Biltmore Estate Reopens After Hurricane Helene

The historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is set to reopen on November 2 after being closed for over a month due to the impact of Hurricane Helene. The reopening will coincide with the start of the estate’s popular Christmas at Biltmore event, which will run through January 5. Although the grand house, completed in 1895, remained undamaged, other areas of the estate, including the entrance and farm, suffered significant flooding and damage. Unfortunately, some animals were lost during the storm, but the majority are safe and accounted for.

Extensive repairs are underway at the estate’s main entrance and surrounding businesses, which were also affected by the storm. Guests who had planned to visit between September 27 and November 1 have been offered the option to rebook their visit or receive a refund. In response to the devastation, the estate has launched a $2 million relief fund to support Western North Carolina.

Bill Cecil, Jr., a descendant of the estate’s founder George Vanderbilt, expressed a strong commitment to aiding the community’s recovery efforts. He emphasized the importance of working together to stabilize and rebuild the region. The Biltmore House, known as America’s largest privately owned home, first opened to the public in 1930 and continues to be a significant landmark.

Source: CNN.com