<P> Water features were an important aspect of Victorian landscaping and Olmsted incorporated two for the estate: the Bass Pond created from an old creek - fed millpond and the Lagoon . Each was used for guest recreation like fishing and rowing . To supply water for the estate, Olmsted engineered two reservoirs . One was a spring - fed man - made lake on nearby Busbee Mountain . The other was a man - made, brick - lined reservoir, located behind the statue of Diana in the Vista, at an elevation of approximately 266 feet above the Esplanade . </P> <P> Vanderbilt's idea was to replicate the working estates of Europe . He asked Hunt and Olmsted to design a village with architecturally compatible buildings and picturesque landscaping as a source of income through building rental, a place to help carry out philanthropic programs, and an easy point of access between the estate and the train station . The result was Biltmore Village . The village included rental cottages complete with plumbing and central heating, a post office, shops, doctor's office, school, and a church, known today as the Cathedral of All Souls . Intending that the estate could be self - supporting, Vanderbilt set up scientific forestry programs, poultry farms, cattle farms, hog farms, and a dairy . His wife, Edith, also enthusiastically supported agricultural reform and promoted the establishment of a state agricultural fair . In 1901, the Vanderbilts provided financial assistance to Biltmore Industries, started by Biltmore Village resident Eleanor Vance, which taught young people how to make hand - carved furniture, woven baskets, homespun wool fabric, and more . </P> <P> The estate today covers approximately 8,000 acres (13 sq mi; 32 km) and is split in half by the French Broad River, overseen by The Biltmore Company, a trust set up by the family . The company is a large enterprise that is one of the largest employers in the Asheville area . Restaurants were opened in 1979 and 1987 as well as four gifts shops in 1993 . The former dairy barn was converted into the popular Biltmore Winery in 1985 . The AAA four - diamond 210 - room Inn on Biltmore Estate opened in 2001, and in 2010, the estate debuted Antler Hill Village, as well as a remodeled winery, and connected farmyard . </P> <P> The Biltmore Estate licenses its name and design elements to a line of housewares, linens, and luggage called "Biltmore For Your Home", marketed exclusively by Belk stores . </P>

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