Behind Biltmore’s Hidden Doors

Biltmore House was designed both for aesthetics and hospitality. Concealed doors, such as the one pictured in the Billiard Room, were designed to create a seamless appearance but provide access for staff providing service and convenience for guests.

In this case, pictured left, the convenience was given to gentlemen who wanted to retire to the Gun Room after a game of billiards.

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When you’re in the Breakfast Room, your attention is bound to be drawn to the two Renoir portraits “Young Algerian Girl” and “Child with an Orange.” If you look just below “Child with an Orange,” you’ll notice the doorknob to the concealed door, designed to create a seamless appearance on the wall but allow servants to enter with hot meals.

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Have you ever wondered what’s behind the doors on the top floor of the Library? Here’s your peek. The doors located on both sides of the overmantel lead to a passageway connected to the Second Floor Living Hall.

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Every detail of the architecture at Biltmore was carefully considered. To avoid the break in symmetry that would be required by a door frame, closet doors were concealed in certain rooms, such as this one in Mr. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom.

Read more about the intracate details of Biltmore House at www.biltmore.com.