America’s largest privately-owned estate, the iconic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, has been forced to temporarily shut down after extensive flooding and building damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The 8,000-acre property, which includes a 175,000 square foot mansion with 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and 22 miles of walking trails, suffered significant wind and flooding damage in low-lying areas such as its entrance and farm.
Fortunately, damage to key areas like the conservatory, winery, gardens, and hotels was minimal. However, the estate is still assessing the full extent of the impact and clearing roads to start repairs. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has so far claimed at least 223 lives across the Southeast, the Biltmore Village and surrounding areas in Asheville and Buncombe County have been devastated by uprooted homes, submerged vehicles, and sunken roads.
The storm, which made landfall in Florida on September 26, has left a trail of destruction, with thousands of trees toppled, mangled train tracks discarded on river beds, and school buses blown away. This marks a significant setback for the historic Biltmore Estate, which has been a popular tourist attraction known for its gardens, outdoor adventures, tours, exhibitions, and restaurants.
George Vanderbilt, the estate’s founder and a descendant of the Vanderbilt family, opened Biltmore during the Gilded Age in 1895. The estate’s closure underscores the widespread impact of Hurricane Helene on the region and the challenges faced by local communities in the wake of the storm.
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