Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina
The mansion was conceived as a sample of the opulence of the American golden age / The Biltmore Company

Biltmore House is located in Asheville, North Carolina, and was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 250th century. This impressive residence has XNUMX rooms and is a testament to the luxury and grandeur of the golden age of industry in the United States. Starting this spring it can be visited with audio guides in Spanish.

In the heart of the mountains North Carolina's Blue Ridge, surrounded by forests of white pine, maple and oak, with the French Broad River flowing nearby, lies the greatest monument of America's Gilded Age: Biltmore House .

A majestic residence that, even today, is the largest house in the entire United States and is considered a living testimony of the opulence and architectural grandeur of the late 19th century in the south of the country. 

The Biltmore Mansion, or Biltmore House as it is known in English, is a tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world to the city of Asheville, in Western North Carolina. And it can be visited throughout the year, although the most spectacular times are in spring, for the flower gardens, and in winter where one of the tallest Christmas trees in the country

The beauty of Biltmore House lies in its elegant French château-style architecture, the exquisite gardens that surround it, and its luxurious interior, in harmony with the natural landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains, capturing the essence of luxury and grandeur of the Gilded Age.

Biltmore House: the  historic mansion

In the late 19th century, George Washington Vanderbilt II, heir to one of America's largest fortunes, commissioned the construction of Biltmore House as a mountain retreat for his family and friends.

Inspired by his travels in Europe and his passion for art, architecture, and natural beauty, Vanderbilt sought to create not only a grand residence, but also an architectural and cultural legacy. 

Biltmore House has 178,926 square feet and was designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt. In addition, it is surrounded by gardens designed by one of the most renowned landscapers in the world: Frederick Law Olmsted, also known for his work in New York's Central Park.

Room in the Biltmore House mansion in Asheville, North Carolina
One of the 250 rooms in the Biltmore mansion / The Bilmore Company

Design inspired by European castles

The mansion was conceived as a showcase of the opulence of America's Gilded Age. This combines the new technology of the industrial era with a design inspired by European castles and rooms.

The choice of Asheville for its location was due to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which offered the idyllic landscape sought for the monumental project. 

The work lasted 6 years and more than 1000 workers worked. It has 250 rooms, including 35 guest rooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces, each meticulously decorated with works of art and antique furniture, reflecting Vanderbilt's passion for art and culture.

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The library, an emblematic space

Among its most emblematic spaces is the library, which houses a collection of approximately 10,000 volumes, and the banquet hall, an imposing dining room with a ceiling seven stories high.

Since opening to the public in 1930, Biltmore House has been a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

In addition to the main house, visitors can explore the extensive gardens, the Biltmore Winery and Farm, and trails in the forests and mountains that surround the mansion.

It also has a variety of restaurants, shops and recreational activities for the whole family.

Audio guides in Spanish 

Representatives of Biltmore House announced to Enlace Latino NC  the introduction of audio guides in Spanish for this spring, thus expanding its offer to Spanish-speaking visitors.

This update is part of an effort to make the historic mansion more accessible to a diverse audience, also offering versions in French, German and Mandarin Chinese, in addition to English, they said.

The English version of the audio guides, which are included in general admission, will be available starting in April, followed by versions in other languages, including Spanish, towards the end of spring or beginning of summer.

The initiative seeks to make it easier for visitors from different backgrounds to access the rich history and architecture of Biltmore House without the language barrier.

Likewise, guides will be offered in American Sign Language and auditory descriptions for people with visual disabilities, seeking to cover the needs of all visitors.

With these additions, Biltmore House hopes to attract a greater number of tourists, providing a more inclusive and enriching experience for all.

Visit Biltmore House: prices and seasons 

Visiting Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, offers a unique experience every season, with admission prices that vary depending on the time of year.

From winter charm to Christmas festivities, every visit promises something special.

During the winter, visitors can enjoy the lowest prices of the year, with tickets starting at $70.

Spring and summer include the Chihuly exhibit at Biltmore, with tickets starting at $90 and $80 respectively.

The Chihuly exhibit continues in the fall, and tickets start at $80.

The holiday season (November 2-January 5, 2025) transforms Biltmore into a winter extravaganza, with admissions starting at $110.

Tickets include free access to the grounds the next day, admission to the art exhibit, youth discounts, and more.

For details on savings and ticket options for each season, visit the Official website from Biltmore House. Biltmore House is located at 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC, 28803. You can get there by car, bus or taxi.

After the storm

A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity. 

🎧 In this episode, learn how Latino organizations transformed crisis into resilience.

▶️Press play to listen!

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Patricia Serrano is a bilingual journalist based in Asheville and a Report for America staffer. She covers immigration, political, and social issues in Western North Carolina for Enlace Latino NC, etc.

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