The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, America’s largest privately-owned estate, has been forced to close temporarily due to extensive flooding and building damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The historic property boasts 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and 22 miles of walking trails. While parts of the estate, such as the conservatory, winery, gardens, and hotels, were spared from significant damage, other areas, including the entrance and the farm, experienced wind and flooding damage.
The estate is currently assessing the impacts of the storm and crews are clearing roads to begin repairs. Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation across the Southeast, with at least 223 people reported dead and dozens still missing. In Asheville and surrounding areas, homes have been uprooted, vehicles submerged, and roads destroyed by the unrelenting floods.
The Biltmore Estate was founded by George Vanderbilt, the grandson of industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt, during the Gilded Age in 1895. The estate is known for its gardens, outdoor adventures, tours, exhibitions, and restaurants. The closure of the estate due to Hurricane Helene is just one example of the widespread destruction caused by the storm in the region. Thousands of trees were uprooted, train tracks were mangled, and school buses were blown away in the storm’s wake. Despite the damage, the estate is committed to reopening once repairs are completed.
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