Hal Ashby’s gentle satire about a simple gardener mistaken for a sage is set in Washington – but filmed its most memorable scenes at the grandest house in America, the vast Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.
Where was Being There filmed?
Being There was filmed at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, with scenes in Washington, D.C.
Every Being There location, explained
1
Rand’s mansion – the Biltmore Estate
The tycoon’s palatial home used the Biltmore Estate near Asheville, North Carolina – the largest private house in America.
2
Washington – Chance’s world
Chance’s earlier scenes used Washington, D.C.
3
The grounds
The film used the vast gardens and grounds of the Biltmore Estate.
4
Los Angeles – the interiors
Some interiors used studios in Los Angeles.
Planning a visit
The Biltmore Estate near Asheville, North Carolina – the film’s grand mansion – is a real, magnificent, visitable landmark.
Being There Fun Facts
1
Filmed at the Biltmore The mansion is the real Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private house.
2
A Washington satire The story skewers politics and media through a simple gardener.
3
'I like to watch' Chance’s television-shaped worldview drives the satire.
4
Sellers's swansong It featured one of Peter Sellers’s final, most acclaimed roles.
5
An Oscar win Melvyn Douglas won an Academy Award for the film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Being There filmed?
At the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, with scenes in Washington, D.C.
What mansion is in the film?
The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private house.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the Biltmore Estate is a popular, visitable landmark.
Who directed Being There?
Hal Ashby.
Who stars in it?
Peter Sellers.
