Books by the Thousands: A Bibliophile’s Collection Posted on August 4, 2021 at 12:03 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico At the age of 12, George Vanderbilt began keeping meticulous records in a series of journals called “Books I Have Read,” a habit he continued throughout his life. By his death in 1914, he had logged 3,159 books, which means that between 1875 and 1914, he read an average of 81 books a year. Three volumes of George Vanderbilt’s “Books I Have Read” journal series It was well known that George was a bibliophile. A turn-of-the-century New York journalist wrote of him: “He was a bookworm, a student… And his love of books came all from his own inner consciousness, for he was not graduated from any college, and his education, while not neglected, had not been carried beyond the ordinary limits of high schools, though now, I doubt not, he is one of the best read men in the country.” A testament to his passions for books and collecting, the walls of the Library in Biltmore House are lined with walnut shelves housing about half of George’s personal collection of 20,000 volumes. The collection ranges in subject from American and English fiction to world history, religion, philosophy, art, and architecture. About one-third of the volumes were antiquarian purchases, the oldest of which is an Italian work published in 1561. Cedric, George Vanderbilt’s beloved Saint Bernard, lounging in the Library, 1898 The collection also includes many French titles—4,326 to be exact—and George’s “Books I Have Read” journals show that he read many of them. Both fiction and non-fiction, the volumes speak to George’s interest in France and its culture as well as his fluency in the French language. Just as the journals help us to understand how well-read he was, they give us insight into which authors George favored, though it’s difficult to say who his favorite actually was. An excerpt from one of the “Books I Have Read” journals with a note on the birth of George Vanderbilt’s daughter We know he was fond of French author Honoré de Balzac’s work. George noted having read more than 80 Balzac titles and there are a total of 218 books by the author in his collection. We also know that of the 30 works by Charles Dickens listed in his journals, George read many of them more than once. For instance, there are two mentions of The Pickwick Papers, which George read at age 13 and again when he was 25. The elegant binding on the books in George Vanderbilt’s collection are each a work of art George also favored Sir Walter Scott. He read many of his 273 books by Scott two or three times. He read Waverly, a groundbreaking historical novel, in 1875, 1897, and again in 1910. Most of the books George collected were sent to one of the great bookbinders of the period, such as Riviere, Stikeman, Lortic, or David. A few months later, they would return, beautifully bound in Moroccan leather with gilt lettering and decoration, to be placed on the shelves of the Library in Biltmore House.
Providing Gracious Hospitality, One Bite at a Time Posted on August 3, 2021 at 12:07 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Cloreitha Fenton, Biltmore House Food & Beverage Outlets General Manager, has 23 years of providing gracious hospitality, one bite at a time. Cloreitha Fenton provides gracious hospitality with a smile “I’ve been working here half my life,” said Clo, as she’s know by her friends and coworkers. “I like to tell people I’m ‘Biltmore-grown’.” As General Manager, Clo oversees a department of all the employees who operate the food and beverage outlets for Biltmore House & Gardens, including The Bake Shop, Biltmore Dairy Bar®, and Courtyard Market in the Stable Courtyard, Conservatory Café located behind the Conservatory, and all the satellite food carts that pop up for special dates and events. Located in the Stable Courtyard adjacent to Biltmore House, Biltmore Dairy Bar® serves a wide range of sweet treats In the past two decades, Clo has served in a variety of different roles at Biltmore. She joined the estate as a cook at Stable Café, then moved to Deerpark Restaurant. In 2000 she switched her focus to work in purchasing for Food & Beverage, but eventually returned to the Stable Complex as a supervisor for the outlets there. In 2003 she became assistant manager of all estate food outlets, eventually helping open both The Creamery and Smokehouse for the launch of Antler Hill Village in 2010. Guests enjoy ice cream and other delicious treats and snacks at The Creamery in Antler Hill Village Clo became a general manager in 2014 and is responsible for overseeing a team of supervisors, daily operations for the outlets, financials, and ensuring that her dedicated team of employees have everything they need to provide excellent service to guests. Clo offers a training moment to a member of her team “We’re in the mix every day, and we’re very hands-on. Sometimes we have to make decisions on the fly and make things happen,” she said. “In addition to the day-to-day work, my focus is to grow my team, make sure we’re profitable, and make sure my employees are taken care of.” Clo embraces all the values Biltmore represents, but there is one that resonates with her in particular. Biltmore Dairy Bar® offers something special for everyone, including vanilla ice cream inspired by an original Biltmore recipe “I was raised to be gracious, to say ‘ma’am’ and ‘thank you’ and to be kind, and I make sure I maintain that sense of gracious hospitality. I try my best to help all my employees succeed and focus on those who want to grow,” she said. “I want to come in every day and give 100 percent, to give all I can.” Join our gracious hospitality team today! Apply now to become a member of the Biltmore team Biltmore is interested in people who strive for excellence; who are committed to working together, supporting each other, and sharing a sense of stewardship to protect this special place. Our employees shape and enrich extraordinary experiences for guests, using judgment and skills based on our Vanderbilt-inspired legacy of hospitality. In addition, Biltmore has been recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies To Work For® in 2021. We invite you to consider joining our dedicated team by viewing careers and applying online. Featured image: Clo Fenton showcases a Winky Bar Sundae in a waffle bowl––a delightful creation inspired by a treat served at the original Biltmore Dairy Bar®.
July Travels of George Vanderbilt Posted on July 9, 2021 at 2:48 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico The travels of George Vanderbilt were extensive, to say the least. He visited more than 25 countries, crossing the Atlantic Ocean a total of 60 times by the end of his life. But more specifically, he was a champion of the July getaway, often spending the entire month abroad. Portrait of young George Vanderbilt, 1878 Childhood Travels George’s love of travel can be traced back to his youth. He spent much of his childhood visiting museums, libraries, and historic sites throughout Europe with his family. In 1879, at the age of 16, George accompanied his father on a three-month-long summer tour of England and France. Their travels took them to Versailles, the Louvre, Napoleon’s tomb, the National Gallery in London, Windsor Castle, and the graves of philosophers Voltaire and Rousseau. He wrote in his July 1879 travel journal (feature image): “July 4th 1879 Friday. Went out to Rouen [France]… It is said to be one of the quaintest towns in the world and is renowned for its medieval architecture. The cathedral is beautiful as also St. Maclou, we also went to the Museum of Antiquities and went to a little restaurant to get a little breakfast. But by far the finest sight is St. Ouen a magnificent cathedral of perfect medieval architecture.” George Vanderbilt during Spanish travels with cousins, 1891 Abroad with Cousins Years later, in 1891, George spent two months—including much of July—exploring Spain with three of his cousins. They first arrived in Gibraltar and then travelled to the capital city of Madrid; Seville, a town known for its enormous cathedral which houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus; and Ronda, an old Moorish hilltop town. When the trip came to its end, instead of returning home, George stayed at the Grand Hotel in London until August. George and Edith Vanderbilt’s honeymooon villa, 1898 An Italian Honeymoon July was also the first full month of George and Edith Vanderbilt’s four-month-long honeymoon. Following their Parisian wedding in June 1898, the Vanderbilts stayed near Stresa in the Lake District of Italy. A peaceful Italian villa served as the couple’s home base as they explored the area’s spectacular Alpine scenery and took short trips to visit some of Europe’s finest museums and galleries. George Vanderbilt wrote to artist James McNeill Whistler, July 10, 1898: “[We] have spent a delightful fortnight in the villa on Lake Maggiore and return there from here via the beautiful Stelvio pass, so that nature fills out & continues the interest of this little tour. It was Mrs Vanderbilts first visit to both Venice & Vienna & it has been an added pleasure of course to see her delight and interest and the way the pictures really took possession of her…”* Summertime blooms in Biltmore’s Italian Garden Legacy of Travel While extensive travel like this was rare 120 years ago—especially before the advent of the airplane—it is still unusual today. July may inspire a longing to escape from the everyday, but for many of us, travels of that nature are simply not feasible. With our fast-paced lifestyles, it can be difficult to find the time. Luckily, you can experience the legacy of George Vanderbilt and his lifelong love of travel with an overnight stay at Biltmore. From the iconic French château to the Italian Garden, George’s time spent abroad influenced many elements of the estate. Satisfy your longing to travel this summer with a Biltmore getaway, the perfect European-inspired escape. We invite you to plan your escape today. *Source: Letters of J. McN. Whistler 1855-1903; A.M. Whistler, 1829-1881.
Buckspring Lodge: A Summer Retreat for Sheep Posted on June 23, 2021 at 1:32 pm.Written by Kristina Smith In addition to Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, the Vanderbilts had another home on the estate’s original 125,000 acres: Buckspring Lodge. A rustic, Adirondack-style retreat on the slopes of Mt. Pisgah, located about 20 miles from Biltmore House, Buckspring Lodge was a world away from the elegantly landscaped terrain surrounding America’s Largest Home®. George and Edith Vanderbilt sitting on the front steps of Buckspring Lodge, their rustic retreat on Mt. Pisgah An Elevated View It was fashionable at that time for wealthy families to create summer retreats in the mountains or by the seashore, often spending the entire season away from their main residence. George Vanderbilt had already acquired a cottage in Bar Harbor, Maine, which he enlarged and renamed Pointe d’Acadie, but he spent less time there after making Biltmore his permanent home, choosing instead to enjoy the cool heights and splendid views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A flock of sheep being tended near Buckspring Lodge with Mount Pisgah in the background. Family, Friends & Biltmore Sheep In addition to the main Buckspring Lodge building, which was designed by Biltmore architect Richard Morris Hunt and completed under the direction of his son Richard Howland Hunt, there was separate kitchen structure, a smaller guest cottage, and a stable that would eventually become a garage. Edith Vanderbilt added a garden and a tennis court to the site, and guests could hike and hunt to their hearts’ content. Family and friends weren’t the only visitors, however—a flock of Biltmore sheep spent time there, as well, providing effective “grounds maintenance” in return for their room and board. The sheep kept the grass short and added a pleasant pastoral note to the ambience of the Vanderbilt’s private mountain retreat. Today, our Outdoor Adventure Center in Antler Hill Village is your headquarters for estate exploration. New Life for an Old Cabin After George Vanderbilt‘s death in 1914, Edith Vanderbilt sold most of the estate’s Pisgah Forest land to the federal government to become a national forest. Her grandson George Cecil inherited the property, eventually selling it to allow unobstructed construction of the Mount Pisgah section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. A ranger’s cabin, constructed in 1912 of decades-old logs salvaged from early settler’s cabins on Vanderbilt’s Pisgah Forest tract, was removed from the site at that time and rebuilt in Asheville as a family home. In 2015, this historic cabin and some of its furnishings were donated to Biltmore. Now restored in Antler Hill Village, the cabin serves as the headquarters for our Outdoor Adventure Center and Land Rover Experience.
Tomato Gazpacho Recipe Posted on June 1, 2021 at 11:00 am.Written by Heather Angel Enjoy your own garden-fresh tomatoes with this lovely cool soup created by Bistro’s Executive Chef. Perfect for lunch with some crusty bread and olive oil, or as an elegant appetizer before dinner. Wine Pairing Suggestion: Pair this refreshing Spanish soup with an equally refreshing wine, such as our Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy your own garden-fresh tomatoes with this lovely chilled Tomato Gazpacho soup recipe by Biltmore. Tomato Gazpacho Total time: 30 minutes Ingredients: Gazpacho Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds fresh tomatoes 2 red peppers – diced 3/4 cup red onions – diced 3/4 cup cucumber – peeled seeded and diced 1/3 cup celery – diced 1/3 cup fennel – diced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup tomato juice 1 clove garlic – minced 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste Chipotle Crème Fraiche Ingredients 1 cup crème fraiche Juice and zest of 1 lime (reserve zest for garnish) 1 tablespoon canned chipotle peppers – finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish Instructions: Soup: Bring a medium pot of salted water to boil. With a small knife, remove each tomato core and cut a small X into the bottom of each tomato. Put water and ice in a large bowl; set aside. When the salted water comes to a boil, carefully drop tomatoes into the pot and blanch for 30 seconds. Remove tomatoes from the pot with a slotted spoon and place in the ice water. Allow a few minutes to chill. Once chilled, remove tomatoes from ice water and peel off outer skin. Cut tomatoes in half and remove seeds. Discard skins and seeds. Place tomatoes and all remaining gazpacho ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. For best results, store gazpacho in refrigerator overnight before serving. Chipotle Crème Fraiche: Place crème fraiche, lime juice, and chipotle peppers in a small mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serving Suggestion: Place approximately 1 cup of chilled gazpacho in each bowl. Garnish with a dollop of crème fraiche, some of the reserved lime zest, and a few cilantro leaves.
Woven in Wonder: Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty Posted on April 28, 2021 at 3:13 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Woven in wonder, Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty is a fascinating outdoor sculpture created exclusively for Biltmore. Stickwork is a one-of-a-kind installation “Each of Patrick’s sculptures are one-of-a-kind,” said Travis Tatham, Director of Entertaining and Event Programming, “and that makes his work a perfect fit for Biltmore, which is a one-of-a-kind destination.” Weaving with willows Patrick Dougherty with his Stickwork creation for Biltmore Working with willow branches, Patrick creates large-scale installations that reflect the beauty and character of the site that hosts them. Patrick and son Sam Dougherty arrived at Biltmore in mid-March to begin work on the installation in Antler Hill Village along with a truckload of willow branches grown in New York. Patrick Dougherty weaves willow branches into his Stickwork sculpture “Given the large crowds that Biltmore draws, we wanted something palatial and roomy, with walking areas to accommodate large numbers of visitors,” said Patrick. “We aimed for a free-wheeling sculpture to occupy the site with flowing energy.” Free as a Bird A curious mockingbird checks the progress on the Stickwork sculpture in Antler Hill Village While working at Biltmore, Patrick and Sam noticed a pair of mockingbirds that came from a nearby holly bush every day to serenade the creation. “They seemed to be staking a claim to the work,” Patrick said, “so we decided to name the sculpture Free as a Bird in their honor.” In the past three decades, Patrick has built more than 300 of these large-scale environmental works worldwide, from Scotland to Japan to Brussels, and all over the United States. Sam Dougherty adds his signature woven edges to the Stickwork creation for Biltmore Sam, Patrick’s full-time construction assistant since June 2016, has developed into an expert stickworker. His signature can be found on every sculpture, especially in the rolled top edges. Stickwork is fun for all ages! Some Biltmore staff members had an opportunity to assist Patrick and Sam Dougherty in the creation of the Stickwork sculpture in Antler Hill Village According to one Biltmore team member who had an opportunity to work with Sam and Patrick as they wove the whimsical sculpture, “Adults have asked ‘what is this?’ but kids walk up and know exactly what to do with it. They say ‘it’s a stickhouse and I need to run through it and play!'” Discover Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty The new Stickwork sculpture in Antler Hill Village is fun for all ages! Now through September 30, discover Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty, located in Antler Hill Village near the Outdoor Adventure Center. This delightful sculpture entitled Free as a Bird invites excitement and exploration for all ages, and is included with estate admission. Free as a Bird is lit at night, further enlivening the space, especially for those who are enjoying a stay at either of our distinctive hotels or our two private historic cottages.
Biking in Biltmore’s 8,000-Acre Backyard Posted on April 23, 2021 at 3:26 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico When it comes to exploring the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s magnificent 8,000-acre estate, there are plenty of options: hiking, carriage rides, and of course, biking. “The estate has both a variety of trails and gorgeous scenery, which makes it an ideal place for biking,” says Outdoor Adventure Center guide Roy Vandervoort. The Lagoon Trail is a paved 6-mile path stretching from Antler Hill Village to the Lagoon. “Of all the wonderful 22 miles of trails here on the estate, I’d have to say the Westover Trails are my personal favorite,” says Roy. And we are now offering exciting new experiences led by our expert guides so you can explore the estate grounds like never before! The Market Gardener’s Cottage, an historic estate home. Our Guided Bike Ride takes you along the French Broad River and the estate’s lush agricultural fields. Our Intro to Mountain Biking covers all the essentials of the sport, including understanding of bike parts and basic handling techniques, before taking you out on the trails to test your new skills. Bring your own mountain bike to our Intro to Mountain Biking or, for an additional fee, use one of ours. If you prefer to explore the estate at your own pace, just head over to the Bike Barn in Antler Hill Village to rent a bike. Choose from tandems and tagalongs, single-speeds for the paved Lagoon trail or all-terrain geared bikes for woodland trails. An extension of our Outdoor Adventure Center, the Bike Barn is located in lively Antler Hill Village. You’re invited to discover all of the estate trails this season at Biltmore. Take a look at our trail map to plan your adventure. We kindly ask that you adhere to the Biltmore Bike Policy* at all times. See you on the trails! *Only Biltmore Annual Passholders, lodging guests, and ticketed guests may ride bicycles on estate roads and designated bike trails. Bicycles are considered vehicles in North Carolina and must be operated in full compliance with state vehicle laws and all traffic and directional signage on estate property. Bicycles are prohibited in all non-guest areas and in the shuttle zone in front of Biltmore House. Riders must disembark and “walk” bicycles on garden paths.
Craft Incredible Cocktails with Biltmore Wines Posted on April 22, 2021 at 4:43 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Craft incredible cocktails with Biltmore wines and enjoy a refreshing new way to savor summer sipping on the porch, patio, or by the pool! Biltmore Basil & Bee Cocktail White Wine Mojito Cocktail Summer Riesling & Tonic Cocktail Chenin Blanc Pineapple Slushies Aperol Spritz Purchase our award-winning wines in estate shops or find a Biltmore wine retailer close to you. Biltmore Basil & Bee Cocktail Biltmore Estate ingredients shine in this craft cocktail featuring Biltmore sparkling wine, honey, and basil! When served at the restaurants on Biltmore Estate, this bright and herbal cocktail features hyper-local ingredients including Biltmore basil, honey, and sparkling wine, as well as Chemist Spirits, an Asheville favorite. Enjoy it year-round at our restaurants or follow this recipe to enjoy it at home. Ingredients: 1 ½ oz Chemist Spirits American Gin 1 oz Honey-Basil Syrup ¾ Fresh Lemon Juice 2 Dashes of Orange Bitters 2 oz Biltmore Estate® Brut *Honey Basil Syrup Recipe ½ cup Biltmore Honey ½ cup water 1 cup Basil (use large leaves for making syrup and pluck smaller leaves for garnishes) 1 Star Anise 1 Lemon peel Instructions: Prepare the Honey Basil Syrup: Simmer water and basil on low heat for 5 minutes. Add honey and stir to dissolve. Add star anise and lemon peel. Allow to cool before straining and setting aside. Add gin, lemon juice, and honey basil syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until very cold, about 30 seconds. Strain the drink into a coupe or martini glass. Top with Biltmore Sparkling Brut and orange bitters. Garnish with small basil leaves and serve. White Wine Mojito Cocktail Craft this White Wine Mojito Cocktail featuring Biltmore Estate Limited Release Sémillon for summer sipping all season long Summer is the perfect time to craft incredible cocktails featuring wines handcrafted here at Biltmore’s Winery in Asheville, North Carolina. And if you are looking for a lower-proof version of your favorites, simply switch out the spirit for a similar style of Biltmore white wine. In the case of the white wine mojito below, we swapped the traditional rum for Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Sémillon, which is a dry medium-bodied white wine with bright notes of pear and grapefruit. It makes a perfect “shady afternoon sipper” to enjoy while reading in the hammock (naps optional!). Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe! Ingredients: 2 ounces dry white wine, like Biltmore’s Sémillon or Sauvignon Blanc 2 ounces Italian lemon soda ¾ ounces freshly squeezed lime juice ¼ ounce simple syrup 4 mint leaves Instructions: Muddle 4 mint leaves thoroughly in 2 ounces of white wine using a rough edge muddler. Add lime juice, simple syrup, and shake briefly on ice in a Boston shaker. Double strain into a martini glass and top with Italian lemon soda. Serve straight up with a floating mint leaf as a garnish so ice does not overly dilute the cocktail. (Muddle different types of fruit to bring new flavors to this recipe—we give you a license to be creative!) Serves 1. Summer Riesling & Tonic Cocktail Savor the flavor of your favorite fruits in this Summer Riesling and Tonic cocktail Fresh fruit and wine pair beautifully together, and warmer weather is the perfect time to experiment with your favorites and share the delicious results. Whether you’re serving craft cocktails on the patio, porch, or poolside, outdoor entertaining takes on a new meaning when you invite a special guest like rum. Yum! Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe! Ingredients: 1 bottle Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Dry Riesling 8 ounces white rum 1 cup blackberries 1 cup fresh basil leaves (reserve some for garnish) 2 lemons (sliced into thin wheels and halved) Elderflower tonic Instructions: The day before you want to serve these cocktails, pour Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Dry Riesling and your choice of white rum into a pretty pitcher. Submerge several basil leaves and blackberries in the mixture and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, use your favorite glassware and build each drink with ice, blackberries, basil leaves, and a couple of lemon wheels. Fill glasses a quarter of the way with elderflower tonic, and the rest of the way with the chilled wine and rum mixture. Enjoy! Serves 6. Chenin Blanc Pineapple Slushies Treasure the tropical taste of our Pineapple Slushie Cocktail! This craft cocktail is a fun way to liven up a summer gathering. There’s a bit of nostalgia to any slushie drink, but this is definitely a grown-up version of the ones you remember from childhood! Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe! Ingredients: 8 ounces of chilled Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc 4 ounces chilled Plantation Pineapple Rum (used as a float) 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks 1 cup frozen mango chunks 6 ounces pineapple juice 3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice 2 ounces ginger syrup (recipe below) 4 dashes Bittermen’s Tiki Bitters (or your favorite brand) Ice *Ginger Syrup 1 cup of water 1½ cups organic sugar 1 medium ginger root, sliced Instructions: Tip: Put wine in the freezer 30 minutes prior to mixing these cocktails. Prepare the Ginger Syrup: Place all ginger syrup ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring constantly so the sugar doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 1 hour while it cools. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Makes 1½ cups of syrup. Craft the cocktails: Place all ingredients except rum in a blender. Blend until you have obtained a super slushy consistency. Pour into a glass, leaving room to float 1 ounce of Plantation Pineapple Rum on top, then garnish with extreme creativity! Serves 4. Aperol Spritz This lower-alcohol content cocktail is perfect for summertime sipping. Summertime wouldn’t be complete without a classic Aperol Spritz, highlighting the bittersweet and citrusy flavor of the namesake liqueur. While traditionally made using Italian Prosecco, any dry sparkling white wine will do the trick. Ingredients: 3 oz. Biltmore Estate® Brut 2 oz. Aperol 1 oz. soda water Instructions: Chill all ingredients and fill a wine glass with ice to chill before you begin. Add sparkling wine, Aperol, and soda water to the chilled glass and gently stir to combine. Garnish with a freshly sliced orange wheel, if desired. Tip: If you find the cocktail is too bitter or too sweet for your taste, you can easily adjust the ratio of ingredients.
The Dairy Foreman’s Cottage: A Brief History Posted on April 13, 2021 at 5:09 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico There’s a new overnight offering at Biltmore—a cozy, casual home in a peaceful woodland setting. Introducing the freshly renovated Dairy Foreman’s Cottage on Biltmore Estate™, an historic structure, reimagined to offer today’s guests an oasis of service, style, and charm. In honor of this exclusive new lodging option, let’s take a step back in time for a closer look at the history of this unique Biltmore residence. A Family Home for Estate Workers Originally labeled a “Dairy Worker’s Cottage,” this welcoming home was one of five identical houses designed by Asheville architect Anthony Lord in 1935 for Biltmore Dairy employees and their families. According to archival correspondence from the time, the cottage was built for $535 with materials provided by the estate. The earliest archival photo of the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage (center of image, top of hill), ca. 1940 One of the first families to live in this house was likely the Allen family in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Ernest Allen brought his family to the estate in 1927, and over his 38 years of employment at Biltmore, primarily as a Farm Foreman, they lived in seven different estate residences. Ernest’s daughter Martha Allen Wolfe recalled in a 2016 interview with our Oral History Program that they had indoor plumbing and electricity while growing up in the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage. Archival photo believed to be the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage, ca. 1950 Even with seven brothers and sisters, she remembered the home as being very comfortable. Her brothers slept upstairs, and apparently, they would secretly climb out of the windows at night, engage in some youthful mischief, and then sneak back in the same way. One of her brothers was Bill Allen, who would eventually follow his father’s footsteps and have a 45-year career at Biltmore—first as Farm Manager and later Vineyard Manager. Martha said of the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage, “We loved it, and it was home.” The cottage’s gorgeous gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances. New Life for an Old Cottage Today, this 1,778-square-foot home has been beautifully updated with modern touches. Accommodating up to six guests, the cottage offers three bedrooms with a king-sized bed in each as well as a pullout sofa in the reading room. And there’s plenty of room for entertaining: an open kitchen that extends to dining and living areas, a formal sitting room, a screened-in back porch, and an outdoor dining patio. The charming front porch offers a secluded oasis of rest and relaxation. The Dairy Foreman’s Cottage puts you just steps away from quiet nature trails, made lush by original forest plantings that contributed to the estate’s National Historic Landmark designation as the birthplace of American Forestry. This welcoming abode is also located within walking distance of lively activity in Antler Hill Village, tastings of award-winning wines at our Winery, and the luxurious amenities offered at our four-star Inn. For your next getaway, we invite you to make the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage your home away from home. Delight in the privacy of one of the most exclusive and customized lodging experiences the estate has to offer. Book your stay today.
A Guide to Biltmore Trails: 22 Miles to Explore Posted on April 6, 2021 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico Whether you’re visiting for the day, staying with us overnight, or you’re a Biltmore Annual Passholder, exploring Biltmore Estate’s 22 miles of mixed-use trails is an excellent way to get some outdoor exercise and take in the scenic beauty of our vast mountain retreat. From leisurely garden strolls to trail runs, hiking to mountain biking, or even trailside picnics, our private estate trails offer a variety of routes that can be tailored to your skill level with spectacular views in every season. 🗺️ Download our Trail Map for current information on which trails are open or closed. Trail hours vary seasonally and may be closed at any time. Please obey posted signs. Explore interconnecting garden paths to find charming views, like the historic Boat House and Bass Pond! 🟢 Easy to Moderate Biltmore Trails Historic Gardens (walking) Our historic garden paths incorporate the Italian Garden (gravel), Shrub Garden (paved), Walled Garden (paved), and Spring Garden (mulch). Routes stretch approximately 1-2 miles, depending on which paths you choose. Enjoy seasonal blooms with benches nearby to take a break and soak it all in. Azalea Garden (walking) This mostly paved walking path can be accessed from either the Spring Garden or the Walled Garden. It is a great opportunity to go even deeper into Biltmore’s historic gardens, offering benches along the way, and leading to Bass Pond Waterfall and the Boat House. Take in spectacular views across the Bass Pond at approximately 1 mile. Learn more about the different gardens and paths in our Garden Lover’s Guide. The Lagoon offers a striking reflection of the west side of Biltmore House. 🟦 Moderate to Strenuous Biltmore Trails Lagoon Trail (walking, running, biking) This mostly flat, paved trail leads to the Lagoon, which offers a striking view of the west side of Biltmore House (a popular picnic spot). Start and end at Antler Hill Village for a pleasant 3-mile trip. The French Broad River and estate farmland provide pleasant scenery as you explore the path. Farm Trail (walking, running, biking) This flat gravel and dirt road runs along the perimeter of Biltmore’s grounds and the French Broad River in Antler Hill Village. Totaling 6 miles, this trail leads to the Arbor Trace Trail at one end and the Lagoon Trail at the other. Westover Trails (hiking, trail running, biking) Access this set of Biltmore trails from the Bike Barn in Antler Hill Village or The Inn on Biltmore Estate® to see Biltmore’s beautiful woodlands. The green (1.7 miles) and blue routes (2.8 miles) immerse you in nature while offering wide trails for a comfortable experience with a few challenging hills. The iconic Deer Park Trail offers sweeping mountain views and wide-open meadows. ⯁ Strenuous to Challenging Biltmore Trails Westover Trails (hiking, trail running, biking) The black route totals 3.5 miles round-trip inside Biltmore’s beautiful woodland, set back behind Antler Hill Village and The Inn on Biltmore Estate. The narrow trail offers steep hills and is great for a technical single-track bike ride or an authentic hiking experience. Arbor Trace Trail (hiking, trail running, biking) This trail can only be accessed by first following the Farm Trail from Antler Hill Village. The 3.5-mile round-trip route travels in and out of the woods, providing scenic views of the estate’s agriculture and the historic Market Gardener’s Cottage on Biltmore Estate™. The last stretch of the trail (black) is quite narrow and an optional loop. Deer Park Trail (walking, running, biking) This challenging uphill trek is quite popular due to the stunning view of Biltmore House it offers. To extend the challenge, start at Antler Hill Village and take the Farm Trail to the Lagoon Trail, which leads to the Deer Park Trail. You can also access a trailhead through a decorative iron gate at the far end of the South Terrace and Tennis Lawn steps, or by passing through gates from the Meadow Trail that leads to the Bass Pond. Quick Overview of Biltmore’s 22 miles of trails Get Ready to Hit the Trails Be sure to check out, download, or print our trail map before you embark. Orientation and detailed maps are available at the Bike Barn and Outdoor Adventure Center in Antler Hill Village. All of Biltmore’s private trails are pet-friendly, maintained, and accessible only to Passholders, lodging guests, and ticketed guests. If you’re looking for a more curated experience, consider one of our guided hiking or biking offerings. See you on the trails! Please note: We may temporarily close our trails and wooded areas without advance notice during inclement weather. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with trail closure signage. Access to Biltmore’s private trail system requires an admission ticket, Biltmore Annual Pass membership, or an overnight stay.