The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately-owned estate in Asheville, has been forced to shut down temporarily after extensive flooding and building damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The iconic estate boasts 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and 22 miles of walking trails, making it a popular tourist destination known for its gardens, outdoor adventures, tours, exhibitions, and restaurants.
The estate announced the closure on social media due to significant wind, flooding, and building damage in low-lying areas like the farm and entrance. Fortunately, damage to key areas such as the conservatory, winery, gardens, and hotels was minimal. Crews are now working to assess and repair the damage caused by the hurricane, which has taken the lives of at least 223 people across the Southeast.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, nearby Biltmore Village experienced extensive flooding, with tree branches, logs, and a dumpster floating through the area. Western North Carolina, including Asheville and Buncombe County, suffered uprooted homes, submerged vehicles, and sunken roads, showcasing the devastation left by the storm. Thousands of trees were toppled, train tracks were mangled and left discarded on river beds, and school buses were blown away.
Established by George Vanderbilt during the Gilded Age in 1895, the Biltmore Estate is a historic property with a rich history. Vanderbilt, a Staten Island, New York native and grandson of industrialist Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt, has deeply rooted family ties to the estate, which has become a significant part of the region’s history and culture.
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