“Crews have been working tirelessly to clear the roads so we can begin repairs.”
Biltmore, one of North Carolina's most historic and popular tourist attractions, is closed until at least October 15 due to Hurricane Helene. The massive property, which dates to 1895, suffered extensive wind damage and flooding in the wooded areas, the farmhouse and some structures such as the entrance, according to a statement on Biltmore's Instagram account.
“As throughout the region, damage varies per location on our 8,000-hectare estate. In forest areas, which cover a large part of the estate, wind damage is extensive to sites and some structures. Crews have been working tirelessly to clear the roads so we can begin repairs,” the statement said.
Other areas of the property, such as Biltmore House, the winery, hotels, the garden and the conservatory, suffered minimal to no damage, according to the statement. However, some animals on the property died during the storm. “The vast majority are safe and accounted for thanks to our dedicated farming and equestrian teams,” the estate said.
“Like all our neighbors who have experienced the impacts of Helene, we are working on our plans for a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming our guests to this region as soon as it is safe to do so,” the statement continued.
The storm tore through nearby Biltmore Village, a mixed-use neighborhood with homes, shops and restaurants, destroying and flooding even more historic buildings. In an interview with 7 News WSPA, business owner Thomas Young said: “We're pretty sure we were completely flooded and the river was practically flowing through our building.”
While Biltmore fans are concerned about the property and when it will reopen, representatives of the estate are asking that public attention remain “on our deeply devastated broader community.”
Sean Rayford/Stringer/Getty Images
How to help
The American Red Cross, Mercy Chefs, the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, World Central Kitchen and many other organizations are seeking donations to help the affected areas. For more information and current resources on how to donate.
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