Biltmore Estate Conservatory
Apr 14, 2022 16:03:24 #
When Annette and I drive over the mountain to explore the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, our favorite feature to explore is the Conservatory and Gardens. In fact, we enjoy this more than the estate house itself!
The estate’s conservatory was built in 1895 as a collaboration between landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, architect Richard Morris Hunt, and George Vanderbilt, himself. It highlights a wide variety of exotic plants. Its tall arched windows look out onto the terraced butterfly garden and the Walled Garden beyond, and the pointed glass roof lets in an abundance of natural light.
Before building the Biltmore Conservatory, the threesome took a Grand Tour of Europe to gather ideas. They were no doubt influenced by the famous Victorian glass houses of the day. Think Sir Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace or the Palm House at the Kew, which were extremely popular symbols of both botanic and financial wealth.
The conservatory was part of what Olmstead conceived as “a small park and a small pleasure ground & garden” on the estate. It sits below the mansion at the base of a beautiful walled garden. The architect, Richard Morris Hunt, designed the building which features his distinctive ‘pebbledash’ stucco facade.
Today, the conservatory is host to over 2000 varieties of tropical and exotic plants, and seasonal exhibits.
These pictures were taken on one of our visits in February, 2022. Some are Annette’s and some are mine. I added a variety of artistic effects in post processing using Topaz Studio 2 and Exposure 6. I hope you enjoy them!
The estate’s conservatory was built in 1895 as a collaboration between landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, architect Richard Morris Hunt, and George Vanderbilt, himself. It highlights a wide variety of exotic plants. Its tall arched windows look out onto the terraced butterfly garden and the Walled Garden beyond, and the pointed glass roof lets in an abundance of natural light.
Before building the Biltmore Conservatory, the threesome took a Grand Tour of Europe to gather ideas. They were no doubt influenced by the famous Victorian glass houses of the day. Think Sir Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace or the Palm House at the Kew, which were extremely popular symbols of both botanic and financial wealth.
The conservatory was part of what Olmstead conceived as “a small park and a small pleasure ground & garden” on the estate. It sits below the mansion at the base of a beautiful walled garden. The architect, Richard Morris Hunt, designed the building which features his distinctive ‘pebbledash’ stucco facade.
Today, the conservatory is host to over 2000 varieties of tropical and exotic plants, and seasonal exhibits.
These pictures were taken on one of our visits in February, 2022. Some are Annette’s and some are mine. I added a variety of artistic effects in post processing using Topaz Studio 2 and Exposure 6. I hope you enjoy them!
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Apr 14, 2022 16:33:35 #
Apr 14, 2022 16:37:39 #
You continue to hang out in great places! BTW I like your shot of the Conservatory.
Apr 14, 2022 16:44:43 #
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