Grounds of America’s largest home — Biltmore Estate — experienced ‘significant flooding and damage’ following Hurricane Helen
Originally seen on nypost.com
The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, has released a statement addressing the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc across Asheville, NC, and the surrounding region.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of concern for our region as communities face the aftermath of this storm,” the estate said in its statement, highlighting the damage that has impacted the 8,000-acre (12½-square-mile) property.
While the Biltmore House itself, along with the conservatory, winery and hotels, “received minimal or no damage from the storm,” other areas of the estate were not as fortunate.
The lodge gate has been damaged.
The historic Biltmore Estate during springtime.
“In forested areas, which is a large portion of the estate, wind damage is extensive to grounds and some structures,” the statement noted.
Crews are working to clear roads and assess the overall damage.
The estate’s entrance in Biltmore Village and “other low-lying areas,” such as its farm, experienced “significant flooding and damage to buildings,” the statement said.
Built in the late 19th century by George Washington Vanderbilt II, the architectural marvel spans a jaw-dropping 175,000 square feet, boasting 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces.
The group sales office has seen significant damage.
The estate entrance in Biltmore Village, the lodge gate center, the gatehouse shop (left) and group sales office (right).
The Biltmore Company
Floodwater from the French Broad River covers low-lying fields near Antler Hill Village on the Biltmore Estate.
The Biltmore Company
It is one of North Carolina’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing over 1.4 million visitors annually.
With its sprawling gardens, forested grounds and world-class winery, the estate serves as a cornerstone of tourism in the region.
Unfortunately, the storm also impacted some of the estate’s animals. “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,” the statement continued.
The deer park on Biltmore Estate.
The Biltmore Company
The estate remains closed as damage assessment and repairs continue, with a tentative reopening date set for at least October 15.
Hurricane Helene, one of the most powerful storms to hit the Southeast in recent memory, left a trail of destruction across Asheville and its surroundings. Biltmore Village, a bustling tourist hub located at the entrance to the estate, experienced severe flooding that damaged homes and businesses alike.
With its massive role in the local economy, the closure of Biltmore is expected to have ripple effects across the region.
Crews on the Biltmore Estate work to clear roadways.
Mary Grace and her dog, Marley, walk around the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024, in Asheville, North Carolina.
Getty Images
Marissa Jamison, senior public relations manager at Biltmore, echoed the estate’s gratitude for the public’s concern but asked that attention be focused on the broader region.
“We ask that the public put their focus on our deeply devastated broader community and region at this time and contribute to the relief efforts if they have the means to do so,” she told The Post in a statement.
As the estate and the community at large work toward recovery, the estate’s staff expressed their hope for a swift restoration.
“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.”
A recent photo of the Biltmore mansion following the hurricane. The home went largely unscathed.
The Biltmore Company
