Upstairs at the Biltmore House

The top floor of the Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt's fabulous mansion in Asheville, served three purposes: an Observatory overlooking the sweeping Appalachian landscape and adjacent outdoor balconies; the Architectural Model Room housing Richard Morris Hunt's 1889 architectural model of Biltmore House and the female servants' quarters. Get a behind-the-scenes tour of these recently opened rooms which provide an interesting contrast to the more opulent public rooms on the lower floors.
Produced by UNC-TV and Our State Magazine, with generous funding from BB&T. For further info, visit www.unctv.org/ourstate.

[@anngood4141]

My grandmother grew up at Biltmore, her father was one of the estate supervisors. She said they were lovely people.

[@leewhite-graham753]

Wow. Lucky you to hear her memories!

[@Xposthmous]

That’s awesome!

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

Thanks for sharing that! Our families surely knew each other in some way? Lol my grandfather partly grew up on or spending much time, helping & playing on the estate too. My great grandfather owned part of the land it was built on & sold it to the Vanderbilts, and part of the deal was for him to also work there as a dairy farmer for the estate. My grandfather attended Biltmore School. That building is still there on Hwy 25 on the outskirts of Asheville.

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

@UC-cO0xMn5_oC0khZw5PlWrg Excellent point, thank you tons for sharing that. I do not believe likewise that my grandfather as a child or his father as an adult who worked on the estate after selling his land to the Vanderbilts for it, were entirely aware of the sacrifices and dark awful practices... but my grandfather started telling me from the time I was 2 and 3 years old not to ever become a Democrat, he would tease me about it like he seriously wished to inculcate something into me from the beginning of my awareness. He also was not against wealth itself at all, but like a lot of people in our culture in WNC, was against what he called fat cats or some such. It was like he knew something? He'd make comments about these things with a serious steely look in his Irish Cherokee eyes, even though with us kids he was mostly sparkly eyed and funny much of the time. I've always thought in his sharp intuitive way he picked up on something dark happening on the estate and among people like that? I don't know. I so wish he was still alive for me to ask him!

[@anngood4141]

@@iahelcathartesaura3887 my grandma’s family name was Penland.

[@marilynread364]

We moved to Eastern Tennessee and had guests frequently who wanted to visit the Biltmore in Asheville. This was an easy day trip for our guests with us driving them there for too many visits. It was the most amazing experience for them. There was nothing in Nashville to even compare to it, so we felt it was an honor to take them. Now that my husband and I are much older we would enjoy visiting one final time. There is so much walking that this would be unreasonable. Thank you for bringing the memories back! Please keep this Grand Old Lady up and again, thank you.

[@crystalcabot9610]

The Biltmore House is a glorious masterpiece of architecture and landscape. My greatest appreciation to the family for sharing it with the rest of us.

[@justincase1323]

It’s “Biltmore”, The Biltmore is a hotel

[@shirellstevenson5970]

They never show enough of the bedrooms

[@amandaepperson2005]

Just the outside alone is so much detail and beauty

[@georgiahorton1591]

Too expensive. $100.00

[@pattiekittrell9975]

That house was full of evil satanists

[@ferraridan4883]

The greatest home ever built. I proposed there in 1990. Got down on one knee in front of "The Lady on the Hill". Greetings from Nashville !

[@Luis-yx1xi]

It's also remarkable how the whole state house, gardens and nature remains so well preserved and manteined.

[@shaunh1986]

I'm from the UK and I must say this is BEAUTIFUL. I want to go!!!!!! God bless the US and UK relationship

[@heru-deshet359]

@88Gibson LesPaul You had to go there. God bless Trump 2020!!

[@JonnM]

88Gibson LesPaul indeed, we all have our burdens to bear. You with Brexit and us with Trump. One day sanity will return.

[@552mustang]

@88Gibson LesPaul Dont inject your politics BS into this inspiring video. Keep walking.

[@yeeterooni7352]

Bless you! I have gone to the estate and the interior is fit for kings. So cool!!!

[@marilynnguyen5887]

Yah a time of having maids and slaves,

[@sharonbender880]

I went back in the late 80s. The estate was beautiful, the gardens are what I appreciated the most

[@maryherring4261]

I love the way that Biltmore keeps evolving, introducing new areas to visit. It keeps me going back year after year. Always a joy.

[@dianneeverett1633]

Truly amazing. Love that period of decor and furniture. Ingenious about the firewalls and communication systems. So glad to have this glimpse of architecture.

[@looneyfarm1]

It truly is an amazing home. Christmas time is a beautiful time to visit.

[@KillerKallzGiveaways]

Don't go on holidays. Crazy crowed But I could visit there a 1000 times. Would love to go back in time and visit with George and visit about the house. Have no idea how anyone could even dream of such a place

[@jamesalford6772]

Clearly you haven't heard of Versailles

[@victoriashinn7687]

@Johnny Doeboy ig

[@Catherinearmant]

KillerKallz : I agree with you !

[@ravenzyblack]

Do the Grand Tour of Europe and you will have an idea. This estate reminds me of Chambord in the Loure Valley in France.

[@rmiddlehouse]

Imagine building something like this, where no expense is spared, and then you go broke. A strange thing to do, but it now pays for itself and is a work of art for all to enjoy, so in the end it was a good idea after all.

[@rollingtones1]

That's actually a gross over-simplification. Not really broke. There are some excellent books - try Lady On The Hill. It explains how they turned it into a homestead (a money-making home).

[@fauvecorrigan1233]

@@rollingtones1 Didn't they do it during the great depression to help tourism in the area rather than because the family needing the money?

[@stevenbarber147]

The family still owns the house to the day and they didn't really ever go broke they just didn't have the money the family once had

[@jackirichard414]

I’ve been to the Biltmore several times. It’s a big beautiful home.

[@sandrakeener1395]

Modern day mansions cannot begin to compare, the workmanship alone built to make a lasting impression.

[@sdimet]

Me and my wife are honeymooning in Asheville and are on the first day of a 2 day pass we have to the estate I'm in awe all of the craftsman work that was put into building this house then the remodel My personal experience so far well worth the money spent to get in if you ever have the chance go see it do it dont think twice and for a special go when they do the Christmas lighting at night simply amazing we'll be comming back for another visit

[@karenstrycharz1499]

Congratulations on your wedding! I realize this post is right yrs old but nonetheless “CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WEDDING THOSE MANY YRS AGO & many happy anniversaries by now! What a special place to honeymoon & what great memories you both must have!!!!♥️💗♥️💗♥️💗♥️💗♥️💗♥️💗♥️💗♥️💗♥️💗♥️💗♥️

[@jkdmak]

I want this library!

[@ph00xy]

Michael André Karlsen My wife and I were there this weekend. The video is only a tiny taste that does not do justice to this place!

[@KyrstOak]

David Carroll - Awesome! I wanna go there one day! :D

[@suesally2103]

At Christmas time it is decorated so beautiful !

[@karenlehn2351]

I have had the pleasure of touring this magnificent piece of architecture,and was most surprised at the modern convenances that were there for the period. Our American castle !❤️

[@ellenanderson9535]

The woodwork in this mansion is gorgeous !

[@patsypartin4522]

Have visited 22 times, each time different, more breathtaking.

[@apmarin]

My favorite place on earth. What i would GIVE to go back in time and live there for a month or two with George and his wife as a guest.

[@gbmgnrs]

We have visited The Biltmore a few times and it is absolutely a masterpiece!

[@lisamartin3734]

Beautiful home and the color coded linen is a very classy way of organization. Neat idea for large homes.

[@duanel517]

just visited this house and am in awe of its exquisite beauty and everything about it

[@kathleensheridan2063]

Beautiful home! I love the design and detail of the home. Great architecture!!!❤️

[@Chutney1luv]

Though Beautiful, I can't imagine having to take the stairs to the top Maids Quarters! Well designed and we'll organized! This Mansion is Superior to any place; that I have seen; during that time and this!

[@sjwilloughby-greene8214]

I never had the pleasure to visit. It is on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing. 🙏

[@monadotson741]

Biltmore is a grand place that is ever growing. By opening different levels you learned something new every time you visited. ❤❤I will always love ❤️ this beautiful grand home.

[@suziperret468]

I visited once and imagined all the people that lived there..They were ghost that came alive for me. Loved the bowling alley. It was thrilling !

[@karenstrycharz1499]

Wowwwwwww! They have a bowling ally there? How extraordinary! Love to see that! Sounds like all the amenities they have built into the White House! Love this amazing place!

[@elisabethhutchinson2987]

I've been here on more than one occasion. It's one of my favorite places in the world

[@karenstrycharz1499]

I can see why! It is beautiful here!

[@laserbeam002]

I went to the Biltmore House today. It is only about 1 hours drive north of me. I love this place. It is so grand, gracious and beautiful. The attendents are well informed and always helpful. The visit is more than worth the ticket price.

[@TheMistresssherry]

growing up not far away from builtmore estates i can say this place is still amazing to me. ive been several times and always looking forward to going again. i suggest anyone going to get the 2 day pass, its well worth it

[@henk-3098]

Imagine losing your phone in that house😂

[@Erin-Thor]

You would be senile to do so silly, there was one phone line running to several phones. No cell phones, no cordless phones.

[@heru-deshet359]

I'd throw the phone away and enjoy being there.

[@lavendardust]

What a thought. But it does happen. There would be plenty of staff to call your cell and help you track the ringtone sounding. :D

[@topfuelfan]

That's funny right there, I don't care who you are. Well done

[@andreyilkevich]

Owner of that house can loose and buy another phone every single day .

[@wedoebe]

This absolutely stunning! I now have The Biltmore House on my list of magnificent places to visit in the USA.

[@justincase1323]

Biltmore. The Biltmore is a hotel

[@amycamp978]

I love the idea of the ribbons on the bed linens.

[@karenstrycharz1499]

Me too! Very elegant idea!

[@66collinwood]

I love this mansion!! Just fantastic!!

[@biancahotca3244]

It’s a beautiful place to visit. I loved the tour. We went several years ago- but it’s ridiculously expensive to see the house.

[@melissagalloway7675]

Bianca Hotca how else is the family supposed to maintain the house?

[@traceyreitterer230]

How much are tickets, Bianca? And were you able to get photos - especially of the pool in the basement? I've seen others photos & wonder why there are hanging ropes on one side of the pool with no apparent drainage system. Do you know what that is about??

[@alvincheatteam6903]

@@traceyreitterer230 bianca was lying

[@bridgieoh9326]

Ticket prices in 2022 range from approx $90 to $330 per adult depending on the level of the tour chosen. I'd say that could be pricey for many people.

[@anthonyhicks8589]

To be there is simply breathtaking, I would definitely love living in an architect's masterpiece like this

[@lesliesmith5797]

The design is amazing and the craftsmanship is extraordinary. All the modern innovations to make sure everyone was comfortable. Wow

[@hannahm.macklin743]

I’ve been there many of times and it’s an amazing historical building. It’s the most popular place to visit in my city.

[@edt6044]

Were you able to go into all the rooms.. at least look inside?

[@eire7837]

That's not a House, it's a Community, what amazing Architecture.

[@foadrightnow5725]

I've been to Hearst Castle several times. An amazing place, for sure. And while I've never been to the Biltmore House, from what I've seen it makes Hearst Castle look like a nice tract home by comparison! Would definitely love to see it person before I shuffle off my mortal coil!

[@CrissyLynnB]

It is an amazing place. You won't be disappointed!

[@CrissyLynnB]

I grew up living close this beautiful place and went many times with my family at Christmas. They have opened more of the house over the years since I have moved away. I remember in my visits back then wishing I could stay overnight and have a key to all those locked doors. I never found myself bored, even after many visits.

[@sandranorman5469]

Have been more times than I can count. Now that I am wheelchair bound, I treasure the time I spent there. Admiring the artwork from all over the world. Seeing Napolean’s chess set. The two story library was incredible. Hope all who wish to go are able to go.

[@dannystewart1412]

Definitely don't miss your chance. It's amazing. Words cannot describe the experience of being there, emersed in it. You are transported to a different time in history. To witness it in person is awe inspiring. Do yourself a favor and GO! It's well worth it.

[@starangelsa]

My favorite place to visit! Breathtaking!! ❤

[@jeremysmith2375]

I've been there many times . But at Christmas time is my favorite time to visit . Just don't eat at the restaurants the food is not that good . But do the taste wine . If you like wine🍷 you will agree with me its out of this world .if you can do the horse back riding .

[@melissagalloway7675]

The food at The Stable Cafe is actually quite good.

[@kenbrownfield6584]

I ate at Cedric's and the salmon was very good. The Stable cafe I thought was very good also. Give the restaurants another try.

[@OMFGITSVIKKI]

And here I am, lusting over getting my own studio apartment.

[@marshalljimduncan]

As you should be. Be thankful for what you have, for others have much less...

[@Chutney1luv]

😂😂 Just stay positive & work that Studio Apartment to save your money! And later you will get want you desire through prayer! Your Mansion awaits you or a lovely home and family! Blessings 🙏

[@susanbrogan2517]

It seems like he spent most of his life building this castle and then he died.He only lived until his 50's. I prefer the simple life myself, thank you. But it's a magnificent building.

[@grandmalovesmebest]

Victoria, enjoy. There's no better gift than a home of your own, no matter studio or castle.

[@karenstrycharz1499]

Good for you Victoria & good luck to you in getting your studio apartment! I am excited for you but I need to add something Victoria! Just remember this....” It isn’t if you live in a mansion, villa, one bedroom or a studio apartment or even “what you have in life”( fancy vehicles), clothes or trips but “are you happy inside?” Now “THAT” is truly what matters( & good health too, 🤣thinking about it, for if you are sick... “the rest”, doesn’t much matter!))in life! You carry that happiness inside of you & train yourself “to always see the good in every situation or occasion! “ Concentrate on what makes you happy & be grateful( God) for whatever you have & the “rest won’t matter!” Enjoy that new apartment of yours & “God Bless!”♥️

[@judyholiday1794]

I love looking down on this beautiful estate from the Blue Ridge Parkway

[@karenstrycharz1499]

Bet it is beautiful. I always wanted to go on the Blue Ridge Parkway, to this beautiful estate & The Smokey Mountains! It all looks so beautiful!♥️Praying my husband & I are able to someday! Fighting breast cancer at the amazing Dana Farber Institute right now but praying we can go someday( & we can afford it lol!) My husband is 79 & I am 71 & time going by so quickly ! God Bless!♥️

[@terriewiese6524]

We visited in 2017. It was a super wow! The chess board was Napoleon Bonaparte's. We bought tickets a month earlier. We was glad we did. Tickets sell out quickly.

[@MC-342]

Been there many times. Its incredibly beautiful. 💖

[@karenstrycharz1499]

How blessed you are! Looks incredible!

[@DalV]

Enjoyed watching this, thank you for sharing. It’d be interesting to see one of these shows focus on the basement, collection of wine and secret vault room. Also my ancestors had Christmas parties for underprivileged children where they were given gifts and baked goods.

[@BeautyDiva100]

I find it fascinating that Frederick Law Olmsted not only designed the grounds at the Biltmore estate, but designed Central Park in New York.

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

You can picnic at Biltmore - down near the lagoon is a nice spot with a great view of the house. In fact, I think you can get a 'picnic-to-go' from one of the stable shops.

[@karenstrycharz1499]

Thanks for the Great information!

[@skyking6989]

I was here and it was Amazing!!!!

[@vivienmcnaul109]

So cleaver design. Fire walls. Intercom etc. Stunning rooms.

[@kimberlycornelius7911]

This is a perfect example of the have and have nots in their time

[@josephupton3601]

I consider the Biltmore House to be my summer retreat. Wish I could spend more time there.

[@greenrefrigerator]

My wife and I toured the property around 2007 and it was truly beautiful. The one thing that stood out to me however was how small their beds were. I don't know if people were just smaller in those days but I'm 6'5 and I know I couldn't sleep in any of the tiny beds they had in that house.

[@edzeppelin6674]

I think that was fairly universal because yes, people were indeed smaller back then (in general). You'd think they'd have larger, lavish beds but no. I always found it odd too.

[@DD-hy1nl]

Beautiful!!! You can get lost in this home!

[@karenstrycharz1499]

I would love too ha!

[@matthewrarig1562]

Imagine playing hide and seek in that house. Jesus.

[@KyrstOak]

Matthew Rarig - I think it would need to be confined to one specific area.

[@bam4966]

Matthew Rarig Talk about finding a skeleton in a closet!!?

[@markwatsonOHANA]

Ask Anderson Cooper..lol

[@goldtgr7704]

I live by the Versaille of America

[@brucedressel8873]

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exodus 20 7 KJV

[@judytramel6263]

That place is beautiful. I've been there 10 times or more. I loved the children's floor. It has a bowling room and swimming pool inside. Nice place to visit. But of course I lived only 15 minutes from it. Go check it out.

[@aliciayoung9546]

Stunning 🙄 It's Definitely Before it's Time in Which it was Constructed. Lovely💐

[@SJM6791]

The Grand Staircase is probably my favorite part of this place. Simply amazing!!

[@meginmd]

If you haven't gone, GO. Highly recommended.

[@justinepeacock5244]

I agree it is beautiful. ❤

[@madisonmills2844]

We get to go this weekend;)

[@josephholdman1037]

Your so lucky!

[@karenstrycharz1499]

I know you had to have fun, even though this post was six yrs ago, it doesn’t matter! What a great place to visit & how lucky 🍀 ( Blessed!) you were to be able to go there! I would love to see this!♥️

[@RickMartinYouTube]

enjoyable tour - thanks

[@Catherinearmant]

Magnificent ! It reminds me of the possessions and antiques that my grand parents had.

[@windangel7720]

What a beautiful place!

[@workonitm8]

The immense wealth and luxury that some people were privileged to live in is astonishing.

[@oliveoil5045]

Beautiful and timeless

[@kmarch6630]

Christmas at the Biltmore house is unbelievably beautiful.

[@karenlehn2351]

I have been here! It was a wonderful day, I would go back again!

[@BB-nd7be]

I have been three times and it just never gets old...so much to discover. they were truly amazing people and so good to their staff and made sure the staff were educated and free to leave or stay.

[@tikipinhas2463]

Amazing. Beautiful history.

[@janiceyoung7273]

Such a BEAUTIFUL building .Thank You.

[@sbdiaries]

Such a lovely video for a majestic building we really enjoyed it thanks for showing us around 👍💚

[@lindahen49]

I really enjoy visiting often!

[@suesally2103]

Beautiful house been there many times !

[@petersassytruth3069]

Beautiful - beautiful - beautiful!

[@mikedavis9891]

Beautiful mansion.

[@kellangibson9213]

i live an hour away from here it’s beautiful i remember how amazing it was when i first went there in 4th grade on a field trip

[@TheBowlandFarm]

Absolutely amazing video

[@ZalthorAndNoggin]

Superb video. Thank you.

[@belsnickel9568]

I can’t believe something this fancy and nice is near where I live😂

[@brianrussel6012]

Hello from England! I had not heard of this house before, I thought it looked so English : wondered where it was ! Very nice !

[@edzeppelin6674]

lol, please don't tell me you live in Buncombe county and only found out about this from the internet? >_< lol

[@njhawk89]

Lovely! There's a lot of history about the family in the book "Fortune's Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt"

[@ranlive1]

Exterior used for film "Richie Rich" (Macaulay Culkin). Also used in the film "Being There" (Peter Sellers).

[@danhamakua9757]

+ranlive1 Some of the interior was used for Richie Rich too.

[@erincrooke7202]

Flowers in the Attic

[@irecknso]

@@erincrooke7202 didn't know about flowers in the attic! Guess I'll have to watch it again

[@BreannaMae]

@@erincrooke7202 I HATED that movie so much. It was difficult to watch someone be so abusive towards people, children included.

[@ranlive1]

Erin Crooke That movie was filmed at the Crane mansion in Ipswich, MA.

[@vickilindberg6336]

Love the observatory & the fire control system.

[@robgau2501]

Beautiful place. Take the tour. It's awesome.

[@barbarajohnson1772]

I love all of the History on this family and the Beautiful estate

[@eugenebdotson7363]

With the math Maddox that they're teaching in school today they would never be able to build this masterpiece !

[@1ycj]

Could you imagine what the electric bill is per month

[@tonywestbrook6436]

More than some people's annual salary.

[@cBodhi]

Biltmore house originally had gas powered motors that ran generators and stored power in batteries too. The house was wired in AC and DC

[@LaDivinaLover]

It’s solar powered now. So it’s a moot point.

[@ranlive1]

LaDivinaLover Where are the solar panels?

[@josephholdman1037]

😖😩🙃

[@user-xt5oe2gm5v]

I wish my mother in law was alive. She loved Biltmore.

[@acastrohowell]

Gorgeous home awesome view, I have visited Hearst Castle on the enchanted hill in California and fell backwards at the awesomeness of the place, I have yet to visit this magnificent home and wonder at the experience of what might have been to live there.

[@rhondaclark716]

Thank you 🙏

[@SK22000]

I got to visit this place

[@madisonsmommy22]

I am going to north carolina soon cant wait!

[@lucyrosales9797]

SO beatiful!!!

[@island661]

Most beautiful home!

[@luciamoncayos.9493]

Thank you beautiful video 👏👏👏🌎🇪🇨

[@gdblackthorn4137]

The library is my favorite room in the entire house.

[@karenstrycharz1499]

It would be my favorite place too!

[@rhondaclark716]

That was so beautiful 😍

[@albertnimessightleriii4654]

My first love shack .....a little expensive, but I had a lot of fun,,,🤘🤘🤘

[@hairyscotman]

if you haven't been....put it on your bucket list....really incredible and very beautiful part of the country...