The Haunting of Biltmore

The Biltmore estate is one of the jewels in the crown of North Carolina tourism. The largest privately owned house in the country, it brings in over a million visitors each year from all over the world. Some of those who come get more than just a tour though the old house, they get to come face to face with ghostly spirits who call the Biltmore home.

The Biltmore was built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in 1888. It took six years to complete. Vanderbilt died in 1914 leaving his widow Edith and his only child Cornielia as the massive homes owners. Edith, having financial troubles then turned and sold off much of the 125,000 acres the home stood on to the US government which, in turn, created the Pisgah National Forest.

Then, in 1930 the Great Depression hit the Vanderbilt’s and nearby Asheville hard. Cornielia opened the house to the public. Some celebrities that have toured the home include Teddy Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, Tom Hanks and Bill Gates.

Most of the tours go on as planned. Others… not so much. There are stories of Edith’s ghost whispering to her beloved George as she often did while she was alive. It seems George himself can be found often sitting in the library reading one of his treasured books as a storm rages outside..Others tell of a phantom pool party complete with splashing water and laughter… all the while the pool remains empty.

One ghost in particular has people talking. The weeping lady in black is seen most often crying as if her heart has been shattered and often causing those who see her to shed a tear as well.

No one knows who she is or why she cries, her tale long lost to the walls of the Biltmore.

Visit the Biltmore if you can, but if you do, heed the advice and stay near the tour guide. For you never know what may lie in the next room.