Lady on the Hill

How Biltmore Estate Became an American Icon

By: Howard E. Covington

Narrated by: Mirron Willis

"What William Cecil has accomplished at Biltmore Estate is one of the great preservation success stories of all time. He has set a high standard for what all historic house museums strive for: magnificently preserved buildings and grounds, engaging interpretation, and - perhaps most challenging of all - economic self-sufficiency. It is no surprise that Biltmore Estate is widely recognized as one of America's finest places to visit." (Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation)

"Biltmore is a glorious national historic landmark that, through creative vision and entrepreneurial management, preserves and provides insight into a way of life in the early 1900s. Bill is the imaginative and multifaceted leader who has built this great monument to enrich his community. George and I admire his dedication and success." (George and Abby Rockefeller O'Neill)

"Bill Cecil and his team at Biltmore Estate have sure proved that they know how to build a successful business. They did it the old-fashioned way: embrace a bold idea that others said could not be done and - through commitment, determination, and hard work - bring it to life. Their achievement against the odds is inspiring, and their vision and perseverance are valuable lessons to us all." (Don Logan, Chairman, Media & Communications Group, Time Warner)

"If George Vanderbilt did nothing more than engage the two most prominent and storied designers of their time, architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, to carry out his vision of a European estate in the southern Appalachians, he would have created an American icon. The beauty of the method by which the estate was executed and, even today, the meticulous attention to detail, in the presentation and care of the estate by William Cecil, have brought history to life." (Gary J. Walters, Chief Usher, The White House)

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2006 The Biltmore Company (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Biltmore love

Great read or audible… cannot wait to see this beauty! Wanted to get the history before traveling to NC. Hopefully, they will do a documentary on this place soon, back in the days till current. 🫶🏼

I learned a lot about this piece of history and the family that cares for it.

I’m glad to have listened to this historical account before my 3rd visit to N.C. Much respect for Edith and Cecil

The fact that it has remained as a privately owned enterprise.

Loved the in-depth details. I’ve visited twice and would love to go again. The writer was not afraid to speak of the ‘down’ or ‘hard’ times as well as the ‘grandiose’ times.

Saving Biltmore

Excellent history of the challenges faced by family members to preserve and protect this magnificent mansion and throw its doors wide open to the visiting public. Well documented account of the deeds of W. Cecil's hard work and brilliance, saving it from ruin.... as the property entered its second century of existence. For the early history I recommend "The Last Castle" ~ while certainly not the last 'castle' built in America ~ Biltmore WAS the last work of both Hunt and Olmstead. And thanks to the Cecil family's ongoing efforts, one of the best preserved.

An incredibly rich account of Biltmore's history.

I loved this audiobook! It's an incredibly rich and informative account of the Biltmore estates past, as well as the Vanderbilt family's history. A love letter to historic preservation in general.

The vision

Loved this book. The insights of the running of this lady on the hill. Most important was the respect that given to their employees. Going to their homes to made sure they had food and heat. Family was important and so was the land.

Does not do Biltmore Credit

Words said wrong, read so boringly that it was hard going. Seriously does not give Biltmore credit.