While on my recent trip up to Asheville, NC, Vicki and I also got the special privilege of visiting the Biltmore House and Gardens and meeting with one of the horticulturists there for a little tour of our own. And it was beautiful. Cold, but beautiful! Spring hadn’t quite caught up with the tulips and daffodils that were blooming yet and the temps that day were chilly to say the least, but we made it through and persevered. We did a wonderful walking tour in the garden and then went inside the Biltmore for an audio tour,which was SO interesting.
The Biltmore is such an inspiring and beautiful place. To think that it was completed and the family had a party on Christmas Eve 1895, is just amazing. You can read more about the estate history and see all the details. The fact that this house was built in the late 1800’s is just astounding to me, the depth of work and perseverance it must have taken to see this house come about. It truly rivals the castles of Europe and is America’s own royalty, as close to that as we will get. The house has 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Now that is just amazing!
George Vanderbilt had the dream to build this house and he did a magnificent job with it all, from the architecture to the gardens. The audio tour tells all about the men who helped bring about this dream as well, the architect and the garden mastermind. It’s something to behold, The Biltmore House in all her glory! Just standing in this spot and gazing across the lush green lawn to this magnificent home is quite awe-inspiring. After watching Downton Abbey, it made me appreciate this home all the more. I had only visited the Biltmore one time back in 2011 for a blog event and loved it then too.
The main gates coming to the Biltmore House.
The architecture on this stone house is truly amazing.
I would never get tired of seeing this beauty. I love the fact that the Biltmore family still owns the house and has turned it into a national treasure, with tours and events. This home certainly needs to be maintained and preserved forever.
Weddings are held here and this was the after of one.
A walkway covered with vines.
Those gorgeous mountains in NC, truly a beautiful state.
Outdoor fountain
We stopped in at the walled garden and conservatory, which I had not seen before. It’s a beautiful master planned garden which was such a treat to see.
Conservatory doors. This building dates back to when the house was built as well, late 1800’s.
Loved that herringbone brick sidewalk.
Inside the conservatory were all sorts of lush and tropical plants. The orchids were especially pretty and I couldn’t help taking lots of pics of them.
I’ve never been great with growing orchids, but maybe I should try another one. They sure are pretty!
Ahhh, look at the beautiful colors in the ones above.
So vivid and tropical.
We so enjoyed strolling through the conservatory and seeing all the plants grown at the Biltmore house.
Outside in the walled gardens, hundreds of daffodils are blooming.
Purple and yellow is a winning combo.
I loved the espalier trees growing against the walls.
Such a beautiful garden to see in person. I imagine that it changes with each season, with things blooming all the time.
Me and Vicki taking advantage of a photo op at the gardens. We were cold, but it was too pretty not to see.
Parker Andes, one of the main horticulturists at the gardens has been with them for 14 years, I think he said. He obviously loves his job and was an enthusiastic tour guide for us, telling us the history and how things have evolved over the years.
The gardeners cottage. Not a bad place at all.
On the vast grounds of the estate, many plants are blooming and looking beautiful during spring, like this forsythia.
Looking from outside the walled garden back inside.
It was a magical day and tour and we loved every minute of it. I’m so glad I got to tour the Biltmore house again and do a walk through of the gardens. If you have never been to the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, I would certainly tell you to go. It’s an amazing place, so awe-inspiring and beautiful!
Spring is the perfect time to go!
Over 20 years ago we took a 2 week driving trip to Asheville and the Henderson area, and we still talk about it. We stayed at the beautiful Grove Park. We hiked the trail at Chimney Rock and what an experience that was. Yes, it was in the area that Last of the Mohicans was filled. That was a rugged hike. We considered moving to the area when we retired, but by then our family became established nearby and we simply couldn’t leave our grandchildren.
It’s such a beautiful area!
I have had the opportunity to see the Biltmore twice…I was a class chaperone for both of kids……..once it was springtime and once at Christmas. I truly enjoyed both visits. So yes……if you get the opportunity to visit …do so.
I know you and Mark will make beautiful memories. Have fun!!
Ooh, this is so beautiful. I have only been there for thanksgiving and Christmas. It was so nice to see what it looks like in the spring.