I work at The Biltmore Estate. My co-workers and I agree that this is probably one of the coolest places to work. I love being on the Estate, and I really love working for a family, not some huge corporation. Currently there are three generations of Vanderbilt heirs on the Estate, which includes several toddlers. It makes a profound difference to have working relationships with a real family, not just a Board of Directors.
Biltmore Village was under 30 feet of water September 27... Looks like a bomb went off...The house and estate are fine with tree damage on the property and tree damage along with the destroyed gift shop and bathrooms at the entrance...The employee who commented above forgot to mention that!
I have not only been to the Biltmore, but I worked there for almost two years. I love it there. The family is so down to earth, attentive to detail, and always consider if their visions for the estate are aligned with their ancestors original plans. There is so much to see and do! It’s like walking into luxurious history.
Love the Biltmore Estate. The Vanderbilts and their grandchildren continually bless the Asheville area. The Biltmore Estate exudes hospitality and beauty. Even during the early days they paid their workers better than the going rate in the area. They are excellent employers even today. I am so thankful that the estate was not harmed during the destruction from Hurricane Helene. I am an annual pass holder and I just got complementary tickets to give to friends as a means to show support. They extended our passes since we were not able to access the estate right after Helene. They are top notch and a true asset to WNC. Good people and good business!!
I lived in Asheville and had a season pass, bike riding on the estate, hanging out weekly on the grounds with friends, having lunch at the restaurants, shopping and taking the extra tours. Always a treat. I miss having that to visit since I moved.
Yes I live within one hour south and it's the most beautiful place I've ever seen..I have been there in the spring..summer.. fall..and Christmas which is my favorite time to be there..its decorated simply beautiful..my grandkids classes in school have gone on visits an I have gone along to help..and the movie that was just shown that was filmed up there was simply gorgeous such a beautiful movie..to say hey..I've been right there was so super cool..thank you for keeping it open so all of us people here in NC can visit there..😊 A GORGEOUS PLACE..❤
I have worked at Biltmore for 15 years. I so enjoyed this vid. I enjoy learning about the History of the family and the house itself. The family are so involved in the day to day workings of the Biltmore House and they are also very good to their employees.
I worked as a tour guide there for years and always stressed to my guests that GWV was very much the "White sheep" of the Vanderbilts. He and his slightly older sister Lila both did admirably well for their homes and their staff. Nice video. The family still takes very good care of their staff and guests, very worthy of that family line.
Asheville has its beautiful charm..The Biltmore grounds are just absolutely beautiful.... I went last November and it was freezing walking around the estate and I kept looking at the house .... I wanted to go in, but my daughter said you need a reservation and you have to pay ahead of time... So it was already late in the day and I said my next trip I would definitely love to see the inside of the home..... So I visited her in September a few weeks back...made a reservation.. Very very happy I finally got to see the Biltmore estate... The grounds are so beautiful overlooking the mountains.....The home was absolutely amazing and it was so well worth it!!!.. so much history..
We went to the biltmore estate last August. We loved it, we spent 2 days exploring the house and the village. We loved everything about it, and our goal is to go back during Christmas and stay at the inn. We loved the biltmore and plan on coming back. The staff and guides were super nice, helpful, and kind.
The Biltmore at Christmas is absolutely gorgeous! You should try to see it decorated. I’ve been twice. I took my mother before she passed away when it was decorated for Christmas and she was overwhelmed with the splendor of it. So happy I could do that for her. A lovely memory! ❤
@TooStinkinFine that is awesome, I'm so happy you got to do that with your mom. We want to go at Christmas, I've seen pics of it decorated and it looks amazing. However, I'm sure in person, is a 1000 times better.
My wife and I shared an experience there once. It was like walking into a ghostly dream of fantastic splendor and breathtaking reality. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful journey back in time.
I absolutely loved this one. I've been to the Biltmore and it's exquisite. It's always impressed me how the family has taken care of their legacy while growing and planning for the future. Thanks for highlighting what they do.
Proposed to my wife overlooking the home and Christmas tree in 2013 and we try to visit every few years. The Biltmore will always be a very special place to me and my family.
Just came back from Biltmore just a few days ago for my 52nd birthday! I first visited 2 years ago when I turned 50. It was memorable! It is wonderful place to see and visit. I have been back to the estate close to a half dozen times in the last 2 years. I absolutely love Biltmore! My Dad and mom visited years ago. My mama told me all about ! I had wanted to visit for years and so me and a friend went to Ashville and the rest is history as they say. If you haven't been.....Go and see and see Biltmore! It's worth the visit! ❤
This episode was very informative. I've been about 70 times starting when I was 7. A point that wasn't discussed was the negative reaction many historical house museums had to the commercialization the Cecil's promoted. The efforts were proven right and now are copied at many historical houses. Good job Cecils.
We’ve been to the Biltmore many times, also the Village, etc. There’s a sense of sadness at how brief the time was for George W. to enjoy what he’d created. This was an extremely informative video, and I learned a lot from it.
We went at Christmas 2013 it was absolutely grand. The tour I will never forget it. We had Christmas dinner on the grounds. I highly recommend a visit. ❤
Yes, several times. I would love to go back. It's a beautiful and historic place. Everything about Biltmore is wonderful. On my next visit, I would love to stay at the Biltmore accommodations. When my daughter was in middle school, we had the opportunity to visit Biltmore during the Christmas season as her church youth choir was invited to perform in the Biltmore house. It was an amazing experience.
I just visited the Biltmore in Asheville 2 weeks ago. It was stunning. The tour was excellent and very interesting. You can't beat the view of the hills and countryside either!
My first visit to the Biltmore was as a child in 1962. Back then, only two floors were open to the public. You parked right in front of the house. I have been back many more times over the years. Great place.
The biltmore is one of my favorite destinations. I have been there only once , but I fell in love with it immediately. I hope to go back during the holidays soon.
We are annual pass holders and visit a few times each year. Besides visiting the house each Christmas we like to ride our bike along the river and love programs at Deer Park. Antler Hill is fun for ice cream and shopping. We enjoy taking family, especially grandchildren. So happy the house and estate is being preserved so well.
Very interesting! I'm obsessed with Biltmore and go a couple of times per year, every year for 25 years, and I learned a few things I didn't know in this video. I love this home and the story of the family. I love the legacy they children are preserving. Love it, love it! This is such intriguing history.
Visited 3 times, once at Christmas, spring and summer enjoyed each visit. Enjoyed the pub, shopping, wine tasting and restaurant. It is beautiful and a wonderful time spent. We enjoyed downtown Asheville very much,also.
I'm from New Orleans.. moved to SC rest family in Charlotte n Statesville Davidson NC My daughter surprised Christmas visit spend 2 nights to tour the Biltmore n winery n cabin restaurant fir lunch shopping. I had never seen such an exquisite mansion, a castle in my eyes in America. I've been to Europe France. I was totally speechless the whole tour very engaged in the guides speaking history Along with the incredible size rooms and amazing luxioureus furnishings decor and craftsmanship interiors. I was in Aww in 2015.. I didn't realize that growing up in Louisiana, such a beautiful estate existed. I heard some stories n read about Vanderbilt as I was a model when young and Gloria Vanderbilt fashion icon was rising up. I want return again soon and stay at hotel with my daughter another visit because there so much to see n still learn in one visit. Truly a grand Place and it felt like a real home imaginable for family. I pray it always stays in the family... thankfully was not harmed in Helene as much I prayed it was spared. Soon my daughter & I will tour again. Thank you for such a place, historic, and incredible wealth from a hard-working family . ❤
First time we visited we parked on the lawn at the front entrance. Been there over the years as more of it opened to visitors. What a place. Defintely impressed at the families success.
My uncle was a Pickering and I can remember visiting his house and learning all about Biltmore, among other awesome historical people places and things. Have yet to visit the place but grew up dreaming as a small girl about the bowling alley in the house!! 🫶
Yes we have been and it is amazing! We went around Thanksgiving and they were already decorated for Christmas. Our suggestion is go very early in the morning or late in the evening. Much less crowded then.
Just came back from my first visit and I really enjoyed the tour of the house, grounds and Antler village. I wish I lived closer. I hope to go again someday. I enjoyed the historical aspects covered in the video.
I have been there would like to go at Christmas, sometime. It is beautiful. Hard to image it being a family of three's home. It is so enormous. Hope it is taken care for many years to come. I love history.
I've been there twice! Highly recommend this place for a weekend visit. So much history and very interesting facts. Many people don't know Biltmore was safeguarding USA National priceless art collection during WWII. I just LOVE Biltmore 😍.
Biltmore in the Spring is a wonderful time to go. As you drive a few miles to the House, I noticed the Dogwood trees, the Azalia bushes and flowers are in bloom. It is beautiful! Mr. Olmstead did a wonderful job with the landscaping. I am sure his patterns have been replaced exactly how he had them planted. It is indeed an American treasure.
Haven’t been back since Helene. The house itself wasn’t affected, some damage to out lying buildings closer to the river but Biltmore Village was destroyed. Completely and utterly. I’ve lived in the area of WNC for over 40 years & never seen or experienced this level of widespread devastation. It’s going to take time to get businesses up & running again while also trying to sort out homes for hundreds of displaced families not just in Asheville but further north & west and trying to survive the weather! Biltmore House cannot prosper without the Village & vice versa. The good news is that mountain people will survive and overcome.
Biltmore is one of the most incredible places to visit and I’ve seen some of the grandest in the world. Many of the guided mansions burned and lost to history, tapestries and craftsmanship unlike anything elsewhere. The remaining pieces of this time must be protected to inspire the minds of future generations.
It is one of the best places that I’ve ever visited. It is breathtaking. It almost unimaginable that someone could have that much money to spend on a home. It is a great place that everyone should see.
Visited there 5 years ago. I enjoyed seeing how people with vision and fresh ideas can work to make a community better so that all can benefit. I believe that Asheville is the biggest benefactor from the Biltmore.
My husband insisted we visit the Biltmore. I couldn’t imagine it was a good idea to spend so much and care for four children. But he didn’t insist on many things and agreed to my rule for stopping every two to three for the kids to get out and expend energy. When I think about the Biltmore I still feel my jaw drop. I still remember details that had me in awe. Of the many antiques and leather wall-paper, three large fireplaces along one wall of the dining room. Not average fireplace width but I’m guessing each more like six feet wide. The thing that most impressed me was the large pocket doors for drying bed linens. It wasn’t the only part of the laundry.
After my first visit to Biltmore in 1976, I wrote a scathing letter to the owners about their unspeakable cruelty to the waterfowl that roamed the estate grounds. The letter was about how they seemingly removed one leg of each bird, to keep them from escaping the grounds so tourists would be able to see the wildlife. My letter was was angry, and I threatened to turn them in to the proper authorities. Shortly after that I received a letter back from them, thanking me for my letter. They went on to explain that they were NOT in the practice of amputating the legs of waterfowl on the estate. They explained that most waterfowl, when it is cold, will alternate tucking one leg/foot at a time, up into their bodies to keep one leg/foot at a time, warm. I'm guessing they were laughing their heads off as they read my letter, and as they wrote the response. I suspect a copy of the letter hung in their office for weeks, as amusement to the employees. I still have the letter they wrote me back; I wonder if they still have mine?.... (I commented/ wrote about this episode on another Biltmore UA-cam site a couple years ago. I repeat it here, hoping someone at Biltmore recalls writing the response to my letter. On the other site, many people commented about how funny it was, and others claimed it was not true. It is true. And I am in the process of locating the Biltmore letter they wrote me. When I find it, I will mail a copy to Biltmore to see if anyone there remembers it all).... I have visited Biltmore many times, and hope to go back this coming year.
This is HILARIOUS 🤣 You're quite brave to admit to that story, and I'm sure that you're right; the staff probably had many a chuckle while rereading your "scathing" correspondence which they posted on their wall! 😅
I'd love to go to the Biltmore, but I'm afraid it's a little out of my budget! It has always fascinated me! I love American history, mostly about the people who made it the wonderful country it once was and I'm hoping it can be again😊❤!
Save up and go Debra! It’s really worth the money and you won’t be disappointed. Go in the winter months and during the week and it’s a lot cheaper than weekends and holiday seasons 😊
Oh my goodness!! We went several times in the past and yes it was pricey but I loved it so much. After watching the video I thought about taking my young granddaughters. The prices are absolutely insane for the average family now. I’ll never have a few hundred extra for this
I have just discovered your chanel and I'm loving the well researched and beautifully presented stories. Thank you. And now a request, have you covered the rothschilds? If so can you provide ne with the link?
I grew up in Asheville NC and the Vanderbilt/Cecil families are VERY respected here in Asheville NC! They have 4 and 5 generations of families still working for them! Patricia Gambino Harrington (I post on my husband Frank's UA-cam account)
The Biltmore is a National Treasure. I hear complaints about pricing to go see it, but I understand why it's expensive. It really is comparable to a day at a theme park, and while the experience is quite different than a theme park, it's certainly got plenty to see and do during a visit. Haven't been over there in a few years. Luckily damage from Helene didn't impact the estate too much. Asheville is open to tourists, but there are certain places where full recovery may be years away. Good job on the family history. Quite informative.
Yes. I am a long time patron of the the Baltimore. That looping, green screen-ish background behind the big house is there to make things look more isolated. It hides the woods behind my house and Asheville Buncombe Tech. No worries at all and I mean that. I am so glad to live so close to such a place. Truth is The Biltmore ended up playing a major role in the upbringing of my daughter. We spent hours a day there in the summer biking and hiking and eating ice cream. I’ve shown her the old family photo album with pictures of the freshly constructed house looking up from the duck pond. So much history with my family and this place. All that stopped on September 26th. My very first New Year’s resolution today on the drive back up the Saluda grade was to have the courage to venture over there about two miles, suck it up, and get back to it. I feel the same about our spot on the Laurel River. One step at a time, though. Thanks y’all for posting this though. See ya soon….hopefully tomorrow.
We were members for years, but it has priced us out. Many of the special events were included, or at least highly discounted, but they are very expensive extras.
I live in NC and have visited Biltmore a few times. Just finished reading Erik Larson’s “Devil in the White City”. He dedicates a lot of space in the book to Olmsted’s personality and philosophy of landscape architecture. It helped me understand the sheer scale of the landscape design at Biltmore. The house is an American castle to be sure, but the landscape (including the forests around the house) are rare and exquisite treasures. WARNING: “Devil in the White City” is a dual narrative story of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and a psychopathic serial killer who preyed on scores of victims who came to Chicago at the time.
When I first visited the Biltmore House, as it was called in the mid 1960s, I worried because the curtains had water stains in the gallery. When we went back for a Victorian Christmas in the 1980s, I was happy to see the well maintained home. In 2002, we moved an hour away and began visiting regularly. Mr. Cecil wrote in his book that he wants it to stay in the family and not be operated by a nonprofit foundation because the family makes money to preserve the estate - not preserve the estate to make money.
I've been to four of the Vanderbilt homes, two in Newport, one near Hyde Park on the Hudson River, and the Biltmore. All of them were ostentatious monuments to unimaginable wealth. But Biltmore is the only one I really thought could actually be a home. And the surrounding countryside looks like it could have doubled for some fantasy world of elves and hobbits.
The railroad barons were able to achieve such wealth because they had no competition in mass transit back then. No airlines, no cars, no buses. Railway travel was the only game in town.
You did a very thorough job detailing William and his family. But as if often the older brother George is often left out of any detail. George and William famously did not get along and split the property. William got the house and George got the dairy. George and his family were and are grounded people and have and continue to serve the WNC community. The WNC farmers market, WNC WNC Agricultural Center; the Mountain State Fair; the N.C. State Horticulture Crops Research Station; The North Carolina Arboretum; the WNC Regional Livestock Market; The Hemlock Restoration Initiative; the I- 26 corridor from Madison County into Tennessee all as a result of WNC Communities founded by George Cecil. Another common left out fact in the Cecil-Pickering family is that of George Pickering. This George started a summer boys camp in Black Mountain called Camp Rockmont. George Pickering used the camp to sexually abuse boys for years finally stopped by his conviction in 1996.
It's Sessel, Mr. V died in 1914 and Mrs. V was able to sell off most of the property, income tax came into being at that time. Had Mr. V lived the estate might have passed to NC or the US government. Taxes and the cost of living in NC were cheaper than NY. The estate is in better shape than when the family lived there. It was threadbare....
Well, I'm related to the Vanderbilts and the Cecils, so I'm lucky in that way, I suppose. I'd like to go visit Biltmore, stay there and catch up with family😊😊
It would’ve been interesting to hear how some of the Vanderbilts ended up with very little or no money such as the now famous Gloria Vanderbilt and famous son Anderson Cooper
On Friday September 27 2024 the area was devastated by Hurricane Helene. I haven’t seen any footage of the Biltmore house but the biltmore village has been destroyed.
The current owners of Biltmore, the Cecils are a wonderful family. I'm a chauffeur and I bring important people to Biltmore. Mr. Cecil wanted to know more about my vehicle rather than great his very wealthy guests! LOL
I was born and have lived my entire life except for military service within 25 miles of the estate in Northern Buncombe County. While the estate and home are inarguably magnificent, I wonder about the juxtaposition of this lavish home and estate adjacent or very near so much human suffering and inequality. I guess my opinion of this estate and family is positive but I would caution all not to assume all who are wealthy to be good neighbors or acting in the public interest.
I always laugh when people say the Vanderbilts don’t extra or have money when that’s not true. They are Vanderbilts they just have a different last name.
The guy was son of Cornelia Stuyvesand and her new husband Cecil...why he was called Vanderbilt?....that ship sailed before he was born when Vanderbilt died. The Vanderbilts of Biltmore state, became extinct with the death of Cornelias husband , childless , in 1924...
If you haven't been persuaded by the unanimously complimentary comments so far and the Biltmore website is just not enough; why not settle down on the sofa with the Richie Rich Macaulay Culkin movie set there‽
My grandma always only told me that they’re my cousins and the current children in NC are greedy and kept my section of the family from getting any of the inheritance…💀 I couldve been born a millionare.
COMMENT: Have you been to the Biltmore Estate - or would you like to?
Been to the Biltmore. Even in today's times it is a very impressive home.
Unfortunately I have never been to Biltmore but would absolutely love to go!
I have been many times
I work at The Biltmore Estate. My co-workers and I agree that this is probably one of the coolest places to work. I love being on the Estate, and I really love working for a family, not some huge corporation. Currently there are three generations of Vanderbilt heirs on the Estate, which includes several toddlers. It makes a profound difference to have working relationships with a real family, not just a Board of Directors.
Biltmore Village was under 30 feet of water September 27... Looks like a bomb went off...The house and estate are fine with tree damage on the property and tree damage along with the destroyed gift shop and bathrooms at the entrance...The employee who commented above forgot to mention that!
I have not only been to the Biltmore, but I worked there for almost two years. I love it there. The family is so down to earth, attentive to detail, and always consider if their visions for the estate are aligned with their ancestors original plans. There is so much to see and do! It’s like walking into luxurious history.
🙏🏾
Thank you, that is nice to hear.
I've been an annual passholder for years and I grew always suspected this but happy to hear you confirm.
Love the Biltmore Estate. The Vanderbilts and their grandchildren continually bless the Asheville area. The Biltmore Estate exudes hospitality and beauty. Even during the early days they paid their workers better than the going rate in the area. They are excellent employers even today. I am so thankful that the estate was not harmed during the destruction from Hurricane Helene. I am an annual pass holder and I just got complementary tickets to give to friends as a means to show support. They extended our passes since we were not able to access the estate right after Helene. They are top notch and a true asset to WNC. Good people and good business!!
I lived in Asheville and had a season pass, bike riding on the estate, hanging out weekly on the grounds with friends, having lunch at the restaurants, shopping and taking the extra tours. Always a treat. I miss having that to visit since I moved.
Yes I live within one hour south and it's the most beautiful place I've ever seen..I have been there in the spring..summer..
fall..and Christmas which is my favorite time to be there..its decorated simply beautiful..my grandkids classes in school have gone on visits an I have gone along to help..and the movie that was just shown that was filmed up there was simply gorgeous such a beautiful movie..to say hey..I've been right there was so super cool..thank you for keeping it open so all of us people here in NC can visit there..😊
A GORGEOUS PLACE..❤
I have worked at Biltmore for 15 years. I so enjoyed this vid. I enjoy learning about the History of the family and the house itself. The family are so involved in the day to day workings of the Biltmore House and they are also very good to their employees.
I worked as a tour guide there for years and always stressed to my guests that GWV was very much the "White sheep" of the Vanderbilts. He and his slightly older sister Lila both did admirably well for their homes and their staff. Nice video. The family still takes very good care of their staff and guests, very worthy of that family line.
Asheville has its beautiful charm..The Biltmore grounds are just absolutely beautiful.... I went last November and it was freezing walking around the estate and I kept looking at the house .... I wanted to go in, but my daughter said you need a reservation and you have to pay ahead of time... So it was already late in the day and I said my next trip I would definitely love to see the inside of the home..... So I visited her in September a few weeks back...made a reservation.. Very very happy I finally got to see the Biltmore estate... The grounds are so beautiful overlooking the mountains.....The home was absolutely amazing and it was so well worth it!!!.. so much history..
We went to the biltmore estate last August. We loved it, we spent 2 days exploring the house and the village. We loved everything about it, and our goal is to go back during Christmas and stay at the inn. We loved the biltmore and plan on coming back. The staff and guides were super nice, helpful, and kind.
The Biltmore at Christmas is absolutely gorgeous! You should try to see it decorated. I’ve been twice. I took my mother before she passed away when it was decorated for Christmas and she was overwhelmed with the splendor of it. So happy I could do that for her. A lovely memory! ❤
@TooStinkinFine that is awesome, I'm so happy you got to do that with your mom. We want to go at Christmas, I've seen pics of it decorated and it looks amazing. However, I'm sure in person, is a 1000 times better.
My wife and I shared an experience there once. It was like walking into a ghostly dream of fantastic splendor and breathtaking reality. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful journey back in time.
I love the Jackie Kennedy Connection it simply amazed me how so many old money families are connected
That’s because they only want to associate with people who have money and connections.
I absolutely loved this one. I've been to the Biltmore and it's exquisite. It's always impressed me how the family has taken care of their legacy while growing and planning for the future. Thanks for highlighting what they do.
Proposed to my wife overlooking the home and Christmas tree in 2013 and we try to visit every few years. The Biltmore will always be a very special place to me and my family.
Just came back from Biltmore just a few days ago for my 52nd birthday! I first visited 2 years ago when I turned 50. It was memorable! It is wonderful place to see and visit. I have been back to the estate close to a half dozen times in the last 2 years. I absolutely love Biltmore! My Dad and mom visited years ago. My mama told me all about ! I had wanted to visit for years and so me and a friend went to Ashville and the rest is history as they say. If you haven't been.....Go and see and see Biltmore! It's worth the visit! ❤
This episode was very informative. I've been about 70 times starting when I was 7. A point that wasn't discussed was the negative reaction many historical house museums had to the commercialization the Cecil's promoted. The efforts were proven right and now are copied at many historical houses. Good job Cecils.
We’ve been to the Biltmore many times, also the Village, etc. There’s a sense of sadness at how brief the time was for George W. to enjoy what he’d created. This was an extremely informative video, and I learned a lot from it.
We went at Christmas 2013 it was absolutely grand. The tour I will never forget it. We had Christmas dinner on the grounds. I highly recommend a visit. ❤
Yes, several times. I would love to go back. It's a beautiful and historic place. Everything about Biltmore is wonderful. On my next visit, I would love to stay at the Biltmore accommodations. When my daughter was in middle school, we had the opportunity to visit Biltmore during the Christmas season as her church youth choir was invited to perform in the Biltmore house. It was an amazing experience.
I just visited the Biltmore in Asheville 2 weeks ago. It was stunning. The tour was excellent and very interesting. You can't beat the view of the hills and countryside either!
My first visit to the Biltmore was as a child in 1962. Back then, only two floors were open to the public. You parked right in front of the house. I have been back many more times over the years. Great place.
The biltmore is one of my favorite destinations. I have been there only once , but I fell in love with it immediately. I hope to go back during the holidays soon.
We are annual pass holders and visit a few times each year. Besides visiting the house each Christmas we like to ride our bike along the river and love programs at Deer Park. Antler Hill is fun for ice cream and shopping. We enjoy taking family, especially grandchildren. So happy the house and estate is being preserved so well.
I’ve been one time. It was ok, but one time is enough for me!
Very interesting! I'm obsessed with Biltmore and go a couple of times per year, every year for 25 years, and I learned a few things I didn't know in this video. I love this home and the story of the family. I love the legacy they children are preserving. Love it, love it! This is such intriguing history.
Spent a ton time in Newport RI actually my dad's restaurant catered high end party love Newport history
The Vanderbilt on ocean Ave
I’ve been once before. Dreams of going back for the holidays to see all the elegant decorations!
Had a wonderful and fascinating visit to Biltmore. Well worth the price of admission. I recommend the self guided tour with headphones.
Visited 3 times, once at Christmas, spring and summer enjoyed each visit. Enjoyed the pub, shopping, wine tasting and restaurant. It is beautiful and a wonderful time spent. We enjoyed downtown Asheville very much,also.
I'm from New Orleans.. moved to SC rest family in Charlotte n Statesville Davidson NC
My daughter surprised Christmas visit spend 2 nights to tour the Biltmore n winery n cabin restaurant fir lunch shopping.
I had never seen such an exquisite mansion, a castle in my eyes in America. I've been to Europe France. I was totally speechless the whole tour very engaged in the guides speaking history Along with the incredible size rooms and amazing luxioureus furnishings decor and craftsmanship interiors. I was in Aww in 2015.. I didn't realize that growing up in Louisiana, such a beautiful estate existed. I heard some stories n read about Vanderbilt as I was a model when young and Gloria Vanderbilt fashion icon was rising up.
I want return again soon and stay at hotel with my daughter another visit because there so much to see n still learn in one visit.
Truly a grand Place and it felt like a real home imaginable for family. I pray it always stays in the family... thankfully was not harmed in Helene as much I prayed it was spared.
Soon my daughter & I will tour again.
Thank you for such a place, historic, and incredible wealth from a hard-working family . ❤
First time we visited we parked on the lawn at the front entrance. Been there over the years as more of it opened to visitors. What a place. Defintely impressed at the families success.
My uncle was a Pickering and I can remember visiting his house and learning all about Biltmore, among other awesome historical people places and things. Have yet to visit the place but grew up dreaming as a small girl about the bowling alley in the house!! 🫶
Yes we have been and it is amazing! We went around Thanksgiving and they were already decorated for Christmas. Our suggestion is go very early in the morning or late in the evening. Much less crowded then.
Just came back from my first visit and I really enjoyed the tour of the house, grounds and Antler village. I wish I lived closer. I hope to go again someday. I enjoyed the historical aspects covered in the video.
Thanks! Great story and glad you enjoyed it, Tom!
I have been there would like to go at Christmas, sometime. It is beautiful. Hard to image it being a family of three's home. It is so enormous. Hope it is taken care for many years to come. I love history.
I've been there twice! Highly recommend this place for a weekend visit. So much history and very interesting facts. Many people don't know Biltmore was safeguarding USA National priceless art collection during WWII. I just LOVE Biltmore 😍.
Yes have been twice and hope to go again during holidays. Saying Magnificent place doesn't do it justice.❤️
Always interesting to learn from history. I am in no way related to the Vanderbilts but enjoyed watching this episode. 😊😊 X
Biltmore in the Spring is a wonderful time to go. As you drive a few miles to the House, I noticed the Dogwood trees, the Azalia bushes and flowers are in bloom. It is beautiful! Mr. Olmstead did a wonderful job with the landscaping. I am sure his patterns have been replaced exactly how he had them planted. It is indeed an American treasure.
I stayed at the inn this summer and it was wonderful, looking forward to staying at the inn this winter.
Haven’t been back since Helene. The house itself wasn’t affected, some damage to out lying buildings closer to the river but Biltmore Village was destroyed. Completely and utterly. I’ve lived in the area of WNC for over 40 years & never seen or experienced this level of widespread devastation. It’s going to take time to get businesses up & running again while also trying to sort out homes for hundreds of displaced families not just in Asheville but further north & west and trying to survive the weather! Biltmore House cannot prosper without the Village & vice versa. The good news is that mountain people will survive and overcome.
Biltmore is one of the most incredible places to visit and I’ve seen some of the grandest in the world. Many of the guided mansions burned and lost to history, tapestries and craftsmanship unlike anything elsewhere. The remaining pieces of this time must be protected to inspire the minds of future generations.
Thank you OML, that was well done as always...
Glad you enjoyed it!
It is one of the best places that I’ve ever visited. It is breathtaking. It almost unimaginable that someone could have that much money to spend on a home. It is a great place that everyone should see.
Visited there 5 years ago. I enjoyed seeing how people with vision and fresh ideas can work to make a community better so that all can benefit. I believe that Asheville is the biggest benefactor from the Biltmore.
My husband insisted we visit the Biltmore. I couldn’t imagine it was a good idea to spend so much and care for four children. But he didn’t insist on many things and agreed to my rule for stopping every two to three for the kids to get out and expend energy.
When I think about the Biltmore I still feel my jaw drop. I still remember details that had me in awe. Of the many antiques and leather wall-paper, three large fireplaces along one wall of the dining room. Not average fireplace width but I’m guessing each more like six feet wide.
The thing that most impressed me was the large pocket doors for drying bed linens. It wasn’t the only part of the laundry.
After my first visit to Biltmore in 1976, I wrote a scathing letter to the owners about their unspeakable cruelty to the waterfowl that roamed the estate grounds. The letter was about how they seemingly removed one leg of each bird, to keep them from escaping the grounds so tourists would be able to see the wildlife. My letter was was angry, and I threatened to turn them in to the proper authorities. Shortly after that I received a letter back from them, thanking me for my letter. They went on to explain that they were NOT in the practice of amputating the legs of waterfowl on the estate. They explained that most waterfowl, when it is cold, will alternate tucking one leg/foot at a time, up into their bodies to keep one leg/foot at a time, warm. I'm guessing they were laughing their heads off as they read my letter, and as they wrote the response. I suspect a copy of the letter hung in their office for weeks, as amusement to the employees. I still have the letter they wrote me back; I wonder if they still have mine?.... (I commented/ wrote about this episode on another Biltmore UA-cam site a couple years ago. I repeat it here, hoping someone at Biltmore recalls writing the response to my letter. On the other site, many people commented about how funny it was, and others claimed it was not true. It is true. And I am in the process of locating the Biltmore letter they wrote me. When I find it, I will mail a copy to Biltmore to see if anyone there remembers it all).... I have visited Biltmore many times, and hope to go back this coming year.
Great story, haha
This is HILARIOUS 🤣 You're quite brave to admit to that story, and I'm sure that you're right; the staff probably had many a chuckle while rereading your "scathing" correspondence which they posted on their wall! 😅
Ducks actually do hold one foot up…
Nobody will remember 1976, the employees at that time are long gone. leave it as a memory or you will fight a lost battle.
We’ve driven by on our way to Charleston, SC many times. We always say “next time we will stop”.
You really should make it a destination trip. It's so beautiful and there's so much history 😍
I'd love to go to the Biltmore, but I'm afraid it's a little out of my budget! It has always fascinated me! I love American history, mostly about the people who made it the wonderful country it once was and I'm hoping it can be again😊❤!
Save up and go Debra! It’s really worth the money and you won’t be disappointed. Go in the winter months and during the week and it’s a lot cheaper than weekends and holiday seasons 😊
Oh my goodness!! We went several times in the past and yes it was pricey but I loved it so much. After watching the video I thought about taking my young granddaughters. The prices are absolutely insane for the average family now. I’ll never have a few hundred extra for this
I have been to Biltmore many times and I worked for Biltmore. Wonderful place to visit and to work for as well.
We’ve been several times and absolutely love it.
I have just discovered your chanel and I'm loving the well researched and beautifully presented stories. Thank you. And now a request, have you covered the rothschilds? If so can you provide ne with the link?
How The Rothschilds Went From “New Money” To "Old Money"
ua-cam.com/video/uMF-DvczW3I/v-deo.html
I grew up in Asheville NC and the Vanderbilt/Cecil families are VERY respected here in Asheville NC! They have 4 and 5 generations of families still working for them! Patricia Gambino Harrington (I post on my husband Frank's UA-cam account)
I love the narration (a.i?) I also enjoy the old money values series
The Biltmore is a National Treasure. I hear complaints about pricing to go see it, but I understand why it's expensive. It really is comparable to a day at a theme park, and while the experience is quite different than a theme park, it's certainly got plenty to see and do during a visit. Haven't been over there in a few years. Luckily damage from Helene didn't impact the estate too much. Asheville is open to tourists, but there are certain places where full recovery may be years away. Good job on the family history. Quite informative.
Yes, very beautiful and gorgeous place
Biltmore is only an hour drive from me. So, yes. Several times.❤
Yes. I am a long time patron of the the Baltimore. That looping, green screen-ish background behind the big house is there to make things look more isolated. It hides the woods behind my house and Asheville Buncombe Tech. No worries at all and I mean that. I am so glad to live so close to such a place. Truth is The Biltmore ended up playing a major role in the upbringing of my daughter. We spent hours a day there in the summer biking and hiking and eating ice cream. I’ve shown her the old family photo album with pictures of the freshly constructed house looking up from the duck pond. So much history with my family and this place. All that stopped on September 26th. My very first New Year’s resolution today on the drive back up the Saluda grade was to have the courage to venture over there about two miles, suck it up, and get back to it. I feel the same about our spot on the Laurel River. One step at a time, though. Thanks y’all for posting this though. See ya soon….hopefully tomorrow.
went at Christmas for first anniversary, as close as I have been to breath taking
This was an enjoyable video; thanks 😊
We were members for years, but it has priced us out. Many of the special events were included, or at least highly discounted, but they are very expensive extras.
I live in NC and have visited Biltmore a few times. Just finished reading Erik Larson’s “Devil in the White City”. He dedicates a lot of space in the book to Olmsted’s personality and philosophy of landscape architecture. It helped me understand the sheer scale of the landscape design at Biltmore. The house is an American castle to be sure, but the landscape (including the forests around the house) are rare and exquisite treasures. WARNING: “Devil in the White City” is a dual narrative story of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and a psychopathic serial killer who preyed on scores of victims who came to Chicago at the time.
Nice to see there still around
When I first visited the Biltmore House, as it was called in the mid 1960s, I worried because the curtains had water stains in the gallery. When we went back for a Victorian Christmas in the 1980s, I was happy to see the well maintained home. In 2002, we moved an hour away and began visiting regularly. Mr. Cecil wrote in his book that he wants it to stay in the family and not be operated by a nonprofit foundation because the family makes money to preserve the estate - not preserve the estate to make money.
I’ve been there twice. One of my favorite places to visit were the servants quarters , not just the luxurious areas.
I've been to four of the Vanderbilt homes, two in Newport, one near Hyde Park on the Hudson River, and the Biltmore. All of them were ostentatious monuments to unimaginable wealth. But Biltmore is the only one I really thought could actually be a home. And the surrounding countryside looks like it could have doubled for some fantasy world of elves and hobbits.
William K had a summer house in Centerport, Long Island, New York
I love the gardens at Biltmore 😍
Fairies and evi atrocities as well... according to the young daughter.
I worked at the dairy plant I was one of the last three people that worked there before it closed
I was there back in the 80's for a visit. Saw it once, no need to go again.
The railroad barons were able to achieve such wealth because they had no competition in mass transit back then. No airlines, no cars, no buses. Railway travel was the only game in town.
Nice. Thank you!
I have been there one time. It was a great looking place..
I have been there. Loved it. Wine is great as well. :-)
I live in NC and have been to the Biltmore Estate numerous times.
You did a very thorough job detailing William and his family. But as if often the older brother George is often left out of any detail.
George and William famously did not get along and split the property. William got the house and George got the dairy.
George and his family were and are grounded people and have and continue to serve the WNC community. The WNC farmers market, WNC WNC Agricultural Center; the Mountain State Fair; the N.C. State Horticulture Crops Research Station; The North Carolina Arboretum; the WNC Regional Livestock Market; The Hemlock Restoration Initiative; the I- 26 corridor from Madison County into Tennessee all as a result of WNC Communities founded by George Cecil.
Another common left out fact in the Cecil-Pickering family is that of George Pickering. This George started a summer boys camp in Black Mountain called Camp Rockmont. George Pickering used the camp to sexually abuse boys for years finally stopped by his conviction in 1996.
I have been several times it is right down the road a piece from me..
It's Sessel, Mr. V died in 1914 and Mrs. V was able to sell off most of the property, income tax came into being at that time. Had Mr. V lived the estate might have passed to NC or the US government. Taxes and the cost of living in NC were cheaper than NY. The estate is in better shape than when the family lived there. It was threadbare....
Well, I'm related to the Vanderbilts and the Cecils, so I'm lucky in that way, I suppose. I'd like to go visit Biltmore, stay there and catch up with family😊😊
:)
Also related.......
Very interesting!
It would’ve been interesting to hear how some of the Vanderbilts ended up with very little or no money such as the now famous Gloria Vanderbilt and famous son Anderson Cooper
Anderson says he never visited Biltmore. I hope he comes to Asheville and tours the house
On Friday September 27 2024 the area was devastated by Hurricane Helene. I haven’t seen any footage of the Biltmore house but the biltmore village has been destroyed.
😢
They said the house didn't get damaged
The current owners of Biltmore, the Cecils are a wonderful family. I'm a chauffeur and I bring important people to Biltmore. Mr. Cecil wanted to know more about my vehicle rather than great his very wealthy guests! LOL
Hahaha, amazing!
I’ve been but wow $90 price tag is expensive to see a persons house who would have looked down on me when they were living.
I’ve to the Biltmore Estate with a group of Women CEO’s. We had a great time.
I plan to visit The Biltmore.
The Rockefeller family is up there with the Vanderbilts.
I was born and have lived my entire life except for military service within 25 miles of the estate in Northern Buncombe County. While the estate and home are inarguably magnificent, I wonder about the juxtaposition of this lavish home and estate adjacent or very near so much human suffering and inequality. I guess my opinion of this estate and family is positive but I would caution all not to assume all who are wealthy to be good neighbors or acting in the public interest.
Cecil lived in the dedicated "bachelor's wing"?
I always thought that the Biltmore house would make a great homeless shelter.
restaurant is excellent
I always laugh when people say the Vanderbilts don’t extra or have money when that’s not true. They are Vanderbilts they just have a different last name.
I'd like to see about KARL XVI of Sweden.
The guy was son of Cornelia Stuyvesand and her new husband Cecil...why he was called Vanderbilt?....that ship sailed before he was born when Vanderbilt died. The Vanderbilts of Biltmore state, became extinct with the death of Cornelias husband , childless , in 1924...
Wanted to go but too expensive
Its good
hi
It's not the Vanderbilt family, but the Cecil family.
13:11 all that money and teeth that look like that is wild
“Rolling hills” otherwise known as the Appalachian mountains lol
If you haven't been persuaded by the unanimously complimentary comments so far and the Biltmore website is just not enough; why not settle down on the sofa with the Richie Rich Macaulay Culkin movie set there‽
I have been there beautiful
My grandma always only told me that they’re my cousins and the current children in NC are greedy and kept my section of the family from getting any of the inheritance…💀 I couldve been born a millionare.
😮😂
Can you book a trip there to eat inside the house
Negative, you can't carry anything but a capped clear water bottle in the house.
Es why not
😊