Ah, how I love the Biltmore Mansion and Estate. It's undeniably, my favorite house in all the United States...I would say, in the world...But, I have not traveled out of the country of yet!
For my birthday last month my dear Mother (knowing my love for the Biltmore) bought me an annual pass! *Squeels* And just in time for Mother's day too, because Annual Pass holder's Mom's get in for free on that special day. What a treat!
Last time I was at the Biltmore was in April of 2016. It was my first time touring the mansion and grounds. I'll never forget how it made me feel to venture into the building that first time. What made it even more special was the fact that the Biltmore had a beautiful Bridal Exhibit going on. Wedding gowns and suits from popular BBC shows were displayed throughout the mansion.
Needless to say, I couldn't go without dressing up myself in the Victorian bridal theme myself.
My Dress was a dreamy cream lace tea dress that could have came out of a Victorian wedding, for sure! Holding the lace parasol that my parents brought back from Italy when I was a child, I truly did feel like I stepped back in time.
Anyhow, everything from the gardens, to the winery let a big impact on my heart. It was like coming home for the first time.
This visit was just as wonderful. The "Touring the Classics" exhibit was charming! Based on the idea of Mr. Vanderbilt's favorite novels, the costumes on display were from the movie adaptions of such classic works as; Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, and Sense and Sensibility.
My particular costume was one that I hand made. When I was about 17 I decided I would like to jump on the opportunity to have my neighbor help me with creating a regency style tea-dress for my brithday. My neighbor, a master on the machine, was so sweet and obliging. We didn't use any patterns, but I recall drawing my concept and design on a piece of paper, and her flying with it! The first dress we created (Well she sewed most of it, and I watched) is the one I wore on this outing to the Biltmore. Made from one of my Grandmother's sheets, a bit of extra fabric generously donated by my neighbor.
The bonnet I purchased on etsy a few years back, and I just decorated it with ribbions, bows, faux flowers, and some antique brooches I had lying around.
The corduroy jacket I owned, and modified to be more "Regency Style". Turned out better than I expected, since it really was a rushed sew-job and had to be done by hand.
The purse was lowned to me by my wonderful Mother, and the shoes...Well, they were the last piece to the puzzle. I said a silent prayer as I went into Good-will that God would provide some shoes that would match my outfit. Regency style isn't easy to find, and these lovely blue shoes are delicately framed in faux baby pearls! Only $4.00 too, can't beat that! Thank God I found them...Sadly, I walked so much on old cobble stones and down stone halls that I lost a piece of one of my heels! It's probably in the mansion somewhere.
Take a look at the lovely view from the balcony of the back of the mansion. I look forward to visiting in the fall to see the tree's leaves change colors. Oh, and side note, if you haven't watched the old film "The Swan" and would like to see some footage of the Biltmore you definitely should give it a watch! Grace Kelly plays the female lead in the fantastical Victorian period piece. The Biltmore mansion is the main filming location, although at the time I believe filming inside of the Biltmore wasn't popular with the owners, and there are only several indoor shots that seem to be of the actual inside of the mansion. However every single porch scene, court yard shot, though seems to have been taken at the Biltmore. The cinematographer did so well in meshing the two locations, that it truly is seamless...
There was so much to see and do at the estate. The grounds are just as beautiful and breath-taking as the house.
The house, first opened Christmas of 1895, was opened to the public only in 1930...To be closed to the public not long afterward due to special purpose during WW2 (But that's for another blog post) ;-) The house has a rich history, and no matter how many times I go I feel I need to learn more.
Now that I have an annual pass, you can bet I will be going back many more times this year, even if I have to get rides. One of my goals is to go back and just sit in one of the gardens and paint or sketch.
Last year, at the time which I visited the gardens, the tulips were in full bloom. It was like taking a mini trip to Holland! This time the rose garden was at it's height..
Another high-light was going to Antler Hill, also part of the estate, and tasting new wines. But, the absolute "icing on the cake" was getting ice cream from the Creamery. I chose Salted Caramel, and although an unlikely choice, it was hands down some of the best ice cream I have had in my life.
And trust me, I've eaten a lot of ice cream...that stuff is too good. Ahhhh, who else is glad that summer is on it's way? I'm positively thrilled about it, and cannot wait to return to the Biltmore, parasol in hand, or wearing a big bonnet, and possibly some more comfortable shoes. ;-)
Another high-light was going to Antler Hill, also part of the estate, and tasting new wines. But, the absolute "icing on the cake" was getting ice cream from the Creamery. I chose Salted Caramel, and although an unlikely choice, it was hands down some of the best ice cream I have had in my life.
And trust me, I've eaten a lot of ice cream...that stuff is too good. Ahhhh, who else is glad that summer is on it's way? I'm positively thrilled about it, and cannot wait to return to the Biltmore, parasol in hand, or wearing a big bonnet, and possibly some more comfortable shoes. ;-)
Hope you've enjoyed this post! Let me know! If you would like to read more about the history of Biltmore also let me know by commenting bellow. I would gladly start composing more posts on the subject, and share more photos.
Also, if there is a particular time-period you think I should dress up in next, comment your suggestion as well!
Cheers!
The Vintage Gal,
AJ. Childs
Also, if there is a particular time-period you think I should dress up in next, comment your suggestion as well!
Cheers!
The Vintage Gal,
AJ. Childs
