It is my happy duty to welcome you
to the world of "Downton Abbey."
[light orchestral music]
- [Woman] The lifestyles of the early 20th century elite
have come to life through the PBS
series and movie, "Downton Abbey."
- There's never a dull moment in this house.
- [Woman] Never before have you been able
to experience the magic of "Downton Abbey" in-person.
Now you can bring your imagination to life
in an immersive experience.
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition
featured at two locations at Biltmore
and included with your admission ticket.
This recreation includes artifacts,
50 costumes that were worn by the actors,
and some of the most recognizable sets from the movie.
- [Lauren] Guests of the Biltmore
will be able to see many, many similarities
between the life at Biltmore house
that they will see in their self-guided tour
and the life of the Crawley family at Downton Abbey
here in the exhibition.
- [Woman] Step into the Crawley's dining room at Downton
and see the splendor of the table settings
and the extravagant decorations.
[light music]
Compare this to the Vanderbilt banquet hall,
with its grandeur and exquisite crystal and china.
- Conversations between guests
at the dinner tables of Biltmore and Downton Abbey
may have been very similar,
from running the estate,
to the grand parties that were planned,
there were many similarities.
- Quite something.
Look at all the glass.
- It is a magnificent effect.
- It is.
- Well, I hope you mean that.
- [Tour Guide] The role of houses
like Downton is to protect tradition,
that's why they're so important to maintain.
- [Lauren] As in Biltmore house,
the Crawley's filled Downton Abbey
with the finest furnishings and decorative objects
especially their beautiful bedrooms.
- [Woman] Upstairs is Mary's bedroom,
where so much intimate drama takes place.
[suspenseful music]
- Do you see yourself living upstairs?
- Sometimes it's good to rule by fear.
- [Woman] Or downstairs?
- That could prove awkward!
- [Woman] Step behind the scenes
into Mrs. Patmore's kitchen at Downton
and see how many items you recognize.
- [Lauren] Everything you see in Downton Abbey's kitchen
would have been at home in Biltmore's kitchen.
Food was prepared in a French style,
though at Biltmore they often
incorporated local ingredients in recipes.
- [Woman] Down the hall, Mr. Carson, Downton's butler,
and Mrs. Hughes, Downton's head housekeeper,
commanded the downstairs staff and activities.
- Here in the servant's hall,
fans will remember the iconic bellboard.
We also have several servant's costumes
like Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Bates.
- Oh and the famous sewing machine.
Yes.
[sewing needle clicking]
- [Woman] Across the park in Antler Village,
guests will get an up-close look
at more than 40 costumes.
Ugh, those beautiful hats and jewelry!
The daring Sybil and those pantaloons.
Casual daywear,
and remember when Rose was presented to the Queen.
Ugh, those gowns!
Those accessories!
The costumes reveal the designer's
careful attention to detail
and are authentic reproductions of the period.
Let your imagination run wild
as you visualize memorable moments
from the highly acclaimed PBS series and movie.
[light music]
- Access to Downton Abbey: The Exhibition
is included with daytime admission,
Candlelight Christmas Evenings admission,
or an overnight stay that includes
daytime admission to Biltmore.
Biltmore is located at 1 Lodge Street in Asheville.
For tickets and more information,
give them a call at [800] 411-3812.
Or go online to biltmore.com.