About Biltmore Estate Lighting Series

It's a spectacular ten-minute drive from the main entrance gate to the front door. It took artisans six years of careful craftsmanship to create a country estate that rivals any of the manors in Europe. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Ashville, North Carolina, Biltmore Estate was the vision of one man, George Vanderbilt, who not only hand picked priceless furnishings from around the world, but also selected the architects and artisans that helped turn his idea of a country retreat into awe-inspiring reality.

Using stone from Indiana and marble imported from Italy, construction began on the largest home in America in 1889, under the direction of Richard Morris Hunt, who designed the main facade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The House features a total of 250 rooms, including 34 family and guest bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and the latest in 19th century technology and amenities such as elevators, refrigerators, an indoor swimming pool, and a bowling alley. Simultaneously, the 125,000 acre (8000 acres today) Biltmore grounds were designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead, who was the creator of Central Park in New York City. His accomplishment remains as breathtaking as Biltmore House itself. Biltmore was formally opened on Christmas Eve in 1895 with Mr. Vanderbilt hosting his family and friends for a holiday celebration. Today, the estate's magnificent beauty and tranquility can be enjoyed just as Vanderbilt's guests did in the 1900's.

Fleur de Lis Collection

Hand-forged of solid wrought iron, the towering lighting fixtures in the Billiard Room of Biltmore House draw attention to the decorative ceiling. These stunning, custom masterpieces have inspired the Fleur de Lis Collection. Finished in Authentic Wrought Iron, this collection exemplifies the Biltmore estate legacy, with hand-worked solid wrought iron throughout, warm amber glass, and subtle touches of genuine leather that hint at the antique leather furnishings in the room.

Vanderbilt Collection

The massive wrought iron chandelier hanging down the center of the staircase in Biltmore House has hand forged details and is three stories tall. White cylindrical glass graces the tops of sconces and fixtures in many of the rooms, reminscinenty of days long ago when large wax candles were used to illuminate stately mansions. These and many other interior features inspired the design of The Vanderbilt Collection, which is available in either two-tone Antique Platinum/Brass or ELK's rich Aged Bronze finish.