Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

In 1895, George W. Vanderbilt created Biltmore as an escape from everyday life for family and friends. Today, his descendants invite you to enjoy the Vanderbilt legacy of hospitality in this 8,000 acre estate. Your admission and purchases support Biltmores mission to preservation. The estate took 6 years to construct. It was a family home for George, his wife Edith, and their daughter Cornelia. In 1924, Cornelia married the Honorable John Francis Amherst Cecil, and they lived and entertained at Biltmore. The Cecils opened Biltmore to the public in 1930, responding to requests to increase area tourism during the Great Depression, and to generate income to preserve the estate. Today, Biltmore remains a family business, with the fourth and fith generations of Mr. Vanderbilts descendants involved in day-to-day operations. Along with more than 2,000 employees, they continue Biltmores mission to preserve this national treasure.