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The Real-Life Biltmore Mansion Where Hallmark's "A Biltmore Christmas" Was Filmed and Open During Holidays
2024-12-11
In 2023, the enchanting world of A Biltmore Christmas emerged as part of Hallmark's holiday movie lineup. This remarkable event shed light on the grandeur and beauty of the largest privately owned house in the United States, located in Asheville, N.C. The Biltmore Estate, a 250-room property built by George Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895, has become a major tourist attraction over the years and continues to captivate visitors during the holiday season.
Experience the Magic of A Biltmore Christmas
Front Lawn
The Biltmore House's front lawn is a sight to behold, with a 55-ft. Norway spruce wrapped in 55,000 lights. In the film, Lucy can be seen strolling on this lawn during the Candlelight Christmas Evenings, a night tour during the holiday season. It adds a touch of magic to the overall setting.During the holiday season, the front lawn becomes a centerpiece of the Biltmore experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. The lights create a warm and inviting glow, making it a perfect spot for creating memories.Banquet Hall
As Lucy embarks on her tour of the Biltmore House, she enters the banquet hall, the largest room on the property. Here, she discovers the largest tree inside the house, a magnificent 35-ft. Fraser fir. The annual tree-raising ceremony in early November marks the beginning of Christmas at Biltmore, and the decor typically stays up through the first week of January. This year, the display will remain until Jan. 5, 2025, allowing visitors to enjoy the festive spirit for an extended period.The banquet hall is a testament to the grandeur of the Biltmore Estate. Its size and the towering tree make it a focal point during the holiday season, adding to the overall charm and allure of the place.The Library
One of the primary filming locations for the movie is the library, where Lucy interacts with the hourglass that transports her back in time. The prop from the film was inspired by one of Vanderbilt's real hourglasses, which is on display in his bedroom. In 2023, the holiday decor in the library was based on the 1940s plot line, featuring a tinsel-covered Christmas tree in the center of the room. Hallmark's hourglass was also exhibited throughout the Christmas season, adding to the historical and festive ambiance.The library is a haven of history and culture at the Biltmore Estate. Its connection to the past and the magical hourglass make it a unique and captivating space during the holiday movie.The Grand Entry Hall
The grand entry hall plays a significant role in the movie as the location of Lucy's big "Cinderella moment." She attends a party here in a gorgeous vintage dress, surrounded by the elegance of the estate. During the party scene, the wives of two Vanderbilt family members make cameos, adding to the charm and authenticity of the setting.The grand entry hall is a symbol of the Biltmore Estate's grandeur and sophistication. It sets the stage for the magical events that unfold in the movie, creating a memorable experience for viewers.Tapestry Gallery
Just outside the library's doors is the tapestry gallery, where costumes from His Merry Wife! are showcased. After time-traveling for the first time, Lucy appears in this room as she compares her call sheet to the one on display. Above the library's doors are paintings of Vanderbilt and his wife, Edith, who married in 1898, a few years after the Biltmore opened.The tapestry gallery adds a touch of history and art to the Biltmore experience. It showcases the connection between the past and the present, enhancing the overall narrative of the movie.Winter Garden
Another notable filming location is the winter garden, where Lucy interacts with Jack for one of the first times after traveling back to the set of His Merry Wife!. It is usually one of the first rooms you see on a tour of the Biltmore House.The winter garden is a peaceful and serene space, providing a contrast to the grandeur of the other rooms. It adds a touch of nature to the movie and creates a romantic atmosphere.Biltmore's Conservatory
During a late-night stroll with Jack, Lucy walks in front of Biltmore's conservatory, which is filled with poinsettias and numerous exotic orchids during Christmas. For filming, the conservatory's glass ceiling was lit blue to add extra holiday magic.The conservatory is a haven of beauty and color during the holiday season. Its exotic plants and the blue lighting create a magical atmosphere that enhances the movie's setting.The Inn on Biltmore Estate
The place where Lucy stays during her visit to Biltmore is The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Four rooms at the inn were used as film sets, including the lobby, the library lounge, and two guest rooms. Visitors can book room 359, where both Lucy and Jack stay in the film. Additionally, the cast stayed at the inn during the 15-day filming. In 2023, several costumes worn by Joy Lenz were on display at the hotel, adding to the charm of the place.The Inn on Biltmore Estate provides a cozy and comfortable retreat for visitors. Its connection to the movie makes it a unique and memorable experience.Antidote at Chemist Spirits
In the film, Lucy and several other characters grab drinks at an old-fashioned bar called Antidote at Chemist Spirits. This local bar in Asheville offers a 1900s Apothecary Style & Aesthetics with a craft cocktail selection to match. It provides the perfect setting for the 1940s location in the movie.Antidote at Chemist Spirits adds a touch of authenticity to the movie's setting. Its unique atmosphere and craft cocktails make it a memorable place for the characters to gather.Hendersonville Train Station
Toward the end of the film, Lucy goes to a local train station in Hendersonville, N.C. and convinces one of the stars of His Merry Wife! to rejoin the movie. This historic train station provides a different backdrop for the story and adds to the overall charm of the movie.The Hendersonville Train Station is a significant part of the movie's setting, adding a touch of nostalgia and history to the narrative.Lucy's Office
Lucy's office at the beginning of the movie was filmed at an advertising agency in Asheville called Market Connections. This location sets the stage for her journey and adds to the overall authenticity of the story.Lucy's office represents her professional life and serves as the starting point for her adventure at the Biltmore Estate.