by Kari Nichols

Created on: August 09, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Biltmore Estate is so much more than a house. True, the home itself is a remarkable juncture of architecture, engineering, and manual labor, but it is only part of the whole Estate. As a gardener, the gardens and grounds are a stunning labor of love that began with the hands of Frederick Law Olmstead and has been preserved through the generations with the guidance of the family. But wait - there's more! Even beyond the house and the gardens, there are activities for many interests.

Starting with the house, there are areas on five levels of the home that have been restored and are accessible for touring, plus special tours such as the rooftop tour with it's spectacular views of the surrounding gardens, grounds, forests and Blue Ridge Mountains. Just the remarkable furnishings, fireplaces and stonework are sufficient to fill a leisurely day. The Vanderbilts also had the benefits of the most up to date technology of their time, and had an indoor swimming pool next to their fitness areas and bowling alley in the basement adjacent to the utility areas and servant's quarters.

Exiting the house itself leads you into a portico; turning away from the front of the home the cobblestone courtyard opens up to what was the original stables which have been converted to shops for candy, books, gifts and wine, a Bake shop with heavenly pastry, muffins and coffees, and an ice cream parlor. In the courtyard is their Stable Cafe for casual lunches, and tables to rest at.

The grounds and gardens change with the seasons, which gives you at least four different views each year of their spacious and lush plantings. For the uninitiated, visiting in March through May will give you the best views of the incredible Azaleas and Rhododendrons that are displayed in their own separate several acre garden. But don't stop there - the Spring Garden has a collection of Dogwood trees and other horticultural specimens from around the world. Some of the special trees are the beautiful red Japanese maples, a Paperbark Maple, Korean Mountain Ash, Cornelian Cherry, and many shrubs and trees that show their finest that you can plant in your own home garden. They do have a Gardener's Place gift shop with plants and garden decor, as well as partnering with Lowe's to market plants throughout the country. Throughout the year, various programs and demonstrations are offered here.

In addition to the gardens and grounds, there is an extensive conservatory with hothouse tropicals, orchids, the original propagation

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>