 On February 1, 2011, Biltmore opens Mrs. Emily King’s room in the Housekeeper’s Suite for the first time. Biltmore’s Museum Services team recently discovered details about Emily Rand King, a significant figure in the history of Biltmore House who served as the head of staff for the Vanderbilts from 1897 to 1914. Mrs. King’s Room will be a new stop on the Butler’s Tour of Biltmore House.
Situated overlooking the servants’ entry and courtyard, the room gave Mrs. King a bird’s-eye view of the hustle and bustle below. Visitors will see the room in an unrestored state, learn about Mrs. King and her staff and find out what it took to keep the 250-room home running smoothly. On the guided Butler's Tour, see how Biltmore House functioned, past and present, and learn about the work of the domestic servants during this 60-minute guided tour, which takes you into unrestored rooms and mechanical areas not open to the public on the regular house visit. Cost is $17 per person, in addition to estate admission.
“We find Mrs. King to be a fascinating character,” said Leslie Klingner, Biltmore’s Curator of Interpretation. “Not only was she responsible for overseeing the cleaning of the home and caring for the staff, she coordinated many aspects of the Vanderbilts’ daily lives.”
Records indicate that the Vanderbilts entrusted Mrs. King with running the household even when they were out of the country. “I think our visitors will find her story charming, and one they can relate to, especially given the universal subject matter of keeping a home.”
Also new for 2011: Tiffany at Biltmore.
For more, go to the Biltmore Estate Web site.
Biltmore’s curators have been working on conserving several household items that will be on display in the room, such as a turn-of-the-century vacuum, foxtail duster, toilet cleaning brush and other supplies of the period.
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