Biltmore: River Bend FarmOther Biltmore articles:
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December 2009
All photos & illustrations by Pat Johns ©2009 - present
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The early farm included a poultry business, a dairy farm, pigs, sheep and a truck farm (also known as the market garden). In "Images of America: Biltmore Estate" (learn more in the Resources section of this article) author Ellen Erwin Rickman writes on page 58: "The Market Garden supplied produce for the Vanderbilts, their guests and servants at Biltmore House, as well as for sale locally in Asheville markets and throughout the South. Not everyone was interested in paying for their produce, however, as Biltmore Estate had recurring problems with locals pilfering watermelons and other produce from the fields. To discourage thieves, harmless "Torpedo Alarms" that sounded an alert when disturbed were placed among the plants." 
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The horse barn was built in 1902. The estate's work horses, mules, farm equipment and the Biltmore Dairy's wagons were kept here. Sunday school classes and sewing classes were held in the barn along with harvest fairs in the fall. 
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The renovated horse barn was opened to the public in 2004. At the opening, George Vanderbilt's grandson William A. V. Cecil said: "“My great-grandfather envisioned Biltmore Estate as a self-sufficient property that would supply many of its own needs from dairy products and vegetables for the table to wood for the fireplaces,” said CEO and President William A.V. Cecil Jr., Vanderbilt’s great-grandson. “I am so proud to have this chance not only to continue that agricultural legacy through our current farm and vineyard operations, but also to be able to share a historic interpretation through the Historic Horse Barn. There’s so much more to Biltmore Estate than Biltmore House. It’s really exciting to begin sharing my great-grandfather’s vision for the property as a whole.” - www.Biltmore.com news releases (see link below) 
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Today the River Bend Farm area includes the restored Horse Barn with displays and shops. There is a blacksmith on hand and artists such as quilters demonstrating these essential crafts for a home and farm of the early 1900s. The farm area includes a large kitchen garden that visitors can stroll through and a collection of friendly animals especially appreciated by young visitors. 
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There are also a large gift shop and an ice cream shop at the barn. Also nearby is the Outdoor Center and ,oddly, a Range Rover driving school. 
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Visitors who have been to the estate in previous years will see much more commercialization of the property with gift shops filled with Biltmore-branded products at every major venue. It has been reported that William Cecil struggled over the years with the amount of commercialization he would allow but his overreaching goal has always been to keep the property financially self-sustaining and these shops and the winery are clearly an important element in achieving that goal. |
Coming Soon: Antler Hill VillageDescribed as a pedestrian village, Antler Hill Village will open in the Spring of 2010. It is located near River Bend Farm and the winery. Its features will include exhibition space, an outdoor adventure center, a village green and, of course, more dining and shopping. Continue the story . . . |
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