Biltmore Estate closed until further notice. A look at the damage there after Helene

Following the catastrophic flooding of Hurricane Helene, several Western North Carolina homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed, including one of the state’s biggest tourism sites: Biltmore Estate.

Like many other sites around the mountains, much of its destruction is still being assessed so the property will remain closed until further notice. According to the Biltmore website, it could be closed to guests until at least October 15.

“Like all of this region, the damage varies by location across our 8,000-acre property. In forested areas, which is a large portion of the estate, wind damage is extensive to grounds and some structures. Crews have been working tirelessly to clear roads so we can begin repairs,” the Biltmore’s latest update on Oct. 3 said.

How bad was Helene storm damage at Biltmore?

Biltmore House, Conservatory, winery, gardens, and the property’s hotels had very little to no impact, the team said, with most damage to other elements of the estate.

“The entrance to Biltmore, located in Biltmore Village, and other low-lying areas of the property, such as our farm, experienced significant flooding and damage to buildings. We are assessing structures and roadways in these areas,” the team said.

“We sadly lost a few of our animals during the storm, but the vast majority are safe and accounted for thanks to our dedicated agriculture and equestrian teams. As with all of our neighbors who experienced the effects of Helene, we are working on our plans for a swift recovery and look forward to welcoming our guests to this region as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Located in the state’s largest mountain town, the 8,000-acre Asheville estate with 250 rooms is the largest privately owned home in the country and one of North Carolina’s most popular tourist destinations.

What if you have tickets to visit Biltmore?

As the Biltmore remains closed to guests, including Biltmore Annual Passholders, Vanderbilt Wine Club members, and Sporting Clay Club members, the team is working to accommodate those with previous plans to visit during this time.

According to the Biltmore website, those with daytime tickets are welcome to reschedule a visit for another day once the estate has safely reopened or request refund online. For those who booked overnight stays at the estate between Sept. 27-Oct. 15,reservations have been automatically canceled and a 12-month credit will be distributed.

“We are heartbroken for our friends, family, and neighbors across this region who have been devastated by this storm,” Biltmore’s website says. “To our first responders, utility workers, and community volunteers, we are eternally grateful for your endless care and courage. We will all work together to recover from this unprecedented disaster.”

Biltmore Relief Fund

While the Biltmore remains closed, its team announced the $2 million “Biltmore Relief Fund for WNC” to support estate employees, emergency response teams and nonprofit partners in Asheville.

“Western North Carolina has been our family’s home for more than 125 years, and we are devastated to see Helene’s impact on our region. We remain committed to supporting our employees and neighbors in the aftermath of this unprecedented storm and the long-term recovery efforts. Now more than ever, we must work together to stabilize and rebuild this community,” Bill Cecil, Jr., President and CEO of Biltmore, said in a statement.

You can find more information and updates on the status of Biltmore’s closure, refunds and how to help online at biltmore.com/weather-update.

This story was originally published October 4, 2024 at 12:07 PM with the headline "Biltmore Estate closed until further notice. A look at the damage there after Helene."

Chyna Blackmon

The Charlotte Observer

Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription