Historic preservation

The Hemlock hedge bordering the Italian Garden was removed and replanted with American Holly cuttings taken from an original hedge in the Walled Garden, preserving Olmsted's design intent.

Preservation work in both the Smoking Room and Gun Room (shown here) was recently completed, returning them to their appearance during the Vanderbilt era.

George Vanderbilt purchased The Waltz by Swedish artist Anders Zorn (1860–1920) at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. Displayed in the Second Floor Living Hall, this painting was conserved in 2024.

Beautiful and ornate, the Banquet Hall's chandeliers were recently inspected as part of an assessment of major architectural elements in Biltmore House.

The Winery clock tower features an original clock that was once an integral feature of Biltmore’s dairy operation. The clock is currently undergoing restoration.

Rosita, by Spanish painter Ignacio Zuloaga (1870–1945), was recently conserved to restore its original appearance. The painting is displayed in the hallway adjacent to the Louis XV Suite.

One of two massive lanterns in front of Deerpark Restaurant. The pair once graced the New York City home of George Vanderbilt’s father and have recently been restored to their original appearance.

In a two-year multi-step process, Asheville artist Alex Irvine re-created Woman Reading with Dog, an outdoor sculpture on the Library Terrace. Due to age and exposure, the original terracotta piece had deteriorated and was moved into storage.

One of the two small islands that Frederick Law Olmsted designed for the Bass Pond disappeared over time. Our landscaping crews used Olmsted’s original notes to restore the feature in 2022.

Renovation and restoration of the Market Gardener’s Cottage is currently underway. This historic two-bedroom home is one of the Cottages on Biltmore Estate™, our premium overnight stay properties.