Biltmore House named the most beautiful building in the United States (2024)

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Biltmore House named the most beautiful building in the United States? ›

Its scale continues to be astounding: the house contains more than 11 million bricks; the massive stone spiral staircase rises four floors and has 102 steps. Through its center hangs an iron chandelier suspended from a single point, containing 72 electric light bulbs.

Its scale continues to be astounding: the house contains more than 11 million bricks; the massive stone spiral staircase rises four floors and has 102 steps. Through its center hangs an iron chandelier suspended from a single point, containing 72 electric light bulbs.

The estate is still family-owned. George Vanderbilt's great-grandson, Bill Cecil Jr, is the current CEO of Biltmore Company. His father (and George Vanderbilt's grandson William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil) was responsible for most of the dramatic growth of Biltmore.

George Vanderbilt officially opens Biltmore to family and friends. On Christmas Eve, the country retreat George Vanderbilt has spent so long planning is marvelously decorated and full of festivity. The finished home contains more than four acres of floor space, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.

Bottom line: "Anderson Cooper does not have any ownership in, or get any special privileges at, Biltmore Estate," Sims said, "although we would love to have him visit." In case you're wondering, Gloria Vanderbilt also was married to Pasquale DiCicco, Leopold Stokowski and Sidney Lumet.

Their eldest son, George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil, occupied rooms in the wing until 1956. At that point, Biltmore House ceased to be a family residence and was operated as a historic house museum. Their younger son, William A. V.

The old Forestry Compound that once was the Biltmore Forestry School was the site of a prostitute's murder. The spirit of the woman, along with a few others who were executed by hanging inside the old building, is said to be haunting the halls of the old compound.

Hidden gems: explore a world of outdoor sculpture at Biltmore, like this cherub in the Italian Garden. Hidden gems: a winged dragon carved into the base of a stone fountain near the Front Door of Biltmore House. Hidden gems: the booths inside Stable Café are the original horse stalls from the estate's stable complex!

The Vanderbilt family began to lose their wealth when the sons of William Henry failed to manage the company business. Their lack of attention to changing transportation needs caused their firms to lose market share. Their extravagant lifestyles depleted the wealth accumulated by their father and grandfather.

Who is the heir to the Vanderbilt fortune? ›

The vast majority of Vanderbilt's fortune will go to her youngest son, Anderson Cooper. The only exception is that her eldest child, Leopold Stanislous Stokowski, was left with his mother's apartment in a co-op in Midtown Manhattan.

The gorgeous space in which the Library is housed includes two discreet doors. The first door is on the second level, behind the tapestry over the fireplace. The space behind the tapestry leads to a passageway connected to the Second Floor Living Hall of Biltmore House.

Stay Overnight at Biltmore

Available at each of our splendid overnight properties, package stays that include Biltmore House admission invite you to enjoy all this unique oasis has to offer.

Depending on where you stay, lodging amenities can include a fitness center, outdoor pool and hot tub, gift shops, restaurants, and a wide variety of outdoor activities on site. You'll also get a complimentary shuttle to Biltmore House and Gardens.

Seniors age 65+ enjoy the following discounts on regular adult daytime admission on Tuesday & Wednesday visits: Save $13 per ticket when you buy either of the following online: House & Grounds Admission. House, Exhibition & 2-Day Grounds Admission.

Biltmore House admission starts at $90.