Biltmore Estate closed until further notice. A look at the damage there after Helene
By Chyna Blackmon,
22 hours ago
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.
Biltmore House after Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina as a tropical storm. Courtesy of The Biltmore Company
“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.
Crews working to clear roadways near Biltmore Estate in Asheville. Courtesy of The Biltmore Company
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.
Damage from Helene at the Biltmore entrance in Biltmore Village. Courtesy of The Biltmore Company
“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.
The group sales office at Biltmore Estate after Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina as a tropical storm. Courtesy of The Biltmore Company
“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.
Storm damage at Biltmore Estate’s lodge gate after Hurricane Helene. Courtesy of The Biltmore Company
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.”
A scene from Biltmore Village in Asheville on Wednesday October 2, 2204. The area received extensive damage from flooding of the Swannanoa River after the remnants of Hurricane Helene caused torrential rainfall in western North Carolina. Travis Long/tlong@newsobserver.com
You can find more information and updates on the status of Biltmore’s closure, cancellations and refunds online at biltmore.com/weather-update .
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Local News
