Biltmore Estate
1 Lodge St., Biltmore Forest, Asheville, North Carolina
Built by American magnate George Washington Vanderbilt II, the Biltmore Estate was modeled after the mansions of Europe when it was constructed in the late 19th century. The Biltmore House is the largest home in the United States—a staggering 178,926 square feet (16,623 square meters) sitting on more than 8,000 acres (3,237 hectares)—and a prominent symbol of America’s Gilded Age.
Lovers of history, architecture, and gardens will all enjoy touring the Biltmore Estate. With a copper-lined rooftop, limestone walls, and an ornately decorated interior full of antiques and artifacts, the Biltmore House is the highlight of the estate and provides for hours of exploration and enjoyment. Its 250 rooms include 36 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, three kitchens, and a 10,000-volume library. The impressive house is surrounded by a manicured park landscape, including a timber forest, formal gardens, and quiet ponds.
Biltmore Estate tickets are timed-entry, so it is best to buy tickets in advance to guarantee entry. Advance reservations are required on certain days.
The self-guided tour along a marked route through the home takes at least two hours. Guided, 90-minute tours are available for an additional fee.
You need a car to travel between locations on the Biltmore Estate. A shuttle is available between the Biltmore House parking lot and the front door.
Only the first and second floors of the Biltmore House are wheelchair accessible.
Located in the countryside near Asheville, North Carolina, the estate lies off exit 50 on Highway 25, four miles north of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Free parking is available with a shuttle from the lot to the estate entrance. If you’re staying in Charlotte, consider booking a full-day group tour to the estate.
The estate admissions gate is open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm. The best time to visit the Biltmore Estate is first thing in the morning on a weekday, as it can get very crowded on the weekends. Crowds are sparse in winter, but you miss out on the blooming gardens and all the outdoor activities available. On the other hand, it’s a treat to see the mansion decked out in Christmas decorations in November and December.
A variety of outdoor activities are available at the Biltmore Estate, making it a great place to spend an entire day. Take a stand-up paddleboard trip down the French Broad River, or rent a bike and take a ride along the river or through the surrounding woodlands. Enjoy the scenery on a carriage ride through the estate, go fly-fishing, or tour the grounds on horseback. Wine aficionados may also want to visit the winery in Antler Hill Village and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting.
The full tour experience of the Biltmore Estate typically takes around 4-5 hours to complete. This includes touring all parts of the house as well as seeing all of the surrounding gardens and trails. Specialty tours such as wine tastings are also available for those looking for a more personalized experience.
Yes. Exploring the grounds of the Biltmore Estate is truly a magical experience and you can do it for free. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, this magnificent 250-room chateau offers 8,000 acres of gardens, paths, and foliage to explore. Consider walking the Biltmore Legacy Trail or following one of the self-guided tours.
To ensure that your tour isn’t rushed, it’s recommended that guests arrive 1–2 hours before the ticketed entry times (especially on peak visitation days). That way you can enjoy breakfast at one of their cafés before stepping into the grand home or visiting some of the on-site outdoor activities available.
No. Located close to the house and gardens, visitors can explore Antler Village without paying any extra fees. Set within a 19th-century rural settlement, guests can stroll around the village hillside, take photos of its unique architecture, watch horses pull old-fashioned carriages, and drop by the Petting Paddock Park.
If you’re looking for the perfect time to visit the Biltmore Estate, spring is always an excellent choice. Not only can you enjoy mild weather and a variety of blooming flowers, but you can also take advantage of various events held by the estate during this time. Visitors have plenty of attractions to choose from.
A walking tour around the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate allows you to take in the beauty of the grounds, as well as visit many historical attractions. This Estate is will leave a lasting impression, but be sure to lace up your shoes and prepare for at least 1 hour of walking.
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