The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately-owned estate located in Asheville, North Carolina, has closed temporarily due to extensive flooding and building damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The iconic property spans 8,000 acres, with 175,000 square feet, 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and 22 miles of walking trails. While areas like the conservatory, winery, gardens, and hotels sustained minimal damage, the entrance, farm, and low-lying areas experienced significant wind and flooding damage.
Crews are currently assessing the impacts of the storm and clearing roads to begin repairs, but it will take some time to restore the estate. Hurricane Helene has caused devastation across the Southeast, with at least 223 people reported dead and dozens still unaccounted for since the storm hit Florida on September 26. In western North Carolina, including Asheville and Buncombe County, homes were uprooted, vehicles submerged, and roads destroyed by the storm’s force.
The estate, opened by George Vanderbilt in 1895 during the Gilded Age, is known for its gardens, tours, exhibitions, and restaurants, making it a popular tourist destination. As the cleanup and repair efforts continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the community in Asheville faces the challenge of rebuilding and recovering from the storm’s impact.
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