Olmsted at Biltmore

Near this spot, observation towers were constructed in two locations to make better use of the distant scenery from the future Biltmore House, and today’s views are the same ones that compelled George Vanderbilt to buy this land. Frederick Law Olmsted recommended the South Terrace as an outdoor room that would take advantage of these sweeping vistas while also sheltering the gardens below it. Anchored by the Tea House at the corner, the terrace originally included a sunken bowling green and later an in-ground swimming pool. Biltmore stretched Olmsted’s design abilities and was unique among his work for its fusion of French and English, or formal and naturalistic, design influences. The scope and variety of his endeavors there were made possible through the support of George Vanderbilt, who also saw the value in his vision. Today, Biltmore works to maintain Olmsted’s design intent and remains a key part of his legacy as his last great project.

North Carolina · United States