According to Covington Jr., William Cecil was determined to “make a go at seeing that his inheritance was in good shape when it left his hands for the next generation, regardless of what he was told of the impossible nature of his task."
Additions
The Winery
“We have a river. We have a chateau. We have the land. We have no vineyard.
Every French chateau has a vineyard.” – William A.V. Cecil (www.biltmore.com)
William A. V. Cecil proclaims that opening the winery is “the most historic event since my grandfather had opened his estate to his family on Christmas Day ninety years earlier.” |
Even though the dairy barn had been a distinctive focal point of the estate's farming operation in the past, it had fallen in a state of disrepair since operations there sized following the opening of the new processing plant in Hendersonville road just south of the Lodge Gate. It was, with some modifications, to be the best location to start the new wine business. (Covington Jr. 2006) Now running unopposed, William Cecil strongly believed that having a successful winery would carry the Estate into the next generation. The public got its first look at the winery on May 15, 1985. (www.biltmore.com)
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The Inn on Baltimore
George Vanderbilt always planned to build a lodge on the estate to accommodate additional guests. In 1900 George gathered estimates for his lodge that included 43,000 feet of flooring, 449 doors and windows,
188,000 shingles all at the cost of $18,000. Considering the constant investment needed for the ever-growing Biltmore Estate, George decided to put the idea on the side for a while. George and his guests would have
to make do with Biltmore House and its 250 rooms, with 34 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms. (http://theblueridgehighlander.com)
George's descendants, the Cecil’s decided to fulfill his plans to build the Inn on Biltmore Estate. The Inn, which was built in 2001, was done in a style and architectural design to complement that of the Biltmore House and has achieved a Four Star, Five Diamond status.
188,000 shingles all at the cost of $18,000. Considering the constant investment needed for the ever-growing Biltmore Estate, George decided to put the idea on the side for a while. George and his guests would have
to make do with Biltmore House and its 250 rooms, with 34 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms. (http://theblueridgehighlander.com)
George's descendants, the Cecil’s decided to fulfill his plans to build the Inn on Biltmore Estate. The Inn, which was built in 2001, was done in a style and architectural design to complement that of the Biltmore House and has achieved a Four Star, Five Diamond status.
Antler Hill Village
Antler Hill Village opened in 2010.(http://www.biltmore.com) Antler Hill Village connects the estate’s past and present with dining, shopping, exhibits, world-class food and wine, and more. |
The Farm in the Antler Village
Antler Hill Village was once the social and work center of
those who worked and lived at the Estate since the 1890’s. It has been restored
in a manner that reflects all the trades and the activities that served and
serviced the Estate all these decades. Complete with blacksmiths, woodworkers
and other crafts. It now serves as a live example of history that made Biltmore
possible. (http://www.biltmore.com)
Awards
According to www.biltmore.com, Biltmore was awarded several awards. Some examples are:
- Grand Award for Landscape Excellence.
- 2008 Triple Bottom Line Award from Sustainable North Carolina.
- Biltmore Named Top North Carolina Architecture.
- Grand Award for Landscape Excellence.
- 2008 Triple Bottom Line Award from Sustainable North Carolina.
- Biltmore Named Top North Carolina Architecture.