A New Era of Time Travel
The upcoming film, written by Marcy Holland (the scribe behind the original A Biltmore Christmas) and directed by Dustin Rikert (Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story), will lean further into the "magical realism" that fans adored.
While the 2023 film took viewers back to 1947, this new story spans over a century. The plot reportedly begins on Christmas Eve 1895—the very night George Vanderbilt first opened the house to family and friends. The story follows Elizabeth (Holland Roden) and Michael (Niall Matter) as they navigate a connection that begins in the Gilded Age and eventually leaps into the modern day, fueled once again by the library’s mysterious hourglass.
Expanding the On-Screen Estate
The Biltmore Estate has confirmed that while favorite locations like the Library, Banquet Hall, and Tapestry Gallery will return, this production will go "behind the velvet ropes" into areas rarely seen on film. Viewers can expect to see:
The Rooftop & Pergola: Showcasing the sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Leisure Spaces: The famous Indoor Swimming Pool and Bowling Alley.
Domestic Life: The Main Kitchen and Breakfast Room.
Private Quarters: Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom, the Music Room, and the Oak Sitting Room.
Beyond the house itself, filming will expand across the 8,000-acre property to include The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village, and the Biltmore Winery.
Asheville Takes Center Stage
The production isn't staying behind the estate gates. Executive Producer David O’Donnell and the crew are set to film at several iconic Asheville landmarks to ground the "modern-day" portion of the film. Key locations include:
The Fine Arts Theatre: The historic downtown cinema.
Pack’s Tavern: A local favorite located in the heart of Pack Square.
Downtown Streets: Various exterior shots will showcase the winter charm of Asheville’s city center.
What Visitors Need to Know
For those planning a visit in January, the Biltmore Estate will remain open to the public. However, specific rooms and areas will be temporarily closed for filming. Guests are encouraged to check the estate’s daily schedule for "behind-the-scenes" updates.
WNCTimes