Biltmore, one of North Carolina’s most iconic historic sites, is set to remain closed until at least October 15 due to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The massive estate, which has been a major draw for tourists since its construction in 1895, experienced significant wind damage and flooding in various parts of the property. According to a statement shared on the estate’s social media, the storm hit hard in the forested areas, its farm, and even some structures like the entrance. Crews are now working around the clock to clear roads and begin the restoration process.
While the sprawling 8,000-acre property has varying levels of damage depending on the location, the most extensive issues seem to be in the forested parts of the estate. The strong winds caused damage to the grounds and some structures in these areas. Fortunately, key attractions such as the Biltmore House, the winery, hotels, gardens, and Conservatory suffered minimal or no damage at all. The estate reassured the public that these popular spots are largely intact, although the entrance and other exterior areas will need substantial work before reopening.
Unfortunately, the storm also claimed the lives of a few animals on the property, adding to the toll of damage caused by Helene. While fans of the estate have expressed concerns about when Biltmore will be ready to welcome guests again, estate representatives have urged the public to focus on the greater impact the storm has had on the broader community, which has been hit much harder by the hurricane’s devastation.
Efforts to clear the property and restore damaged areas are well underway, with teams of workers addressing the aftermath left by the hurricane. Though Biltmore is committed to reopening as soon as possible, it’s clear that restoring the estate’s damaged areas will take time and patience. In the meantime, estate representatives are encouraging the community to come together and support one another through the recovery process.
For those eager to visit, Biltmore’s management will likely provide updates on the status of repairs and a more definitive reopening date as crews make progress. Until then, the focus remains on not just restoring the property, but also assisting the larger community in getting back on its feet after the storm.
