Biltmore Farms celebrates 120-year anniversary

Biltmore Farms, LLC, Western North Carolina’s premier community development firm, celebrates its 120-year anniversary in 2017 and is proud to be one of Asheville’s most established, locally-owned companies, devoted to enhancing quality of life across the region.  

Founded in 1897 by George W. Vanderbilt, Biltmore Farms was originally created in an effort to manage a heard of Jersey cattle.  Since the 1800s, when Vanderbilt acquired 125,000 acres in Western North Carolina, the Vanderbilt Family has been a driving force in the development and growth of the region.  George H.V. Cecil, grandson of Vanderbilt and current chairman of Biltmore Farms, was the former president of Biltmore Dairy Farms, and led the company to grow into one of the most successful dairy operations in the southeast, with distribution centers in Charlotte, N.C., Greenville, S.C. and Johnson City, Tenn.  Serving along with his father, John F.A.V. “Jack” Cecil, the company’s President and CEO, shifted the focus of Biltmore Farms to community development, establishing a multi-faceted organization with four divisions: Commercial, Communities, Homes and Hotels, continuing a legacy of stewardship and sustainability. 

“It is an honor to have Biltmore Farms as part of the greater Asheville community for over 120 years,” stated Mr. George Cecil.  “Being able to adapt and evolve our company with the growth of the region is a testament to my grandfather’s long-term vision and we are grateful to our employees, patrons, guests and residents who have been a part of our journey.”

Today, Biltmore Farms has established the region’s most successful mixed-use commercial property in Biltmore Park Town Square, planned communities in The Ramble Biltmore Forest and Biltmore Lake, as well as award-winning hotels in the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park and DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville-Biltmore.  Throughout its history, Biltmore Farms has also been honored with industry awards for sustainability, customer service, design and construction, and community involvement. 

Biltmore Farms continues its commitment to the Asheville community through its charitable works with United Way, the Biltmore Lake and Ramble charitable funds, as well as other non-profits, placing significant emphasis on impacting local education, healthcare, economic development, cultural venues and the environment.  Additionally, last year, the company’s employees collectively contributed over 2,000 hours of community service for local organizations including, MANNA FoodBank, Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM), United Way, Habitat for Humanity and Asheville GreenWorks.  

“Celebrating our 120th year is an amazing achievement for our company and family,” stated Jack Cecil.  “Being able to work alongside my father for over 35 years and implement his and my great-grandfather’s vision, has been a privilege and we are proud to continue their legacy of building sustainable communities in Western North Carolina, as we move forward with the future of Biltmore Farms.”