Decking the Halls, Biltmore Style Posted on October 30, 2019 at 3:00 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Please enjoy this archived content from Christmas 2019. Each year, our Floral Displays team decks the halls of America’s Largest Home® for Christmas at Biltmore. For 2019, discover how they draw inspiration from the beautiful details, including the art and furnishings, in Biltmore House. Winter Garden and Surroundings Norene Barrett puts finishing touches on a Christmas tree topper Norene Barrett began working at Biltmore 18 years ago in the mail services department. Though she enjoyed her role, she looked for different ways to express her own creativity. In 2015, after taking an intensive course in floral design, Norene joined Floral Displays and is now responsible for decorating sections of Biltmore House and the estate. Floral team members Feny Bryan, Norene Barrett, and Kathy Nameth decorate a trio of trees inspired by the Greek friezes on the wall “This trio of trees is meant to take guests back in time,” Norene said of her design for the area between the Winter Garden and the Billiard Room. “The trees are cheery and bright, but I used a lot of white elements for continuity with the series of Greek friezes on the walls.” Norene added snowy branches to her décor along with period ornaments to bring a nostalgic feeling of Christmas past. Winter Garden decorated for Christmas at Biltmore For the Winter Garden, Norene is planning to light the evergreen garlands so that they glow, and instead of traditional kissing balls suspended from the greenery, she has created sparkling swags that catch the light. She’ll also add plenty of poinsettias to emphasize the garden feel of the space. Breakfast Room Joslyn Kelly adds ornaments to the Breakfast Room tree “This is the room where the family would eat breakfast, so I wanted it to have a warm, homey feeling as if you’re being welcomed to the table,” said Joslyn Kelly, floral designer. A selection of red and pink Christmas ornaments chosen to complement the Breakfast Room decor Drawing inspiration from the room’s elegant cut velvet draperies and upholstery, Joslyn decked the halls with ornaments in a range of pinks and reds to complement the lovely patterns and colors of the fabric. Decor including lush floral displays and topiaries top the Breakfast Room table during Christmas at Biltmore. Look for glorious floral arrangements, towering topiaries of deep burgundy cranberries, and gilded pears among the delicate crystal and china place settings on the table. Morning Salon The estate’s Nativity scene, often staged in the Tapestry Gallery in years past Cristy Leonard has been a member of the floral team for seven years, and the Salon is one of her areas to decorate for our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore celebration. The estate’s large traditional Nativity will be staged in the Salon this year, and according to Cristy, the set has been a major source of inspiration for her designs. “I’ve planned special new surroundings that includes twinkling lights to resemble nighttime in Bethlehem,” Cristy said. Cristy Leonard displays ornaments she created for the Salon tree Cristy chose to deck the halls of the Salon’s main tree in brilliant peacock blues and greens with bright touches of gold. She added cherubs, gilded grapes, and grapevines to symbolize the prosperity and blessings of the season. Salon Christmas tree wound with gold fabric As a finishing touch, Cristy swathed the tree in yards of gauzy golden fabric, echoing the look of the room’s iconic draped and tented ceiling. Third Floor Living Hall A harpist plays Christmas carols in the Third Floor Living Hall During the Vanderbilt era, Third Floor Living Hall was a place for guests to relax in the evenings, share the events of the day, and perhaps read or catch up with friends. Michelle Warren of Biltmore’s floral team created a child’s tree for this room, complete with dolls, toys, and wooden soldiers around the base, ready for the younger set to play with them while their parents indulged in a sing-along or a game of cards. A whimsical Humpty Dumpty and other toys under the Third Floor Living Hall Christmas tree As you enter Third Floor Living Hall, look for a charming scene featuring a table set up with paper, ribbon, and tags, just as if Edith Vanderbilt were wrapping her gifts for the Christmas season! Other 2019 Christmas at Biltmore highlights: Grand Staircase This elegant Christmas tree is centered under the Grand Staircase Chandelier, making it appear as though the four-story light is the tree topper. Banquet Hall From the 35-foot fresh Fraser fir at one end to the triple fireplaces at the other, the Banquet Hall is a traditional guest favorite and one of the most beloved rooms in Biltmore House. Library Themed around the idea of Christmas Traditions, the Library incorporates traditional colors such as gold, red, green, plaids, and a tartan print. Oak Sitting Room The colorful décor in rich jewel tones of red, cobalt, gold, and green is drawn from the room’s splendid Axminster—the only rug of English origin in Biltmore House. Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom The tree ornaments are inspired by the Vanderbilts’ courtship which took place in Paris. The room features a soft mix of lilac, amber, and cream colors drawn from the distinctive oval ceiling. Main Kitchen Look for a whimsical gingerbread replica of Biltmore House. Christmas at Biltmore Enjoy the daytime celebration November 1, 2019–January 5, 2020, and experience Candlelight Christmas Evenings through January 4, 2020.
Preparing Biltmore’s Historic Gardens for Fall Posted on September 7, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton The task list is long in Stacey Weir’s weekly planner this time of year as she and her crew begin preparing Biltmore’s historic gardens for fall. As Horticulture Manager, Stacey and her team must focus on putting the gardens to bed after the long, lush days of summer are done. Preparations for fall begin during late summer in Biltmore’s historic gardens “The landscape has delighted our guests all season with a showy tribute to Frederick Law Olmsted’s original landscape scheme,” said Stacey, “but now it’s time to be preparing Biltmore’s historic gardens for fall.” The ever-changing gardens require meticulous note-taking and calendar-minding to stay on track for the next season… and the next and the next. It’s challenging for Stacey to summarize what her team does to get the gardens ready for fall and winter, but she shares some of the main tasks below–and notes that you can follow the Biltmore team’s lead in your own garden at home. Fall tasks at hand After Labor Day, tropical plants will be returned to the Conservatory “One of our first tasks for preparing Biltmore’s historic gardens for fall begins just after Labor Day,” Stacey said. “Our crews will be busy pulling all of the tropical plants that have been on display during warmer weather.” That means the massive terra cotta planters filled with elephant ears that line the front of Biltmore House and other areas are being emptied and stored for next summer. “Some crew members will suit up in waders to work in the Italian Garden pools where tropical lilies and enormous Victorian lily pads are just finishing their blooming season,” said Stacey. “The crew will weed out the remains and clean the ponds.” A gardener dons waders to work in the Italian Garden pools. In addition, Stacey notes that height pruning in the floral pattern beds and borders of the Walled Garden is a priority in order to keep leaf drop manageable as the winds pick up with seasonal change. Perennials are cut back to ensure good growth for spring. “We’ll lift the dahlia bulbs out of the ground in the Walled Garden’s Victorian border to allow the soil to dry naturally,” Stacey said. “The bulbs will be placed in a cool dry place to store over winter to be replanted in the spring.” Mum’s the word in the Walled Garden Vibrant mums are a sure sign of fall in the Walled Garden. Biltmore’s signature fall color flower display of mums will also be planted in the Walled Garden pattern beds. The mums will begin showing glorious color in late September and early October, with peak bloom around the second or third week of October. “We usually plan a warm-toned color scheme for fall, with shades of orange, golden yellow, and deep reds and purples,” noted Stacey. Fall leaves become a part of Biltmore soil The beautiful fall colors of the Azalea Garden. Credit: The Biltmore Company As temperatures cool and the leaves begin to change color, just like at your house, there’s leaf management to consider. The horticulture crew embarks on several leaf clean-ups throughout the season to minimize final clean-up at the end of the season. Crews collect the leaves and use them for compost, or they put the leaves in to a tub grinder with woody debris and grind everything to use for soil. Any leftovers are used in a compost that’s made with herbaceous debris, which is broadcast in the field crops and food plots throughout estate property. Christmas and winter work Poinsettias being grown in the production house at the Conservatory A portion of the poinsettias used during our annual Christmas at Biltmore displays are grown in the production house near the Conservatory. Planted in July, the poinsettias begin to pop up in early fall. A selection of the full-grown plants will be placed in Biltmore House, while the others will decorate the Conservatory. In early October, the Conservatory team will also plant tulip bulbs in pots in order to have tulip bloom and color “under glass” by Valentine’s Day in mid-February. Looking ahead to Biltmore Blooms Tulips are a sure sign of spring at Biltmore And then, there are the tulips which herald the start of Spring at Biltmore celebrations. To enjoy vivid blooms in April, the bulbs must be planted in November just before Thanksgiving. Actual planting days are based on temperatures to avoid planting when the ground is frozen. “Each fall, our crews plant thousands upon thousands of bulbs including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in the Walled Garden and across the estate. When spring arrives, the total number of blooms is breathtaking!” said Stacey. The matrix A hand-drawn sketch shows details of a planting in the Conservatory To keep track of every plant—from seed to taking them out of the production house to putting them in the ground—all of these timetables and tasks are organized on paper. The plans include a “priority matrix” that the gardeners have developed through the years to determine which tasks to focus on first depending on factors such as guest-facing locations and type of plant. Otherwise, “It’s all a jumbled mess in your head,” Stacey said, She’s quick to add that when you’re working in the gardens season after season, the memory naturally retains the details. Gardeners are constantly thinking several steps ahead of the task at hand. “In horticulture, everything effects the next thing,” said Stacey. “Perennial-wise you have to make allowances now to have success in the spring. Everything has the continual life span of birth and rebirth almost.” Plan your fall getaway today Plan your spectacular fall getaway to Biltmore today! From colorful leaves to crisp days and cool nights, there’s no better time to enjoy a visit to Biltmore than during the fall season. Plan your getaway today.
Comparing Biltmore House to Downton Abbey Posted on August 18, 2019 at 2:01 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico Downton Abbey: The Exhibition ended September 7, 2020. Please enjoy this archived content. Did you know everyday life in Biltmore House bore striking resemblance to fictional life at Downton Abbey? In honor of Biltmore playing host to Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, let’s take a look at some of the similarities—and differences—between these two grand homes. Archival image of estate workers during harvest season at Biltmore, ca. 1900 A Working Estate The greatest overarching parallel between Downton Abbey and Biltmore is the idea of both as working estates overseen by one man and his family. While Downton Abbey is set in England, George Vanderbilt’s vision for Biltmore was heavily influenced by the model of similar English estates. There were numerous tenant families working the land, and the Vanderbilts grew to know each of these families closely over the years. The Servants’ Hall in Biltmore House, where staff could relax and socialize Household Staff Within the houses, the standards of domestic service were much the same between the Crawleys and the Vanderbilts. While there were some differences in the ways American and English households were managed, the housekeeper played a major role. At Biltmore, this role was primarily filled by Mrs. King; for Downton Abbey, it’s Mrs. Hughes—both known for their massive house key rings and calm demeanors. Detail of electrical switchboard in the sub-basement of Biltmore House Technological Advancements Though numerous characters within the Downton Abbey household, both above stairs and below, expressed concerns about advancements in technology, they were widely embraced at Biltmore. Even in 1895, Biltmore House was constructed with many of these in mind: telephones, elevators, forced heating, mechanical refrigeration, an electric servant call bell system, electric lighting, and more. Restoring the wallcovering of the Louis XV Room in Biltmore House Preserving the Home One of the primary themes in Downton Abbey is the importance Lord Grantham and his family place on preserving and maintaining their home for succeeding generations. This has also been a prime concern at Biltmore for George Vanderbilt’s descendants. Today, the estate is owned and overseen by the fourth and fifth generations of the family. Join us November 8, 2019 through April 7, 2020 to experience Downton Abbey like never before—amid George Vanderbilt’s magnificent estate—with Downton Abbey: The Exhibition at Biltmore. Feature image: Biltmore House, ca. 1910
Keeping Track of Biltmore Gardens Railway Posted on May 29, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico Please enjoy this archived exhibition article. Twice a year, Biltmore’s Conservatory is home to Biltmore Gardens Railway, an elaborate G-scale railway with locomotives and rail cars weaving through the historic greenhouse’s exotic botanicals and miniature replicas of estate landmarks – even one of the Conservatory itself! A second railway display is located in Antler Hill Village where trains travel past replicas of the Eiffel Tower, London’s Tower Bridge, and other European landmarks visited by George Vanderbilt during his world travels. “Luxuriant” bamboo, as Frederick Law Olmsted called it when planning George Vanderbilt’s gardens and grounds, was harvested and used as the roofing material on the Biltmore House replica. Grapevine was also collected and fashioned into Biltmore’s iconic gargoyles. Scaling down Biltmore House Working from original floor plans, drawings with elevations, and photographs of Biltmore House and other estate structures, a team with Applied Imagination constructed the Biltmore replicas using natural materials they gathered from estate grounds. The result is a stunningly accurate version of Biltmore. Some fun facts to consider: 1,700 – The number of hours it took to construct the 10-foot-long replica of Biltmore House, compared to… the 6 years it took to build the 250-room Biltmore House in the late 1800s. 6 – The number of artists it took to build the scale model of Biltmore House, compared to… the 1,000 workers it took to build Biltmore House in the late 1800s. 5,000 – The number of tons of Indiana limestone used to build Biltmore House in the late 1800s, compared to… the 25 types of items harvested from estate grounds to create replicas of Biltmore House and other buildings. This included horse chestnut, magnolia leaves, hickory nuts, lotus pods, bamboo, pine cone scales, acorn caps, winged bean, star anise, grapevine, honeysuckle, ash bark, oak bark, pine bark, elm bark, hickory bark, eucalyptus leaves, day lily stem, rose of sharon, cedar branch, walnuts, stewartia, wisteria, turkey tail fungus, and contorted Filbert. Artists from Applied Imagination suited up in waders to snip a few treasures from the Italian Garden pools. The lotus pods growing there were just too perfect to pass up, and ended up in the creation of the Stables. Inside the Conservatory 6 – The number of separate railroad tracks running through the Conservatory carrying locomotives and rail cars around the buildings. The trains cross bridges and trestles on varied levels and through multiple rooms. 8 – The number of estate building replicas in the Conservatory. 7 – The number of artists it took to create all of the replicas in the Conservatory. 3,745 –The number of combined hours it took to construct eight estate building replicas for the Conservatory exhibition. Attention to detail is paramount, even down to the conductor’s facial features! Tracking progress 8 – The number of buildings in the display at Antler Hill Village. 1,050 – Amount of railroad track in feet required for the displays. 1 – Amount of weeks to install Biltmore Gardens Railway at two locations on the estate. Biltmore Gardens Railway is a wonderful, fun-for-all-ages feature at Biltmore this summer. Plan your visit now!
Biltmore Gardens Railway: Fun-For-All-Ages Posted on May 10, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico In the summer of 2019, Biltmore Gardens Railway brought large-scale model railroads and handmade buildings connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt to two locations on the estate—the Conservatory and Antler Hill Village. The exhibition featured replica structures fashioned from all-natural materials, largely collected from the estate, to offer a one-of-a-kind, fun-for-all-ages experience. Enjoy a special look at the structures and stories that inspired Biltmore Gardens Railway. Conservatory Display: Structures from the estate and surrounding area Photograph of Biltmore House and the Italian Garden, ca. 1910 Biltmore House with Fountain & Rampe DouceCompleted in 1895, Biltmore House was a collaborative effort between George Vanderbilt and architect Richard Morris Hunt. It took six years to construct America’s Largest Home®. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau contains more than four acres of floor space, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Photograph of the Stable Complex construction from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1894 Stable ComplexAn important part of a turn-of-the-century country home, the stables housed the Vanderbilts’ 30–40 driving and riding horses. Correspondence in Biltmore’s Archives indicates that George Vanderbilt made every effort to procure the best horses possible for the estate. Original horses’ names included Ida, Pamlico, and Maud. Photograph of the Conservatory from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1910 ConservatoryThis grand structure was built to provide flowers and plants for Biltmore House year-round—a role it continues to fulfill today. Carefully placed at the lower end of the Wall Garden so as not to obstruct the view from Biltmore House, the Conservatory includes a Palm House and an Orchid House and spans more than 7,000 square feet. Photograph of All Souls’ Church from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1906 All Souls’ ChurchCommissioned by George Vanderbilt, All Souls’ Church was the anchor—architecturally, spiritually, and socially—of nearby Biltmore Village. The church as well as the rest of the buildings in the village were the result of a collaboration between Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Photograph of the Biltmore Passenger Station from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1899 Biltmore Passenger Station*The Passenger Station in Biltmore Village was the first stop for many of the Vanderbilts’ guests when they arrived in Western North Carolina on their way to the estate. Family and friends were met there by the Vanderbilts’ carriage or car and brought up the breathtaking three-mile Approach Road to Biltmore House. Photograph of deer at the Bass Pond Waterfall from the Biltmore collection, ca. 1950 Bass Pond WaterfallDesigned by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the Bass Pond was created by greatly enlarging an old creek-fed millpond. In order to keep the pond free of sediment and debris caused by heavy rains, Olmsted engineered an ingenious flume system to divert debris and storm water through a conduit laid on the lake bed. Photograph of The Gardener’s Cottage from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1892 The Gardener’s CottageOne of the first buildings completed on the estate, the Gardener’s Cottage served as the residence of Biltmore’s first head gardener. The one-and-a-half story stone cottage was originally occupied Mr. Robert Bottomley, who was the estate’s head gardener until November 1903. Photograph of the Lodge Gate from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1900 Lodge GateLocated at the entrance to the estate from Biltmore Village, the Lodge Gate provided round-the-clock security by means of a resident gatekeeper. Other entrances to Biltmore also had gatehouses and gatekeepers, though the Lodge Gate was considered the main entrance to George Vanderbilt’s grand estate. Antler Hill Village Display: Landmarks from George Vanderbilt’s travels Photograph of Pisgah National Forest Entry Gate, ca. 1916-1936 Pisgah National Forest Entry Gate – Transylvania County, North CarolinaJust before George Vanderbilt’s death in 1914, he was involved in negotiations to sell a large portion of his estate to the federal government in hopes that it would become a forest preserve. His wife Edith later completed this undertaking, selling 87,000 acres of the estate to establish the core of what later became Pisgah National Forest. Photograph of Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, ca. 2009 Vanderbilt Mansion – Hyde Park, New YorkGeorge Vanderbilt’s brother Frederick Vanderbilt and his wife Louise created a seasonal home in Hyde Park, NY. The house was inspired by a classical Palladian villa and was surrounded by formal and informal gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who later served as the landscape architect for Biltmore. Photograph of a Dutch windmill taken by George Vanderbilt’s grandson, William A. V. Cecil, ca. 1950 Windmill & Three Classic Canal House Façades – Amsterdam, The NetherlandsThe Vanderbilt family line originated in Holland in the village of De Bilt, not far from Amsterdam. The Vanderbilts’ ancestors immigrated to the Dutch colony of New Netherland around 1650, eventually settling near present-day Staten Island, New York. George Vanderbilt visited his family’s homeland in 1897. Photograph of the Eiffel Tower from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1890 Eiffel Tower – Paris, FranceThis Paris landmark was already an icon when George and Edith Vanderbilt were married on June 1, 1898 in a civil ceremony after a whirlwind courtship abroad. An understated religious ceremony was held the following day at the American Church of the Holy Trinity, attended only by family and close friends. Photograph of the Arc de Triomphe from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1885 Arc De Triomphe – Paris, FranceAfter the Vanderbilt’s Parisian marriage ceremony, the wedding party attended a breakfast at the apartment Edith shared with her sisters on Rue Vernet, just an avenue away from the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Edith’s sister Natalie provided two bottles of champagne that their maternal grandfather had set aside at Edith’s birth to be served on her wedding day. Colorized photograph of Tower Bridge, ca. 1900 Tower Bridge – London, EnglandIn June 1897, George Vanderbilt rented an apartment on London’s Pall Mall to witness the celebration surrounding Queen Victoria’s 60-year reign. Among his guests viewing the festivities from the balcony was his future bride, Edith Stuyvesant Dresser, likely marking the beginning of their romance. Engraving of the USS Vanderbilt, ca. 1862 USS Vanderbilt – Transatlantic ServiceCornelius “The Commodore” Vanderbilt, George Vanderbilt’s grandfather and founder of the family fortune, commissioned a steamship in 1856 dubbed the Vanderbilt, once hailed as “the largest vessel that has ever floated on the Atlantic Ocean.” *Feature image: Recreation of Biltmore Passenger Station; this structure is on display in both the Conservatory and Antler Hill Village.
A Desirable Destination for Romance Posted on January 13, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Even before construction of Biltmore House was officially completed, George Vanderbilt offered world-class hospitality—and a desirable destination for romance—to family and friends who visited his estate. Destined for romance In honor of the romantic traditions of Valentine’s Day, let’s take a look at some of the very first Biltmore visitors: newlyweds Jay and Adele Burden. Adele was George Vanderbilt’s niece, the daughter of his sister Emily Vanderbilt Sloane. She had been a frequent visitor to the estate, even during early stages of construction, and Adele’s love of Biltmore is evident in her diary entries. George Vanderbilt, the Burdens, and Cedric the Saint Bernard crossing the river on Biltmore’s ferry Words in a diary Welcoming in the new year of 1894 at Biltmore nearly a year before the house officially opened, Adele wrote: “Only a word to begin the New Year with. I made my good resolutions last night sitting over a little dying fire. The window was wide open, and the cold night air blew in. The stars were all out, and there was a hushed stillness everywhere as if something were expected. It has been so gloriously beautiful out today; it made me feel wild.” A courtship begins In fact, 1894 would be a significant year for Adele. She was courted by a handsome young man, James “Jay” Abercrombie Burden, whose family owned the Burden Iron works, one of the most successful such firms in the country. Adele had no shortage of suitors, but with his clean-cut good looks, Harvard education, and superior athleticism, Jay soon won Adele’s heart. He proposed in December and the couple married on June 6, 1895, in what was reported to be one of the costliest American weddings held at the time. Jay and Adele Burden on the steps of River Cliff Cottage at Biltmore Happy honeymoon! Of all the possible destinations far and wide, the Burdens chose Biltmore as the place to begin their honeymoon. They spent the first 10 days of their married life at River Cliff Cottage, which was built at the same time Biltmore House was under construction. Just before her wedding, Adele wrote: “The next day we go down to Biltmore to spend ten days in the dear little house Uncle George has given to us. How perfect it will be!” Adele and her husband Jay were the first in a long line of friends and family welcomed as guests at Biltmore to experience what would become George Vanderbilt’s legendary hospitality. Experience Biltmore Estate as destination for romance Celebrate your romantic occasions at Biltmore Join us to experience the rich history of hospitality and romance at Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, NC. Whether you’re visiting for Valentine’s Day or simply want to shake off winter’s chill while enjoying an exciting glimpse into the past, the estate is always a great destination for romance! Featured image: George Vanderbilt and Cedric the St. Bernard with newlyweds Adele and James Burden at Biltmore
Time Travel: George Vanderbilt’s Visit to Japan Posted on September 15, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Judy Ross Time travel with us to explore George Vanderbilt’s visit to Japan that began on September 1, 1892. George Vanderbilt’s visit to Japan Just as visitors do today, Vanderbilt and his cousin, Clarence Barker, toured countless temples and other cultural sites during their visit to Japan. But they apparently worked in some shopping as well, as Biltmore’s archives indicate. Ni-o guardians, carved wood. Edo period (1603-1868). Like most of us, George Vanderbilt purchased souvenirs to remind him of the fascinating places he visited. Unlike us, however, he had a 250-room home under construction with plenty of space for accessories! Perceptions of other places Nagasaki, Takabato Island. Photo purchased by George Vanderbilt, 1892. Today, it’s hard to imagine how “foreign” Japan seemed to Americans at the end of the 1800s. The country had been closed to most Westerners for 200 years, only opening somewhat to trade beginning in the 1850s. In Vanderbilt’s time, Japan was viewed as a place untouched by the west’s industrialization and modernization. Popular literature of the time evoked a far-off land where feudal traditions persisted and its people lived a simpler life. Carved netsuke, originally used as toggles on kimonos To many Americans, Japan and its culture was exotic and rooted in tradition, offering a blend of spirituality and aesthetic beauty. To George Vanderbilt, deeply interested in history, the arts, and collecting, the allure must have been irresistible. A far-east adventure Invitation to Emperor of Japan’s birthday celebration, 1892 The trip itself was an adventure. Vanderbilt and Barker—one of his favorite traveling companions—had just returned from Spain when an invitation arrived to attend the Emperor of Japan’s birthday celebration. Soon after, they packed their trunks and, on September 1, 1892, embarked on the first leg of a 10-week itinerary. First, they accompanied Biltmore architect Richard Morris Hunt to Chicago to see his preliminary work on the World’s Columbian Exposition. Clarence Barker, George Vanderbilt’s cousin and frequent travel companion, ca. 1890 From there, the pair continued westward, stopping in Yellowstone National Park at the Mammoth Hot Springs hotel. Upon reaching San Francisco, they boarded ship for the week-long journey to Yokohama to begin their exploration of Japanese culture and customs—and evidently, quite a bit of shopping! Shopping for souvenirs Ceremonial samurai swords with decorative display stand Antiques shops and art dealers were obviously part of the itinerary, as Vanderbilt eventually shipped 32 cases of art and decorative objects back to America. Among his purchases were: Satsuma ceramics, including a koro or ceremonial incense burner, for $85—a significant sum 122 years agoTwo suits of samurai armor along with spears and swordsNetsuke—miniature sculptures originally used as kimono togglesBronze sculpturesLacquer boxes and sculpturesVaried screens and fansBamboo curtains1,000 festive paper lanterns Time travel today at Biltmore Aerial view of Biltmore House and the Italian Garden We hope you’ll consider Biltmore in your current and future plans. It’s an excellent place to “time travel” into our storied past! If you’d prefer to visit without leaving the comfort of home, be sure to enjoy virtual tours of the estate, or indulge in a bit of shopping in our online store. Featured image: Pagoda at Horinja-Nana. Photo purchased by George Vanderbilt, 1892
Richard Sharp Smith: A Western North Carolina Legacy Posted on July 8, 2018 at 9:32 am.Written by Amy Dangelico Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt collaborated with Richard Sharp Smith to create America’s Largest Home® as well as other buildings on the estate and in the surrounding area. Among others, Smith remained in the Asheville area and contributed their talents to many homes and buildings around the region. Let’s take a look at Smith’s work in the Asheville and Western North Carolina. After receiving architectural training in England, Richard Sharp Smith came to America in 1882, joining Richard Morris Hunt’s New York office in 1886. A pivotal point in his career came when he was assigned as Biltmore’s supervising architect, responsible for overseeing construction onsite. Following Hunt’s death in August 1895, Smith became Vanderbilt’s lead architect. All Souls’ Church, designed by Richard Morris Hunt with construction overseen by Richard Sharp Smith, ca. late 1895–early 1896 Once this major project was completed, Richard Sharp Smith started his own firm in Asheville, raising a family and becoming one of the area’s most popular architects until his death in 1924. At the time of his passing, the Asheville Citizen said: “After long years of residence in Asheville, Smith has done more than any other person to beautify the city. He came to Asheville just at a time when he was needed, and was really a pioneer architect in the community…“ Smith worked in styles ranging from Arts and Crafts to Tudor to Colonial Revival. And not surprisingly, many of these homes and buildings are reminiscent of Biltmore House and other structures on the estate. Biltmore Village Post Office, designed by Richard Sharp Smith, ca. 1903 “Two beautiful examples of Richard Sharp Smith’s residential style—the Annie West House at 189 Chestnut Street in Chestnut Hill and the Charles Jordan House at 296 Montford Avenue—include pebbledash stucco, archways, and rooflines, much like his buildings in Biltmore Village,” said Leslie Klingner, Biltmore’s Curator of Interpretation. In downtown Asheville, Smith was the architect for the E.W. Grove Office at 324 Charlotte Street, the Elks Home—also known as Hotel Asheville—at 55 Haywood Street, and the Young Men’s Institute on Eagle Street. Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church on Charlotte Street, Grace Episcopal on Merrimon Avenue, and All Souls’ Church in Biltmore Village are also his creations. Young Men’s Institute in downtown Asheville, designed by Richard Sharp Smith, ca. 1893 Smith’s work is evident throughout Western North Carolina, including homes in Flat Rock and courthouses for Henderson, Jackson, and Madison counties. “Many of the buildings that define Asheville today were designed by Richard Sharp Smith,” said Leslie. “It’s enjoyable to see these structures and worth taking the time to notice the arches, tile work, pebbledash, and architectural features that relate to Biltmore House.”
Restoring Our Roof: North Tower Ridge Cap Project Posted on May 14, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton In 2015, several leaks in Biltmore House made it clear the time had come for restoring our roof. We brought in Huber & Associates, a firm of historical and restoration roofing experts, to remove the original North Tower Ridge Cap from America’s Largest Home®. A worker removes a section of the original ridge cap under the watchful eye of a grotesque carving After carefully removing each section and taking it back to their Florida workshop, the team used the original pieces as models to build an all-new ridge cap for restoring our roof. This seven-month project shows our commitment to our continuing mission of preserving Biltmore. Here’s how the work unfolded: April 2015 The crew arrived at Biltmore and spent several days disassembling the North Tower Ridge Cap and preparing the pieces for travel. A member of Huber & Associates carefully removes an original section of the North Tower Ridge Cap May 2015 Three different weights of copper were discovered — 18, 20, and 24 ounce — as well as a leaf from one of the vertical panels that still had some of the original gold leaf intact! An original roof panel with George Vanderbilt’s monogram still shows traces of gold leaf About 900 individual pieces arrived in Florida, where they were inventoried and analyzed. June 2015 Scaffolding in place to access North Tower Ridge Cap restoration on roof of Biltmore House Meanwhile, work continued at Biltmore to repair any underlying leaks in the roof, and a temporary ridge cap was created to prevent further damage while the replacement was being built in Florida. August 2015 Exact reproductions of decorative copper components from the North Tower Ridge Cap The crew at Huber & Associates created separate casts for stamping, pouring, and forming new molds to replicate the original pieces. October 2015 Huber & Associates returned to install the replicated pieces of the ridge cap Huber & Associates finished their painstaking replication of the North Tower Ridge Cap and brought all the pieces (original and new) back to Biltmore for installation. The photo above shows one of the new copper sections being installed next to an original portion of the ridge cap with its distinctive green patina. November 2015 Installation of the new North Tower Ridge Cap began and the project was completed in late November. The original pieces were placed in storage. The new copper ridge cap is a reddish-brown color that looks much like it did when Biltmore House was completed in 1895. It is being allowed to acquire a natural patina over time rather than trying to match it by modern methods. A worker installs a new section of the North Tower Ridge Cap Biltmore was honored to receive the Griffin Award for Restoration—given annually by The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County for projects that accurately depict the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time—for this preservation initiative. We are grateful to our amazing employees and to Huber & Associates for all their hard work.
Spring is a Special Time to Honor Olmsted Posted on March 8, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Spring is a special time to honor Frederick Law Olmsted, Biltmore’s landscape designer. A quiet spot near the Bass Pond highlights Olmsted’s landscape design When designing Biltmore’s historic gardens and grounds, Olmsted knew that spring would set the stage for all the glorious seasons to come. Today, the meticulously maintained landscape still stand as a timely tribute to Olmsted’s springtime birthday. Born April 26, 1822, Olmsted is known as “the father of American landscape architecture,” with premiere projects including Central Park in New York City and the grounds of California’s Stanford University. The Lagoon is one of Olmsted’s many landscape designs for Biltmore “There are many beautiful American parks and landscapes that reflect Olmsted’s genius,” said Parker Andes, Director of Horticulture, “but it’s the design for Biltmore that is considered Olmsted’s masterpiece.” According to Parker, Olmsted had already worked on several Vanderbilt family projects when George Vanderbilt approached him in 1888 for advice on the North Carolina property he’d already purchased. “Now I have brought you here to examine it and tell me if I have been doing anything very foolish,” Vanderbilt reportedly told Olmsted. Olmsted’s frank assessment The Approach Road to Biltmore House is lined with azaleas each spring “Olmsted was frank in his assessment, advising Vanderbilt that the soil seemed to be generally poor, with most of the good trees having been culled already,” Parker said. “He noted that the topography was unsuitable for creating the type of park scenery that characterized the English country estates that Vanderbilt admired.” Colorful spring blooms in Biltmore’s Shrub Garden Plans for both the house and landscape changed in 1889 when Vanderbilt and architect Richard Morris Hunt toured France together and the scale of Biltmore House and its surrounding gardens expanded. Olmsted wrote that he was nervous, not sure how to “merge stately architectural work with natural or naturalistic landscape work,” but Olmsted biographer Witold Rybczynki says that the landscape architect achieved something completely original at Biltmore: the first combination of French and English landscape designs. White wisteria blooming in the Walled Garden “You can see Olmsted’s creativity and skill in the transitions between Biltmore’s formal and natural gardens, and his use of native plants, small trees and large shrubs, and color and texture year-round,” said Parker. Now that Biltmore welcomes 1.7 million guests each year, the historic gardens and grounds must be protected and preserved as carefully as Biltmore House and all other original parts of the estate. Guests of all ages love discovering Biltmore’s “outdoor rooms” like the Azalea Garden “In addition to the impact of so many visitors, the landscape has changed and matured over the past century,” said Parker, “and the challenge for today’s landscaping team lies in determining what Olmsted intended.” Landscaping crews at work to carry on Olsted’s vision for Biltmore “The team uses archival resources such as early plans, original plant lists, letters of correspondence, weekly reports written during the construction of the estate, and information about Olmsted’s design philosophies to help them preserve the landscape style while remaining true to Olmsted’s vision,” Parker noted. Plan your visit this spring Prepare to be dazzled as the splendor of spring unfolds across Biltmore’s historic gardens and grounds and thousands of blossoms create a tapestry of color across the estate. Featured blog image: A couple enjoys a visit to the estate’s historic gardens and grounds