Time Travel: George Vanderbilt’s Visit to Japan

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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

Time Travel: George Vanderbilt's Visit to Japan
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.

Netsuke souvenirs from George Vanderbilt's trip to Japan
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.
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.

Photo of George Vanderbilt's cousin Clarence Barker
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

Time Travel: George Vanderbilt's Visit to Japan
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 ago
  • Two suits of samurai armor along with spears and swords
  • Netsuke—miniature sculptures originally used as kimono toggles
  • Bronze sculptures
  • Lacquer boxes and sculptures
  • Varied screens and fans
  • Bamboo curtains
  • 1,000 festive paper lanterns

Time travel today at Biltmore

Aerial view of Biltmore House
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!

Featured image: Pagoda at Horinja-Nana. Photo purchased by George Vanderbilt, 1892

Spotlight on Summertime Plants in Biltmore’s Conservatory

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When Todd Roy says there are plenty of reasons to visit Biltmore’s Conservatory in late summer, he’s not exaggerating.

Once you enter the historic structure located at the end of the Walled Garden, it’s like stepping into another world—one filled with lush tropical treasures and venerable vines plus a dazzling array of colors, scents, and textures to delight your senses!

Todd is a member of Biltmore’s horticulture team who care for the thousands of exotic and interesting plants that fill the Conservatory. While that much responsibility might seem daunting, he enjoys meeting the needs of his botanical “co-workers,” from hand-watering them every morning to knowing their preferences for light and shade.

“George Vanderbilt chose plants with the same attention and interest as the art he collected,” said Todd. “Some of the specimens he selected are beautiful, some are rare, and some are just odd and interesting.”

It was hard to narrow down the list, but here are some of Todd’s top plant picks to see during your next Conservatory visit:

Inside the conservatory

Between the bench and the palm towering overhead, a lush Cycad makes a photo-worthy backdrop 

Longest Lives

The Conservatory has an impressive collection of Cycads with a few dating back more than a century to the time of the Vanderbilts. Cycads only grow about one inch per year, so the size some of these have achieved is especially impressive.

Inside the conservatory

Thai Giant Elephant Ears sport umbrella-sized leaves in the Cool House

Largest Leaves

Just inside the Cool House, look for a grouping of Thai Giant Elephant Ears (Colocasia gigantea) featuring some of the largest leaves in the Conservatory.

Close-up view of the aptly-named Miracle Fruit

Intriguing Alleys (Edible)

Each year, Todd creates special themes for the two alleys located between the main wings of the Conservatory. This year, they’re showcasing useful/edible plants in one alley and water features in the other.

Have you ever wondered how coffee, cotton, or allspice (Pimenta dioicaa) grows? You’ll find examples of each along with black pepper vine, Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) that makes sour foods taste sweet, Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata), an important source of Vitamin C, and many more.

Intriguing Alleys (Water Features)

Once you’ve admired all the edible plants, take a stroll down the opposite alley to experience the soothing sounds of water trickling and splashing over pebbles into small pools surrounded by lush container plantings. Linger here to watch the play of light on water and absorb the peaceful atmosphere of this relaxing space tucked away and just waiting to be discovered!

Inside the conservatory

Red Button Ginger displays a single “button” or bloom

Hummingbird Haven

According to Todd, the Red Button Ginger (Costus woodsonii) growing near the end of the Cool House is a hummingbird magnet. “When it flowers in late summer, each ginger cone produces a single red bloom,” said Todd, “and the hummingbirds know it’s there, almost as if they’ve mapped out the Conservatory. I see them early in the morning, visiting each flower, then flying away before it gets too warm inside.”

Inside the conservatory

Pretty pink Plumeria flowers smell as lovely as they look

Tropical Travel

Want to visit the tropics without leaving Biltmore? Don’t miss the fragrant display of Plumeria in containers along the back wall behind the Conservatory. Also commonly known as Frangipani, Plumeria is native to many of the world’s tropical regions and the beautiful blooms are often used in Hawaiian leis.

Inside the conservatory

A fragrant yellow bloom of the Ylang Ylang Tree

Signature Scent

If you’re a fan of Coco Chanel’s iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume, your nose may lead you to a very special specimen growing in Biltmore’s Conservatory. The Ylang Ylang Tree (Cananga odorata) produces creamy yellow flowers with long petals, and their heady floral scent is the signature note associated with the world-famous fragrance.

Inside the conservatory‘Queen of the Night’ cactus in bloom

Cereus Secrets

The area of the Conservatory dedicated to members of the cactus clan definitely keeps some secrets from our day guests!

“It’s actually very hard to catch a night-blooming cactus at its peak,” Todd tells us. “You have to be here late at night or very early in the morning to see the full potential of the flowers.” Lucky for us, Todd has captured some elusive blooms from the Cereus family like this stunning Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) example.

Inside the conservatory

A staff member shows off the pitcher portion of the Slender Pitcher Plant

Pitcher Perfect

While the idea of carniverous plants may seem like an oxymoron, Slender Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes gracilis) and other varieties offer a fascinating glimpse into a highly-specialized world in which plants attract and trap insects as their main source of food. The year-round warmth of the Conservatory provides a perfect environment for both the pitchers and the insects on which they feed.

Savor the Art and Science of Winemaking

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“The art and science of winemaking—for nearly 20 years, that’s how Bernard Delille and I described ourselves,” said Sharon Fenchak, winemaker and vice president of wine production for Biltmore.

Sharon Fenchak and Bernard Delille enjoy a glass of wine in Biltmore's vineyard
Biltmore winemakers Sharon Fenchak and Bernard Delille (now retired) enjoy a glass of wine in Biltmore’s vineyard

“Before his retirement in 2018, that’s also what we accomplished as a team,” Sharon said. 

A shared philosophy

“Our backgrounds were very different, with Bernard having begun his winemaking career in France,” said Sharon, “while my passion for the craft began while I was in the U.S. Army, stationed in Vicenza, Italy.

Despite their differences, the two shared a philosophy of creating high-quality wines that are true to varietal character while still being food-friendly and approachable.

Savor the art and science of Biltmore wines
Sharon and Bernard at work in Biltmore’s wine lab, tasting the scientific results of the art of winemaking

Raising a glass to retirement

When Bernard announced he planned to retire in July 2018, all the members of the wine production team wanted to handcraft a special wine that would commemorate their years of working together.

“We knew it had to be outstanding,” Sharon said. “It needed to speak to all that we’ve accomplished as a team, and to reflect the distinctive direction in which we’ve developed Biltmore wines.”

Art and science in Biltmore’s vineyard

Grapes ripening in Biltmore's vineyard
Grapes ripening in Biltmore’s vineyard

For the wine itself, Sharon and the wine production team looked no further than the natural outgrowth of “art and science” in Biltmore’s vineyard.

When she joined Biltmore’s wine production team in 1999, one of Sharon’s first projects involved a clonal selection initiative in the estate’s vineyards. “Clone” refers to a cutting or bud from an original varietal.

Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak in the vineyard
In addition to her other winemaking responsibilities, Sharon oversees the estate’s vineyard.

“The vineyard team was working with Dijon Chardonnay clones,” said Sharon, “and we were looking for those best suited to the conditions of the estate vineyard. From a winemaking and viticulture standpoint, clones 76, 95, and 96 showed great promise, producing smaller, looser clusters of grapes with more intense flavors and aromatics.”

The 2017 harvest of these distinctive clones would result in the first release featuring them exclusively, and Sharon knew these grapes were the perfect ones for a signature Chardonnay in honor of Bernard’s dynamic career and their long partnership.

Labeling a work of art

“For the label, we wanted something that illustrated the idea of art and science,” Sharon said. “The marketing team created a number of different concepts, from traditional monograms to some very fun graphics that had grape vines turning into the scientific formula for malolactic fermentation!”

X marks the spot

Commemorative label for the Bernard and Sharon wine
The commemorative Chardonnay label featuring Bernard’s handwriting font at the bottom

According to Lisa Vogel, art director, the design finally came together with an X-shaped cross of the two winemakers’ names and a traditional wax seal featuring their initials in the middle.

“Everyone admired Bernard’s beautiful penmanship,” said Lisa, “so we created a special font entitled ‘Delille’ from his actual handwriting to further personalize the collaboration represented by the label and the wine inside the bottle.”

“It’s a remarkable Chardonnay with a compelling label,” said Sharon. “I hope that everyone who tries it truly savors the art and science of winemaking it represents—including the expertise of our vineyard team who nurtured and harvested the grapes and the care with which the wine production team handcrafts all our Biltmore wines.”

Savor our wines by the bottle or glass

Woman enjoying Biltmore Estate Chardonnay
Biltmore wines are perfect for warm weather sipping!

Purchase Biltmore wines at the estate, online, or find them close to home.

While visiting Biltmore’s Winery, savor a complimentary tasting of our award-winning wines in person.

A Japanese connection in the Italian Garden pools

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(Chihuly at Biltmore was on display from May 17 to October 7, 2018. Please enjoy this archived content.)

Chihuly at Biltmore—the first art exhibition in Biltmore’s historic gardens and the first garden exhibition of Dale Chihuly’s works in North Carolina—showcases large-scale glass sculptures throughout the Italian Garden and grounds of Biltmore House.

Niijima Floats by artist Dale Chihuly as part of Chihuly at Biltmore
Niijima Floats by artist Dale Chihuly as part of Chihuly at Biltmore

One of the must-see displays of this exciting exhibition in is the Italian Garden, where five different installations are set throughout its three pools, including Niijima Floats, named for the island of Niijima in Tokyo Bay, Japan.

Koi swimming in the Italian Garden pools
Koi swimming in the Italian Garden pools during Chihuly at Biltmore

Coincidentally, this unique installation exists alongside another Japanese connection: the colorful koi that populate the pools. While we don’t know exactly when the koi were introduced to the pools, we do know that George Vanderbilt had a fascination with their nation of origin: Japan.

Invitation to Emperor of Japan's birthday celebration, 1892
Invitation to Emperor of Japan’s birthday celebration, 1892

In fact, in 1892, George Vanderbilt and his cousin, Clarence Barker, toured countless temples and other cultural sites during their trip to Japan—a trip which begin with an invitation to attend the Emperor’s birthday celebration.

Pagoda at Horinji-Nara. Photo purchased by George Vanderbilt, 1892
Pagoda at Horinji-Nara. Photo purchased by George Vanderbilt, 1892

Around the turn of the century, many Americans thought Japan and its culture were 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.

Samurai armor from Japan’s Edo period (1615-1868); purchased by George Vanderbilt, 1892
Samurai armor from Japan’s Edo period (1615-1868); purchased by George Vanderbilt for display at Biltmore, 1892

Of course, antiques shops and art dealers were part of the itinerary as George 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 more than 125 years ago
  • Two suits of samurai armor along with spears and swords
  • Netsuke—miniature sculptures originally used as kimono toggles
  • Bronze sculptures
  • Lacquer boxes and sculptures
  • Varied screens and fans
  • Bamboo curtains
  • 1,000 festive paper lanterns

Visit now through October 7 to experience Chihuly at Biltmore. After strolling through the exhibition, we invite you to discover The Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village to view the Samurai armor and other treasures George Vanderbilt collected during his travels as part of our The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad.

Limestone in the Limelight

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Chihuly At Biltmore Was On Display From May 17 To October 7, 2018.
Please Enjoy This Archived Content.
 

Now through October 7, Biltmore’s Gardens are transformed by the dramatic artworks that compose Chihuly at Biltmore. Installations can be found in the Winter Garden of Biltmore House as well as the Italian Garden, the Walled Garden, and beyond.

But one of the installations—Sky Blue and Cobalt Fiori—is set on the East Terrace of Biltmore House. Let’s take a look at this piece’s perfect backdrop: the magnificent limestone façade of America’s Largest Home®.

Sky Blue and Cobalt Fiori by artist Dale Chihuly

Sky Blue and Cobalt Fiori by artist Dale Chihuly on the East Terrace

Hallowell Quarry

In selecting the materials used to construct Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt and architect Richard Morris Hunt wanted nothing less than the best available.

While the underlying walls are of the house are brick, the overlay is limestone from the Hallowell Quarry in Indiana. At the time, Hallowell, which also sourced the stone used to construct Chicago’s City Hall in 1885, was the richest quarry in the country.

Workers and steam engine during Biltmore House construction, 1892

Workers and steam engine during Biltmore House construction, 1892

Limestone en Route

From February 1891 to February 1892, approximately 287 train cars left Indiana carrying the limestone that would become the façade of Biltmore House.

Once the train cars arrived at the Biltmore Village depot, the stone was transported to the construction site by a narrow-gauge railroad track that was built specifically for that purpose.

The first shipment arrived at the house on March 16, 1891.

Stonemasons' shed during Biltmore House construction, 1892

Stonemasons’ shed during Biltmore House construction, 1892

Cut, Carved & Crandalled

The limestone blocks were stored in sheds to protect them from the weather until it was time for them to be cut and carved. To achieve the texture seen on the house today, the blocks were tooled by hand through a process called “crandalling.”

Skilled stonemasons cut shallow grooves into the surface of the stone, resulting in a fine, pebble-like surface. The process results in an elegant-looking limestone that reflects light in a more dramatic manner.

Crandalling detail

Crandalling detail surrounding a brass ring on the house exterior

The crandalled limestone blocks were then lifted into place using wooden derricks powered by hand-drive, geared winches. The first block of stone was put in place in the west garden wall on June 8, 1891.

Adding It All Up

Although there’s no exact final count, estimates indicate that when the construction was complete, around 60,000 cubic feet of limestone—weighing about 5,000 tons—had been used in the project.

The surface as it’s seen today reflects the beautiful effects of aging in the elements for more than 120 years.

Feature image: The Front Door of Biltmore House surrounded by limestone detail

Discover Biltmore’s Distinctive Shrub Garden

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Summer at Biltmore is a glorious season–and the perfect time to discover Biltmore’s distinctive Shrub Garden.

Discover Biltmore’s distinctive Shrub Garden

Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted designed many of the areas closest to Biltmore House as a series of outdoor rooms that beckoned guests to step outside and enjoy their surroundings.

Hidden gems: Biltmore's Shrub Garden
Enjoy an outdoor picnic in the Shrub Garden

Biltmore’s Shrub Garden, located between the Italian Garden and the Walled Garden, invites guests to lose themselves among the winding paths and lush plantings.

Stone steps in Biltmore's Shrub Garden
Stone steps beckon you to discover new delights in the Shrub Garden

Caring for this distinctive space

For Brooke Doty, a member of the estate’s landscaping team since 2017, Biltmore’s Shrub Garden offers a subtle beauty in striking contrast with other portions of Olmsted’s design.

“It’s not as obvious as the Walled Garden with all its bright, blooming flowers, but the Shrub Garden is a place of deep shade and clean structure. The shapes of the mature trees and the open, airy feel of the pathways make it the perfect place for wandering,” said Brooke.

Jack-in-the-pulpit plant in Biltmore's Shrub Garden
Uncovering a native jack-in-the-pulpit plant

In caring for Biltmore’s Shrub Garden during the past several years, Brooke has come to appreciate more than just the overall plan of the area.

“I constantly see things I never saw before,” Brooke said. “Things that you don’t notice immediately. There are plantings that are tucked back away from the paths, and specimens that you won’t find in most gardens.”

Notable specimens

Discover Biltmore's distinctive Shrub Garden
Brooke examines the decorative fruits of the Japanese Snowbell tree

Styrax japonicus or Japanese Snowbell is one such horticultural gem; the tree is known for producing cascades of flowers in the spring, interesting fruits in summer, modest fall color, and shapely limbs for winter interest.

The Shrub Garden is also the home of two state champion trees. One is the golden rain tree (Koelreutaria paniculata) with clusters of small yellow seed pods that hang from its nearly weeping branches in early summer.

Discover Biltmore's distinctive Shrub Garden
State champion river birch with cables to support its branches

The other is a massive river birch (Betula nigra) with distinctive, cinnamon-colored curling bark. In addition to its champion status, the river birch is one of the original plantings in the garden.

“From champion trees to the ‘bones’ of Olmsted’s design, Biltmore’s Shrub Garden offers something interesting for every season,” said Brooke. “I’m always encouraging guests to spend more time here exploring the paths, enjoying the quiet beauty, and discovering the little surprises that await you around each turn.”

Colorful summer blooms against the brick tunnel bridge in the Shrub Garden
Colorful summer blooms against the brick tunnel bridge in the Shrub Garden

Plan your summer visit today

Kids in Biltmore's Azalea Garden
Guests of all ages love discovering Biltmore’s “outdoor rooms” like the Azalea Garden

Featured blog image: Brooke Doty at work in the Shrub Garden

Host a Sizzling Summer White Party!

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Ready to host a sizzling summer white party? Our estate wine experts have some great tips to help you make the most of the season.

“From the Hamptons to Los Angeles, well-known fashion and entertainment celebrities have been hosting elegant ‘white parties’ every summer for many years. With all-white clothing and décor, these iconic events are a celebration of everything warm weather-related and summer-worthy—including white wines,” said Alisha Forester, Sales Director for Biltmore Wines.

Dining table set with white linens and white flowers.
Will your summer white party be an indoor or outdoor affair?

1. Find the perfect spot

Start by choosing your location first, as that sets the tone for your summer white party.

  • Gardens and patios with easy access to the indoors make for a great party, and hosting your event poolside makes a big splash!
  • For outdoor parties, make sure you have a backup plan for weather, plenty of shade, and other conveniences for your guests.

Tip: Create classic summer white party style with all-white décor, which can be as simple as white tablecloths and white flowers, especially if you’re celebrating outdoors.

Biltmore Estate sparkling wines being poured in a vineyard during a summer white party.
Sparkling wines are a must-have for your summer white party!

2. Select some white wines

It’s not a summer white party without your favorite Biltmore white wines, and we handcraft wonderful options from still to sparkling.

Try these easy white flights–we’ve already arranged the wines for you in order from lighter styles to those with more body:

Tip: Keep the party kid-friendly with plenty of Biltmore Sparkling White Grape Juice, available in estate gift shops.

Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée
Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée is a fresh twist on a classic dessert that’s perfect for your summer white party!

3. Pair a signature dish with white wine

Delight your guests with this fresh citrusy twist on classic Italian panna cotta with a surprising ingredient: goat cheese. With its characteristic rich flavor, creamy texture, and a bright pop of color, Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée is perfect for an indulgent summer white party treat!

Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée

Gelée

  • ¾ cup fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons (1 packet) unflavored gelatin powder

Combine grapefruit juice, sugar, and gelatin powder in a small sauce pan. Whisk well and bring to a boil. Pour 1 ounce of the juice mixture into each of 6 (4-ounce) ramekins. Place the ramekins in the refrigerator to chill until firm, at least 30 minutes.

Panna Cotta

  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 7 teaspoons (3½ packets) unflavored gelatin powder
  • 14 ounces goat cheese, softened

Combine heavy cream, sugar, and gelatin powder in a medium saucepan. Whisk well and bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat. Add the softened goat cheese to the mixture and continue to whisk until completely smooth.

Divide the goat cheese panna cotta mixture evenly among the ramekins. Pour it over the firmly set grapefruit gelée and refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour.

Run a knife between the panna cotta and the ramekin to release and invert onto a plate. If the panna cotta won’t come out, turn it upside down and run hot tap water over the bottom of the ramekin for 30–60 seconds, then gently tap onto a plate

Tip: Crisp, sparkling Biltmore Estate® Brut with notes of citrus, strawberry, honey, and apricot is a perfect partner for Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée.

Man and woman toast with white wine at a summer white party in a vineyard.
Celebrate your summer white party with Biltmore Wines!

4. Celebrate your summer white party

Once you’ve chosen your location, selected the Biltmore wines you’ll serve, and created the perfect menu, what’s left?

Don your favorite all-white outfit and invite friends and family to join you for a wonderful summer celebration!

Cheers!

Richard Sharp Smith: A Western North Carolina Legacy

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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
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
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
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.”

Enjoying Biltmore’s Shady Pergola

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Enjoying Biltmore’s shady Pergola is an ideal way to enjoy a sunny summer day.

This fascinating element is an original design element for the estate’s historic gardens and grounds—let’s take a closer look at this fascinating places. 

Beneath the wisteria canopy of the Pergola—along the base of the South Terrace next to Biltmore House—is a shady retreat filled with history. 

Pergola bustThe Pergola once served as a resting place overlooking a lawn tennis court popular with Edith and Cornelia Vanderbilt and their friends. In 1919, Edith asked Chauncey Beadle, estate superintendent, to convert the original “lawn” court to a clay court; the court was later removed.

Now, this space offers a cool and quiet passageway to the Shrub and Walled Gardens and a location for four marble busts nestled along the stone wall. Look carefully to discover that the quartet represents the four seasons: Spring with flowers, Summer with wheat, Fall with fruit and grapes, and Winter with wind. 

The Pergola itself dates back to the construction of Biltmore House. Grading and construction began in 1891 under the direction of architect Richard Sharp Smith and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. This archival photo shows the walking paths from the Pergola through the Shrub Garden and Walled Garden completed, with the Pergola underway and, in the distance, the Conservatory under construction.

Limestone columns and massive wooden rafters form the structure that was originally crowned with ivy. According to Bill Alexander, retired Biltmore landscape and forest historian, Olmsted specified English ivy to be planted at the base of the columns in 1892. “This look of being ‘festooned’ with ivy was typical of Olmsted’s design intent,” Bill said. 

Pergola todayBy 1895, wisteria was planted on the South Terrace and trained to grow out over the Pergola through gaps in the limestone wall created for this purpose. Nearly a century later, Biltmore’s landscape team removed the vines from the top to protect the walls from damage caused by roots, resulting in the leafy and peaceful setting enjoyed today. 

Shedding New Light on Biltmore’s Butterfly Garden

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Chihuly At Biltmore Was On Display From May 17 To October 7, 2018.
Please Enjoy This Archived Content.
 

Just before the Conservatory in the historic Walled Garden is Biltmore’s Butterfly Garden. With the installation of Chihuly at Biltmore—featuring “Cattails and Copper Birch Reeds” in this space—let’s take a closer look at its history and the history of the plants within it. 

According to Bill Alexander, our Landscape and Forest Historian, the area now known as the Butterfly Garden was actually left blank on landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s original plans for the Walled Garden (which was then referred to as the Vegetable and Flower Garden).

About 30 years ago, the Walled Garden supervisor and her crew leader at the time asked Bill about the possibility of creating a garden for butterflies in the space.

It was an ideal location for such a garden. The ample amount of sunlight would provide desired warmth for the cold-blooded creatures, while the surrounding walls and exterior of the Conservatory offered the fragile beings protection from wind.

Bill agreed to the request with one paramount requirement: The flowers and herbs in the Butterfly Garden must draw heavily from Olmsted’s original list of plants used in the surrounding area.

Luckily enough, many of those historic plants offer bright foliage and vibrant blooms that produce nectar throughout the season—which makes them perfect for attracting butterflies.

This summer, guests and butterflies alike can enjoy almost a dozen plants original to the space:

– Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)
– Tickseed (Coreopsis)
– Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum)
– Willowleaf Sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius)
– Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
– Alpine Poppy (Papaver alpinum)
– Fountaingrass (Pennisetum)
– Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
– Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
– Sage (Salvia)
– Goldenrod (Solidago)

Peak bloom for the Butterfly Garden is mid to late summer, when most butterflies are active.

Join us and discover these beautiful historic plants in our Butterfly Garden as well as Chihuly’s unique glass sculptures that so perfectly complement the special space.