Is the Biltmore Estate haunted? North Carolina’s most prominent and beloved attraction, located in Asheville, receives more than a million visitors every year. This family-owned estate inspires people as the tour allows an escape from everyday life. Since 1895, the family has welcomed guests to its 8,000 sprawling acres with breathtaking views of the mountains and the distinguished house and gardens. Let’s take a look at some of the paranormal activity reported in the firsthand accounts of visitors to our beloved Biltmore, one of the most haunted places in the country. Let’s dive into the Biltmore Estate’s dark history.

But first, here is a little background refresher.
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The Biltmore was constructed from 1889 to 1895 by William Henry Vanderbilt II.
In his early twenties, Vanderbilt accompanied his mother to Asheville on a visit. He fell in love with the area, of course, and decided to build a modest summer home.
John Singer Sargent, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
His modest little summer home would reportedly use up much of his Vanderbilt inheritance. He ended up getting married, having a daughter, and living at Biltmore until his death in 1914.
The Biltmore has 178,926 square feet of floor space. That's the equivalent of four acres inside the main house alone.
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Visitors touring the estate have reported many paranormal experiences, ranging from apparitions, cold spots, sensations of being pushed by something otherworldly, and strange smells — among other things.
The staircase is a common place for spotting ghosts and experiencing the Biltmore Estate haunted history.
TripAdvisor/LutheranLadySanDiego
Many paranormal enthusiasts believe staircases are spiritual vortexes, attracting ascending (and descending!) spirits. At the Biltmore, visitor accounts of odd occurrences on the stairs soar in firsthand accounts detailed in online reports and comments.
It doesn't help matters that many of the 250 rooms found at the Biltmore have headless mannequins dressed in period clothing.
Flickr/ Amy Meredith
We're sure it only serves to confuse the unconscious mind that sees something that really isn't there.
Many people have reported seeing George Vanderbilt II in his library.
TripAdvisor/GTSSurrey
Apparently, one of Vanderbilt's favorite rooms in the estate was his library. He could be found here admiring and reading books found in his vast collection. He's often seen browsing the books along the shelves, or sitting quietly and reading.

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Other firsthand ghost sightings occur in the basement of the mansion.
TripAdvisor/Loveeddieable
The servants' quarters, kitchen, gym, and pool are located in the basement. Some visitors have reported seeing the staff busy preparing a meal in the kitchen.
The indoor swimming pool, located in the basement, was a popular spot for visitors to Biltmore in Vanderbilt's day.
Flickr/ steviep187
Today, however, it's not popular at all. Soaring numbers of firsthand accounts say they had an overwhelming feeling of uneasiness when touring the pool area, the site of the supposed Biltmore Estate pool drowning. Some go on to say they clearly felt pure terror in the presence of someone who may have drowned during one of the parties the Vanderbilts were known to throw.
Speaking of parties...
Flickr/Adam
Some accounts tell of the smell of a fresh cigar burning, with the pungent smoke billowing off the end. But the Biltmore is a smoke-free environment.
Others report the sense of being followed, or watched.
TripAdvisor/JasonTuggle
Clearly, this is something that a servant would do in an attempt to be attentive to any family member or guest. Perhaps a servant or two still linger, watching over the estate and her guests?
And then there is the tale of the orange cat.
Flickr/Janine
Online accounts from witnesses report seeing a headless orange cat wandering the property from time to time. There are no accounts of who the cat belonged to, or how it lost its head.
America's largest private residence is also one of the most haunted places in the country.
TripAdvisor/LutheranLadySanDiego
The Biltmore has been included on numerous lists of the most haunted places in America, including a report from CBS News. Learn more about the fascinating history of the Biltmore when you watch the video below:

Well, what do you think: Is the Biltmore Estate haunted? Is there a Biltmore Estate dark history? Not everyone is tuned in to their ability to see and experience paranormal activity. Have you ever had a paranormal experience at the Biltmore? We’d love to hear about it in the comments! And for further paranormal adventures, visit Pritchard Park.

For more about the Biltmore, be sure to read Biltmore Estate: The Most Distinguished Private Place.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Haunted Places In North Carolina

Carolyn Harmon | August 30, 2022

Where is another haunted estate to visit in North Carolina?

The Mordecai House, located in Mordecai Historic Park, is a haunted estate to visit in North Carolina.

Built around 1785 and 1826 for the Lane family, it was once the home of the largest plantation in Wake County. During the Civil War, the plantation was the site of many battles where it is believed many soldiers died, and where some remain wandering the grounds. The house holds a collection of more than 5,000 artifacts, which might be why it also holds some leftover visitors from the past. One who has been spotted might be Henry Lane's daughter playing the piano.

Where is another haunted site to visit in North Carolina?

While you're in Raliegh, visit the North Carolina State Capitol for some more paranormal activities.

Built in 1840, its Greek Revival architectural style offers granite halls, three floors, and authentically-curated furnishings from the period. It seems it is so cozy that some who once roamed the halls here have never left. Some of the incidents reported include the sounds of a moving elevator, the smell of cigar smoke, the screams of a woman, and voices in conversations. 

Where is one of the most haunted hikes in North Carolina?

Norton Creek Trail, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is one of the most haunted hikes in North Carolina.

Along the way, you will discover more than 200 small cemeteries with artistic headstones, abandoned homesites, and ruins of chimneys and old home foundations. Part of its haunted appeal comes from the Spearfinger legend about an old witch living on the highest ridges of the mountains, passed down by the Cherokee Indians. With one long, stone finger as sharp as a knife and dressed as an old grandmother, she searched the area for children. Upon capture, she would rock them to sleep and then cut out their livers. Another legend tells of a settler who was killed as he searched for his daughter near the north shore of Lake Fontana. Hikers today have claimed they were met with a light when they got lost on the trail, leading them to safety.

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Biltmore, 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803, USA