The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately-owned estate located in Asheville, North Carolina, has been forced to shut down temporarily due to extensive flooding and building damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The 8,000 acre property, which boasts 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and 22 miles of walking trails, suffered significant wind and flooding damage to its entrance and other low-lying areas, including its farm.
While the conservatory, winery, gardens, and hotels on the estate only sustained minimal damage, the forested areas experienced extensive wind damage to grounds and some structures. The estate is currently assessing the full impact of the storm and crews are working to clear roads and begin repairs.
Hurricane Helene, which has led to the deaths of at least 223 individuals across the Southeast, has caused widespread devastation in western North Carolina, including Asheville and surrounding Buncombe County. Thousands of trees were toppled, homes uprooted, vehicles submerged, and roads destroyed, illustrating the destructive power of the storm.
The Biltmore Estate, a popular tourist attraction known for its gardens, outdoor activities, tours, exhibitions, and restaurants, was founded by George Vanderbilt during the Gilded Age in 1895. Vanderbilt, a native of Staten Island, New York, and the grandson of industrialist Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt, established the estate as a symbol of wealth and luxury in the late 19th century.
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