ASHEVILLE, N.C. — After Helene tore through the Carolinas late last week, early images showed flooded areas and devastation in communities around the Asheville, North Carolina area. Among those areas was the Biltmore Village area, which leads into the famed Biltmore Estate.
The estate itself is a major tourist attraction. Built over the course of six years beginning in 1889, the sprawling 250-room mansion features more than four areas of floor space that guests can explore and immerse themselves in the history of the legacy left by George Washington Vanderbilt II. Vanderbilt, a native of Staten Island in New York, chose the rolling hills near Asheville to become his country home.
As of Oct. 3, the estate itself remains closed to the public. In an update shared to Facebook Thursday, estate management said the house itself received either minimal or no damage, along with the conservatory, winery, gardens and hotels.
However, the property does span 8,000 acres. Management noted forested areas saw extensive wind damage to the grounds and some structures. Low-lying areas, including the farm, saw significant flooding and damage to buildings. A few animals were lost, but the vast majority were safe and accounted for.
In a notice posted online, estate management said the entire area the mansion and associated property sits on would be closed through Tuesday, Oct. 15 because of flooding, impassable roads, and ongoing utility outages. Employees have been asked to check in with their supervisors when possible and are also not allowed on without direction from supervisory staff.
Passholders and club members are also unable to access the grounds at this time.
Guests who have daytime visit tickets can either request a refund online or use their ticket on another day. Visitors looking to use their tickets on another day should not call to reschedule until after the estate is safely reopened. You can call 800-411-3812 to reserve a date and time in advance or exchange current tickets in-person at the Reception and Ticketing Sales Center. There may be a difference in price.
Overnight guests who planned to arrive between Friday, Sept. 27 through Tuesday, Oct. 15., will see their reservations automatically canceled with a 12-month credit for a future stay. Guests planning to arrive after that 12-month window should check the weather notice page linked above for updates.
The Biltmore Village area was among Asheville's areas that was wrecked by Helene. The historic area, which is home to shops, boutiques and restaurants, faced devastation that saw several buildings damaged and nearby waterways flooded. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) showed the Swannanoa River - which is near the Biltmore Village district - flooded to about 26 feet on Friday, Sept. 27. NOAA standards say 18 feet is deemed major flooding.
Since the storm, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, which takes travelers through the mountains of western North Carolina, remains closed.
Across the American southeast, 150 people have been declared dead by officials spanning several states. Crews were in the mountains Tuesday looking for more victims, including cadaver dogs. The devastation in and around the Asheville area - an area known for its tourism draw - is especially evident in smaller communities.