The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately-owned estate located in Asheville, North Carolina, has temporarily closed due to extensive flooding and building damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The 8,000 acre property, which includes a 175,000 square foot mansion with 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces, suffered significant wind and flooding damage. However, areas such as the conservatory, winery, gardens, and hotels were spared major destruction.
The estate is currently assessing the damage caused by the hurricane, with crews working to clear roads and begin repairs. Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation in the Southeast, with at least 223 people reported dead and many more missing. In western North Carolina, including Asheville and surrounding Buncombe County, homes have been uprooted, vehicles submerged, and roads destroyed.
The Biltmore Estate, which was opened by George Vanderbilt in 1895 during the Gilded Age, remains closed as the cleanup and repair efforts continue. The estate, known for its gardens, outdoor activities, tours, exhibitions, and restaurants, is a popular tourist destination in the region. The impact of the hurricane on the estate serves as a reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such events.
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