The Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina is one of my favorite places to visit any time of the year. George Vanderbilt opened the house officially on Christmas Eve in 1895 as the family home for George, wife Edith and their daughter Cornelia. Cornelia married the Honorable John Francis Amherst Cecil in 1924 and they lived and entertained at The Biltmore from that date. They opened the home to the public in 1930 in an effort to increase tourism during the Depression and to help with funding the preservation of the estate during the lean years to follow.
The Biltmore continues as a family business today with descendants overseeing that day to day operations as well as employing over 2000 employees who help to maintain this wonderful estate. I love visiting any time of the year and am never disappointed in finding new things to explore with each return to the estate. 
Recently my friend Ann and I went to view the Fashionable Romance showcase which features an exhibition of beautiful movie costumes and also some of the family heirlooms from the Vanderbilts. The Biltmore has some great incentives for Passholders during the off months and Chris and I decided that it would be worth the money to be a Passholder and so far it has been a great investment. Ann’s admission was free to this event plus we received discounts on dining and purchases as well.
Another thing that I am happy has changed since we bought our membership is that non flash amateur photography is now allowed inside the house. This has not always been the case but I suspect with the prevalence of cell phone cameras it has become increasingly difficult to monitor photography so I happily took a few amateur photos of my own this trip.
This will be a multi part series so please enjoy the photos and the descriptions that follow.
Middlemarch with Trevyn McDowell as Rosamund Vincy
The dress from Middlemarch
So many of the movies that are featured in the exhibit were unknown to me prior to the exhibition so I may be trying to find some of them in an effort to see some more beautiful costuming.
Costume from Tess With Natasja Kinski as Tess Durbeyfield. This one was found in the gift shop area and was spectacular.
The Duchess featuring Kiera Knightley.
From The Duchess as worn by Kiera Knightley and Ralph Fiennes
How about a glimpse at the Entrance Hall all decked out in wedding regalia?
I love the Banquet Hall as well with its stunning decor, mammoth dining table and beautifully decorated chandelier.
Come back later this week for more glimpses inside The Biltmore and the Fashionable Romance collection.
Don’t forget to Comment for a Cause. and check out my book giveaway here.
