Visiting Biltmore is an experience that combines history, architecture, and natural beauty. By following our insider tips, you’ll be well-prepared to create memories that will last a lifetime!
We hope that you find these insider tips helpful so that you can make the most of your visit and discover why Biltmore Estate is one of the South’s most beloved and memorable destinations any time of year!
For even more inspiration for planning your next visit to Biltmore, check out our Visit Information page and read visit itineraries on our blog.
Have you visited Biltmore before or even upgraded to an Annual Passholder membership? Share your favorite Biltmore insider tips and memories with us by tagging #Biltmore @biltmoreestate on social media.
Live la dolce vita–the sweet life–at Biltmore this summer, just as the Vanderbilts and their guests did more than a century ago.
Inspiration from Italy and Europe
Capture each memorable moment of the sweet life at Biltmore this summer!
“The idea of la dolce vita is Italian, and it translates to ‘the sweet life’,” said Lauren Henry, Curator of Interpretation. “It embodies the idea of living each moment as it unfolds, and enjoying it for itself. It’s an inspirational way of life that George Vanderbilt experienced during his travels in Italy and other delightful destinations, and it helped him envision Biltmore as a place where his family and friends could enjoy the same timeless feeling.”
Biltmore’s historic grounds, including the Conservatory in the English-style Walled Garden, are the perfect place to experience the sweet life.
From the French Renaissance-style architecture of Biltmore House, designed by famed architect Richard Morris Hunt, to the glorious gardens and grounds created by legendary landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted, Biltmore Estate brought classic European sensibilities to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.
“George Vanderbilt assembled a real ‘dream team’ to bring Biltmore to life,” Lauren said. “Together they created a distinctly European-style estate, but with an expansive feel and modern technologies that were hallmarks of the American Gilded Age.”
Discover la dolce vita at Biltmore
The Chariot of Aurora by Italian artist Giovanni Pelligrini graces the ceiling of the Library in Biltmore House
You can still capture the magic of la dolce vita as you explore Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, touched at every turn by inspiration from the Vanderbilts’ journeys around the world.
Inside Biltmore House you’ll discover paintings, sculptures, and objets d’art to delight your mind and buoy your spirits in true la dolce vita fashion, including these highlights:
Salon—look for two original landscapes by French Impressionist artist Claude Monet. Both Strada Romana à Bordighera and Belle-Île, le chenal de Port-Goulphar have recently been restored to their late-19th-century vibrance.
Tapestry Gallery—Study the three Renaissance-era silk and wool tapestries that this 90-foot-long room was designed to display. Woven in Brussels circa 1530, the set was originally part of the The Triumph of the Seven Virtues.
Library—the ceiling was created to showcase Chariot of Aurora by Giovanni Pelligrini, an 18th-century painting comprised of thirteen separate canvases that depict the Roman goddess of the dawn.
Fresh air gives fresh perspectives
The Conservatory at Biltmore is a a wonderful way to experience a tropical getaway while visiting the estate!
Explore miles of scenic trails across the estate by walking, hiking, or biking at your own preferred pace. Here are some of our favorite spots:
Conservatory—this elegant, glass-topped greenhouse captures the historic and modern balance of the estate as exotic botanicals popular in the Vanderbilt era overlap with plants we propagate for seasonal displays.
Bass Pond—walk down from the gardens to view the newly restored island that was part of Frederick Law Olmsted’s original landscape design.
Lagoon—spend some time at this scenic spot on the road to Antler Hill Village—it’s perfect for picnicking and for admiring the reflection of Biltmore House in the water.
Savor la dolce vita
The sweet life is even sweeter with ice cream treats from the Creamery in Antler Hill Village.
Whether you’ve worked up a bona fide appetite or simply need a refreshment respite, there are choices to please every palate when you dine at Biltmore:
Ice cream—indulge in a scoop (or two!) of fresh-churned ice cream and other sweet treats from The Biltmore Dairy Bar® adjacent to Biltmore House or the Creamery in Antler Hill Village.
Enjoy a wide range of fine and casual dining options while visiting Biltmore.
Enjoy fine and casual dining options featuring estate-raised and locally sourced dishes. Favorites include our European-style Bistro at the Winery, English pub far at Cedric’s® Tavern in Antler Hill Village, and four-star, white-linen luxury at The Dining Room at The Inn on Biltmore Estate.
Discover la dolce vita at Biltmore for yourself!
Embrace la dolce vita at The Inn on Biltmore Estate or one of our other properties.
Featured blog image: A Biltmore guest enjoys la dolce vita with a flute of sparkling wine on the terrace of The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Photo courtesy of @georgia_sheffield.
Savor this spring-inspired pasta dish from our estate chefs featuring quail eggs! Quail eggs elevate any dish and pair especially well with bacon, black truffles, asparagus, caviar, and mushrooms.
Wine Pairing Suggestion: Our Limited Release Pinot Grigio pairs well with the Carbonara. Winemaker Sharon Fenchak says its crispness and citrus notes complement the richness of the quail eggs in this dish.
Savor these hearty braised short ribs from the chefs at The Inn on Biltmore Estate.
Spring Squash Carbonara
Total time: 1.5 hours Serving Size: 6 people
Ingredients:
1 pound dried spaghetti
1 pound smoked bacon, diced
½ yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 pound zucchini, chopped
¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
10 squash blossoms, halved lengthwise (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon
6 egg yolks
6 quail eggs
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Put bacon in a medium saucepan and place over low heat. Slowly cook until the bacon begins to brown. Drain most of the fat, leaving a few tablespoons in the pot. Add the onions and garlic and cook until translucent. Add the zucchini and cook until tender. Remove from heat.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. When the water begins to boil, add the spaghetti and stir. Cook the pasta for 6–8 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Place the zucchini mixture back over medium heat. Add the pasta, 1 cup of pasta water, and egg yolks to the zucchini mixture and stir continuously. When a creamy sauce begins to form, add the Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, squash blossoms, lemon zest and ¼ cup chopped chives. Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Divide the pasta evenly into 6 bowls and top each with a sunny side up quail egg, the reserved chives, and more Parmesan cheese. Serves 6.
Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak in the Barrel Room at the Winery
“When I’m sourcing grapes for our American series wines from one of our California or Washington vineyard partners, I’m also looking for outstanding vintages that inspire me to create distinctive wines for our Limited Releaseseries,” Sharon said.
She noted that the Limited Release wines are usually based on smaller amounts of fruit, and that gives her and her production team an opportunity to bring out different qualities of a varietal or to create intriguing blends.
Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec
Our award-winning Biltmore Estate Limited Release Malbec is perfect for sipping by the glass or pairing with your favorite hearty fare.
“One of our most popular offerings is our full-bodied, oak-aged Biltmore EstateLimited Release Malbec,” said Sharon. “It opens with scents of cocoa, cedar, molasses, and berries ahead of black raspberry, anise, and rich pecan flavors.”
As a varietal, Malbec originated in France and rose to its current popularity in Argentina and California. Ours is rich, fruit-forward, and a bit spicy with smooth, lingering tannins that pair perfectly with grilled meat, kebabs, and andouille sausage.
It’s also a surprisingly good partner for smoked cheeses and vegetarian fare like mushroom ragout, Portobello burgers, and tempeh dishes. As delicious as it is now, it offers good aging potential—if you can stand to wait!
Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo
Try any of our Biltmore Estate Limited Release wines, including our spicy Tempranillo.
Most of the world’s Tempranillo is grown in Spain where it is believed to have originated, but this earthy red wine is rapidly gaining a following around the globe.
“Tempranillo has a lot of personality,” said Sharon. “Ours is full-bodied and fruit-forward with earthy aromas, rich dried fig flavors, and lingering tannins—just what you’d expect in a classicbarrel-aged version of this varietal.”
George Vanderbilt–traveler, collector, and patron of the arts–appreciated the finer things in life, but had a special passion for the culture and creativity of Italy. His trips there and other regions he visited across Europe helped shape his appreciation for art, architecture, and fine wine.
“Throughout his life, George Vanderbilt traveled the world, first with family and friends, and after he married, his wife Edith and their daughter Cornelia often accompanied him,” said Meghan Forest, Associate Curator.
George Vanderbilt’s first Italian visit
Archival image of the Colosseum, 1887. Rome, Italy.
Based on correspondence in our archives, Italy seems to have been a favored destination for George Vanderbilt. He first visited the country in 1880 when he was 18 years old, taking in notable sites such as Rome and Vatican City.
The visit included a stop in Milan where the church and Dominican convent of Sante Maria della Grazie was of particular interest as its refectory contains The Last Supper fresco painted by Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci.
Further travels in Italy
The Last Supper fresco painting by Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1495–1498.
In 1887, George Vanderbilt took an extended trip to Italy, taking in some of the well-known sites including Pisa Cathedral with its famously tilted bell tower, better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
He also visited Venice with its winding canals and Florence, the city long considered the epicenter of Italian Renaissance art and culture. Florence offers some of the most iconic treasures of the era, including the Uffizi Museum and the Cathedral de Santa Maria dell Fiore, generally referred to as the Duomo because of its two free-standing domes.
George Vanderbilt (seated, far right) with unidentified men riding a gondola in Venice, 1887
Seven years later, George Vanderbilt returned to Italy with members of his family including his niece Adele Sloan. They visited Taormina and the ruins of the Taormina Amphitheatre built by the Greeks and renovated 600 years later by the Romans. Such sites were popular destinations during the American Renaissance of the late 19th century as travelers sought to understand the ancient world.
Honeymooning in Italy
Villa Vignolo on the shores of Lake Maggiore near Stresa, Italy, c. 1898.
“Another reason we believe George Vanderbilt had a passion for Italy is because he chose to take his new bride Edith there after they were wed in Paris in 1898. The Vanderbilts spent the first six weeks of their four-month honeymoon at Villa Vignolo on the shores of Lake Maggiore near Stresa, Italy,” Meghan said.
While there, the Vanderbilts took short trips to various museums and galleries, taking in sights such as the iconic Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice. In Edith, George found a partner who shared his passion for history, literature, and the arts.
In a letter to artist James McNeill Whistler, George wrote of their time in Italy, “It was Mrs. Vanderbilt’s first visit… It has been an added pleasure of course to see her delight and interest… “ *
Made of Rosso di Verona marble, this fountainhead was likely originally used to decorate and
protect an active well in Venice during the Italian Renaissance, c. 1500. It has become known as the “Hunt Fountain” as it is depicted in the John Singer Sargent portrait of Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt.
Featured blog image: George Vanderbilt (seated, far right) with unidentified men riding a gondola in Venice, 1887
*George Washington Vanderbilt to James McNeill Whistler. 10 Jul 1898. The Correspondence of James McNeill Whistler. Glasgow University Library, University of Glasgow: 05919.
“This is no ordinary art exhibition,” said Travis Tatham, Director of Destination Entertainment and Events. “If you’ve ever tiptoed through a silent gallery to view paintings from afar, prepare to be amazed by this experience!”
The stunning new larger-than-life digital art exhibition, created and produced by Grande Experiences, invites you to be transported to one of the most influential eras in art history.
Continue reading to learn about the world premiere of Italian Renaissance Alive, on display daily inside Amherst on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, through January 7, 2024!
Preview the larger-than-life “Italian Renaissance Alive” digital art exhibition on display in Amherst.
“From start to finish, you’ll interact with art in ways you never imagined, surrounded by a vibrant symphony of light, color, sound–even fragrance. It is truly an unforgettable event for all the senses,” Travis said.
What was the Italian Renaissance?
The Entombment of Mary by Giotto, ca. 1310
Renaissance means “rebirth,” and the era brought cultural, artistic, political and economic rebirth to Europe following the Middle Ages and the fall of the Roman Empire. A new vision of civilization was portrayed on canvas, in fresco, and sculpture, and the epicenter of it all was Italy.
Italian Renaissance Alive traverses the entire Renaissance time frame, from the 14th to 17th centuries. It celebrates the exceptional artistic and cultural influences of the period, immersing audiences in culture, architecture, sculpture, and literature of this iconic movement.
Italian Renaissance Alive
The Creation of Adam, a fresco painting by Michelangelo, which forms part of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, painted ca. 1508–1512.
“Since Biltmore is hosting the world premiere of Italian Renaissance Alive, our guests will be the very first in the world to experience this fascinating new exhibition,” said Travis.
According to Travis, visitors will be instantly transported by the history and splendor of this extraordinary period, surrounded in its beauty, and able to explore hundreds of masterpieces from some of the world’s most revered artists and sculptors in grand and glorious detail.
The School of Athens by Raphael, ca. 1509–1511
Highlights include Michelangelo’s breath-taking Sistine Chapel, Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and other glorious works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, Veronese, and more, in an awe-inspiring, large-scale, immersive experience.
The Last Judgment by Michelangelo, ca. 1536–1541. This enormous fresco painting covers the whole altar wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.
“Accompanied by a powerful Italian operatic score including works by Puccini and Verdi, combined with a compelling narrative, this multi-sensory experience will deliver audiences a captivating, educational and entertaining moment to remember,” said Travis.
Connections to George Vanderbilt and the American Renaissance
George Vanderbilt (seated, far right) with unidentified men riding a gondola in Venice, 1887
Although he was born 200 years after the Italian Renaissance ended, George Vanderbilt was part of what is known as the American Renaissance–a cultural period from 1876 to 1917 in which the United States experienced a renewal of national self-confidence, embracing both modernism and new technologies along with classic art and architecture.
Vanderbilt traveled to Italy several times, even choosing to spend his honeymoon there, and collected a number of Renaissance-era and Renaissance-inspired treasures for his magnificent home.
View of the Ducal Palace in Venice by Canaletto, ca. 1755
“This new exhibition is a fitting tribute to George Vanderbilt’s lifelong passion for fine art,” Travis said. “It helps you see the connection between Biltmore and this exhibition while enjoying some of the world’s best known masterpieces in an entirely new way, immersed in the beauty and brilliance of a major artistic period in history as it comes to life all around you.”
Be among the first to enjoy Italian Renaissance Aliveat Biltmore!
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Biltmore and extend your visit with a reservation at one of our hotels or private historic cottages with an Italian Renaissance Alive package that includes a special memento of your exhibition experience.
As a patron of the arts,George Vanderbiltremains a remarkable example of the difference one man can make in the field of fine art and education.
With his deep appreciation and understanding of arts and languages and his vision for a self-sustaining country estate, George Vanderbilt was part of the American Renaissancethat flourished during the Gilded Age.
Detail of George Vanderbilt portrait by John Singer Sargent, painted in 1890.
A patron of the arts
George Vanderbilt did more than simply collect and appreciate art, however; he was also a passionate patron who befriended artists such asJohn Singer Sargentand James McNeill Whistler, commissioning their works for his home and corresponding with them far beyond the particulars of portraiture.
Literary writers including Edith Wharton and Henry James were welcomed at Biltmore, and George Vanderbilt’s close friend and author Paul Leicester Ford spent several weeks at the estate while working on his novel Janice Meredith: A Story of the American Revolution.
(left) George Vanderbilt’s personal bookplate.
Library patron
In addition to his personal friendships with artists, George Vanderbilt was a great proponent of public access to the arts, using his philanthropic values to ensure that others could benefit from institutions such as free lending libraries.
While most libraries of that era required patrons to pay for the books they borrowed, Vanderbilt provided funding to build the Jackson Square Free Circulating Library of the New York Public Library System and filled it with books that he donated. This library was one of the first open to the general public.
Rhinocerous print by Albrecht Dürer in Biltmore’s collection.
Support for young artists
Another of George Vanderbilt’s most significant donations was to The American Fine Arts Society in support of young artists. In 1892, Vanderbilt donated $100,000 to pay for the property and construct the building that the Society would use for exhibiting members’ work.
Named the Vanderbilt Gallery in his honor, the inaugural exhibition was a show ofprints by RembrandtandAlbrecht Dürer, plus prints based on the paintings of Sir Joshua Reynolds, all from George Vanderbilt’s personal collection.
While some of the Durer prints and those after the style of Reynolds remain in the Biltmore collection, the original Rembrandt prints were sold to J.P. Morgan. You can see a selection of detailed reproductions in the Oak Sitting Room of Biltmore House.
Formal photo portrait of young George Vanderbilt (detail)
Living the legacy
We continue George Vanderbilt’s passion for the arts today by hosting exhibitions such as Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmorefeaturing four separate large-scale, multi-sensory events created and produced by Grande Experiences using the very latest in immersive technology.
Past exhibitions have illuminated the remarkable lives of artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci, while the current Italian Renaissance Alive exhibition showcases a wide range of timeless masterpieces from that dramatic era in European history.
Each individual exhibition offers fascinating ties to Vanderbilt’s collection of treasures on display in Biltmore House, his magnificent family home, in Asheville, North Carolina.
Featured: Bronze bust of George Vanderbilt by Mary Grant
Photography was one of Edith Vanderbilt’s many passions. In turn, her photographs of life at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC help inform our curatorial interpretations today.
With the introduction of roll film and the hand-held camera in the 1880s, photography became truly accessible to casual amateurs for the first time. There are a few distinct ways that we know that Edith embraced this new medium and enjoyed photography throughout her lifetime.
Archival photograph of Edith Vanderbilt with a camera and tripod along the banks of the French Broad River, ca. 1905-1906. This photo was taken by Ernesto Fabbri during a photography excursion.
Photos of Edith Vanderbilt with a Camera
One of the most concrete ways we know of Edith’s interest in photography is thanks to photographs in the Biltmore collection in which she is pictured with a camera in hand. Many of these photos came from one series in particular.
In the winter of 1905-1906, George Vanderbilt’s niece Edith Fabbri and her husband Ernesto visited Biltmore. During their trip, Edith Vanderbilt and Ernesto appear to have gone on a photography excursion on the estate and in nearby Biltmore Village.
Multiple images from this series taken by Ernesto capture Edith with her camera and a tripod.
Archival photograph of George Vanderbilt on a horse in front of Biltmore House. Reverse reads “Sept. 25th 1901, Taken, developed and printed, without help” in Edith Vanderbilt’s handwriting.
Photos with Edith Vanderbilt’s Handwriting on the Back
Additionally, there are more than a dozen photographs in our archival collection that we know were captured by Edith as her distinct handwriting is on the back of the images.
Not only was she taking these photos, but Edith was also learning to develop many of them herself. She seemed very proud of this skill set, writing on the back of one photograph: “Taken, developed and printed, without help.”
Three of the 14 copies of the archival photograph of George and newborn Cornelia Vanderbilt on the Loggia, October 1900. These photos were presumably taken by Edith Vanderbilt.
Multiple Copies of Photos of Family Moments
There are also many photographs we presume to have been taken by Edith, including shots of more intimate family moments. For instance, she was likely responsible for the images of George Vanderbilt with their newborn daughter Cornelia on the Loggia.
In our archival collection, there are 14 copies of what appear to be essentially the same image from that series. However, each of the copies varies slightly in exposure and cropping, which speaks to Edith’s experimenting with development techniques as she worked to hone her craft.
Edith Vanderbilt’s No. 4 Panoram Kodak camera Model B from ca. 1900-1903. This archival object is currently on display in The Biltmore Legacy as part of our “The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad” exhibition.
Location of the Edith Vanderbilt’s Darkroom
We know that Edith was developing her own photographs, but we do not know with certainty the location of the darkroom she used.
One archival manuscript includes mention of a “Photograph Room” in the Bachelors’ Wing of Biltmore House. However, we’ve yet to find additional sources to confirm where this space was located and how it was used.
There are also employee recollections of darkroom equipment being present in the Basement, though it is unclear if this was the location of the equipment when Edith lived in Biltmore House or if it was later moved.
Our curatorial team continues to research this topic.
While we may not know the full extent of Edith Vanderbilt’s engagement with the modern hobby of photography, her photographs—as well as others presumed to have been taken by her—offer glimpses into life at Biltmore during the Vanderbilts’ era that we would not have otherwise.
Feature image: Archival photograph of Edith Vanderbilt with a camera and tripod in Biltmore Village, ca. 1905-1906. This photo was taken by Ernesto Fabbri during a photography excursion.
Discover the “hidden gems” of Biltmore Estate–special spots that may be off the beaten path, but are worth exploring during your next visit to this welcoming destination in Asheville, NC.
“Our guests tend to be familiar with Biltmore House and its historic gardens, but there are many hidden gems around the property that you might miss if you’re not looking for them,” said Bill Quade, Director of Horticulture.
The Vista and statue of Diana
Statue of Diana overlooking Biltmore House
At the top of the long, sloping Vista overlooking Biltmore House, you’ll find a marble statue of Diana, Roman goddess of the hunt, under a wooden arbor. Accompanied by one of her dogs, she gazes out over the landscape.
“The statue is beautiful all by itself,” said Bill, “but when you combine it with a perfect view of Biltmore House framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond it, it’s a spectacular place to have a picnic or watch the sunset.”
The sloping lawn below the statue of Diana offers picnickers a perfect view of Biltmore House!
Tip: The area behind the statue of Diana is a popular site for weddings and group events, so it may be tented, especially during summer and fall.
The Bass Pond is one of Biltmore’s hidden gems
The view of the Bass Pond from the Boat House is worth the walk!
The Bass Pond is located at the end of Biltmore’s formal gardens, and though it’s a bit of a walk, the end result is well worth it.
“Keep following the path through the Azalea Garden and you’ll come out at the Bass Pond,” Bill said. “There’s a rustic boathouse on the shore and a bridge over the waterfall at the far end. It’s a beautiful spot for seasonal color and birdwatching.”
The Bass Pond offers wonderful opportunities to view the wilder side of the estate!
Tip: The return trip to Biltmore House is uphill, so take your time and set your own pace. If you don’t have time to walk to the Bass Pond, you can drive to it and use one of the convenient pullouts along the way to park your car and admire this hidden gem designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the estate’s landscape architect.
Explore the Conservatory
The Conservatory in the Walled Garden is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring in every season.
Created as both an indoor garden filled with tropical treasures and a production greenhouse for nurturing plants, the Conservatory forms the back wall of the formal English-style Walled Garden.
“The design of Biltmore’s Conservatory was a collaboration between Biltmore’s architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted,” Bill said. “And we still maintain the original intent to showcase exotic specimens like orchids and palms, and we also grow some of the plants we use around the estate, like a portion of our Christmas poinsettias.”
There are hidden gems within the Conservatory, like the fragrant flowers of this Pink Ball Tree (Dombeya wallichii)
Tip: There is always something blooming inside the Conservatory!
Linger by the Lagoon
The Lagoon offers a striking reflection of the west side of Biltmore House.
Just below the 250-acre Deer Park portion of the estate, Frederick Law Olmsted created the Lagoon as a peaceful, natural water feature that also serves to reflect the west facade of Biltmore House.
“The Lagoon is raised above the level of the French Broad River that flanks it, which helps keep the water at a more consistent level,” Bill noted. “It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy a picnic or watch for wildlife and waterfowl in every season. Many guests drive right by it on their way to Antler Hill Village and don’t realize they’ve missed another of Biltmore’s hidden gems.”
Tip: If you’re looking for a flat, easy trail with lovely views, park at Antler Hill Village and bike or walk the paved path all the way to the Lagoon and back.
Hidden Gem: Antler Hill Village. This European-inspired village celebrates our estate agricultural legacy with learning experiences, field-to-table dining, outdoor adventure, unique shops and restaurants, and our award-winning Winery.
Hidden gem: In late summer months, sunflowers line the path from Antler Hill Village to the Lagoon.
Hidden gems: meet friendly farm animals at the Farmyard in Antler Hill Village.
Hidden gems: discover beautiful views along our network of hiking and biking trails.
Hidden gems: discover colorful koi in the Italian Garden pools
Hidden gems: explore a world of outdoor sculpture at Biltmore, like this cherub in the Italian Garden.
Hidden gems: a winged dragon carved into the base of a stone fountain near the Front Door of Biltmore House.
Hidden gems: the booths inside Stable Café are the original horse stalls from the estate’s stable complex!
Hidden gems: three large bronze turtle fountains at the base of the Rampe Douce were designed to handle the overflow from the estate’s reservoir system.
While we invite all our guests to enjoy finding some of these often-overlooked areas during your next visit, you may want to consider the benefits of purchasing a Biltmore Annual Pass. As a Passholder, you’ll receive exclusive benefits such as FREE unlimited visits for the next 12 months to discover your own hidden gems in every season!
Featured image: The Conservatory is a hidden gem of Biltmore that offers a tropical escape any time of year!
