Our Connection
We take great pride in our home in Asheville, nestled in the heart of the North Carolina mountains. Not only do we keep manufacturing and hiring local, we also find inspiration in these mountains and their many trails, watering holes, and landmarks. That’s why the Biltmore® Collection is one of our most valued partnerships. The legacy of America’s Largest Home® is one of hospitality, craft, and creativity–attributes that are core to our foundation.
tHE LEGACY
Today, Biltmore remains a family business, with the fourth and fifth generations of George Vanderbilt’s descendants involved in day-to-day operations. Along with more than 2,400 employees, they continue Biltmore’s mission to preserve this national treasure. Edith Vanderbilt was said to treat the estate workers like her family, taking maternity baskets to new mothers and promoting literacy, education, and crafts to help women become more self-sufficient. We echo this work in our own practices.
Asheville’s Natural charm
It is an understatement to say that much of the appeal of Asheville comes from the natural beauty. We have George & Edith Vanderbilt to thank for ensuring that 87,000 acres of publicly accessible wilderness was protected in what is now known as Pisgah National Forest.
BILTMORE® X CRAFT
While Asheville owes much of its identity to Biltmore®, in no way is this more evident than in the contributions of lead architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Artists in residence
Richard Morris Hunt (October 31, 1827 – July 31, 1895): In addition to having Biltmore® in his portfolio, Hunt designed the Great Gall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the pedestal of the statue of liberty.
Frederick Law Olmsted (April 26, 1822 – August 28, 1903): It should come as no surprise that a great landscape architect would make great work in Asheville, a place of so much natural beauty. George Vanderbilt’s goal for the estate was to create a great series of parks and gardens across the 125,000 acres. With this vision in mind, Olmsted created 75 acres of gardens and ponds, with much of the land designated for forestry. This resulted in the creation of the Biltmore® Forest School, first forestry education program in the country in 1898. Olmsted can also be credited with the vision for the NC Arboretum, though he did not execute the final design.
The Legacy of Craftspeople
In addition to the masterful works of Smith and Olmsted, the many skilled craftspeople who helped to create Biltmore® helped to build much of what remains of Asheville’s rich historical buildings. Much of the notable architecture of the city is the result of the work of Richard Sharp Smith, who took over work on Biltmore® after the passing of Richard Morris Hunt.
Biltmore Village
Directly across from the Biltmore® entrance lies Biltmore Village, originally created as a town for the estate workers. This unique slice of Asheville was built to resemble an English country town, with the Cathedral of All Souls as its centerpiece.
Historical Montford
Set north of Asheville’s downtown, the Montford neighborhood owes its style and many standing residences to the architecture of Richard Sharp Smith. These buildings are notable for their distinct, ornamental style.
Black Walnut Inn
Designed and built by Richard Sharp-Smith in 1899.
The Inn on Montford
Designed and built by Richard Sharp-Smith in 1900.
THE COLLECTION
As a sophisticated explorer, you embrace the journey. You appreciate what’s beneath your feet, on your shoulders, and the single item that ties your travels together—your luggage. You’ll find that our Biltmore® Collection fits your demands for quality and style. Whether it’s in your hands, the overhead bin, or at the foot of your bed, this luggage was made to ensure mobility, versatility, security, comfort, and elegance.
A PIECE OF HISTORY ON EVERY JOURNEY
Our craftspeople build each bag right here in the same Carolina Mountains that have made Biltmore, America’s Largest Home® a welcomed retreat for family and friends since the 1930s. Experience the charm, artistry, and quality of Biltmore® wherever your journey may lead you. The collection’s locally sourced fabric and hardware take their inspiration from stately 20th century trunks carefully preserved in Biltmore® House.
THE PINNACLE OF CRAFT
Accent artisan fabric from local textile manufacturer, The Oriole Mill, is reinforced and partnered with durable water resistant 18 ounce canvas for lasting products. 6 ounce domestically sourced leather acts as reinforcement and adds that extra detail of sophistication. Our Biltmore Collection® includes an overnight bag, everyday tote, and more. So you can take a piece of vintage elegance with you, wherever your journey may lead.
BILTMORE® RENAISSANCE OVERNIGHTER
Loaded with features to ensure adventurers can travel with style and ease. The zipper top opens wide for clear visibility of and easy access to goods. Meanwhile, the overlap flap hides the zipper for a clean finish and polished look. And we definitely sweat the details—with open pockets on the side and back travelers can easily access extra storage. Even our high visibility liner brightens up the insides of the overnighter to help you see what’s inside, purposely picked for those hard of sight.
Biltmore® RENAISSANCE ELEOS TOTE
Adventures take all shapes and sizes. So we made a bag that does, too. An update to our Renaissance Tote, the Biltmore® Eleos Tote puts versatility front and center. The bag transitions effortlessly from tote to backpack in no time flat. Just tuck away the unneeded straps for a clean look. Streamlined pockets, a top zipper, and hidden water bottle holders further support this adaptability. Meanwhile, leather protectant feet with metal studs protect the bag from wear and tear when set on the floor or ground. This is one bag that is built to last for generations.
Biltmore® renaissance CRUSH
This wine tote is designed to carry your beverages, lunch, or other goodies with style and ease. And by adding an ice pack to the interchangeable chilly bag, your beverages will stay chilled throughout the day. This tote also includes a rear pocket for your phone or tablet and is completely customizable, with your choice of outer shell, two interchangeable chilly bags, and extra accessories, such as our luxury leather strap to last for generations.
Biltmore® RENAISSANCE Shift TOTE
We recently gave the timeless tote a modern upgrade with our stylish and sleek Shift Tote. The Biltmore® Shift Tote keeps the removable leather handles and all-metal hardware for a touch of class on this time-honored design. Meanwhile, multiple closure points keep your items safe and secure while out on the town. As a bonus, an optional snap-on is the ideal size to hold keys, wallets, a phone, and other necessities. Add an optional leather strap and turn the Biltmore® Sinum Pocket into a crossbody bag for concerts, festivals or quick trips around town. Talk about a two-for-one!
ABOUT BILTMORE® LICENSED PRODUCTS
Biltmore® is a highly recognized brand in licensed products, drawing on the historical treasures and inspiration found in George Vanderbilt’s estate and gardens, located in Asheville, North Carolina. Consumers are able to experience both the classic designs found in the grand collection of art and furnishings of America’s Largest Home®, and the relaxed enjoyment of fine country living. Biltmore® partners with industry-leading companies in home furnishing, bedding and bath, entertaining, and style. To learn more about Biltmore® licensed products, visit their website.
THE ESTATE
A History of Family & Gracious Hospitality
The luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt is a marvel of elegance and charm, as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Faithfully preserved and filled with original furnishings and masterpieces of art, no other residence in America offers a more authentic and inspiring view of Gilded Age life while suggesting that the Vanderbilts and their guests are still at home.
A Legacy of Elegance & Charm
George Vanderbilt visited Asheville, NC in 1888 and was captivated by the area’s natural beauty. He slowly began purchasing land and ended up with 125,000 acres for his country estate. Determined to make this a self-sustaining home, Vanderbilt enlisted architect Richard Morris Hunt to design and build a 250-room château. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted was also hired to create formal gardens and transform the former farmland into a beautiful pastoral landscape.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
When George Vanderbilt began planning his grand estate in Asheville, North Carolina, his vision was twofold. First, he wanted to create a place where he could relax and entertain friends and family.
Just as important, however, was his desire to preserve the surrounding beauty. He envisioned a self-sustaining estate that would nurture the land and its resources for years to come. From this vision came the nation’s first planned forestry program and the beginning of a family focus on the environment.
sustainability
Today, Biltmore® continues to honor Vanderbilt’s legacy of preserving the land and protecting the environment. A recent project is a solar panel installation that offsets more than 20% of the estate’s energy needs. The 9-acre, 1.7-megawatt system features 7,000 solar panels and uses advanced technology to perform even on cloudy days.
The estate also has been landscaped with milkweed to support the threatened Monarch butterfly population–an important pollinator.
Their Field to Table program produces fresh produce, hormone-free and antibiotic-free beef and lamb, eggs from free-range hens, and fine wines that are used at the estate’s dining establishments. All restaurant waste is composted.
©2020 All rights reserved. Biltmore® and images of Biltmore House are trademarks of The Biltmore Company, and are used by Diamond Brand Gear under license.