The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, America’s largest privately-owned estate, has closed temporarily due to extensive flooding and building damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The estate, spanning 8,000 acres with 250 rooms and 43 bathrooms, is a popular tourist attraction known for its gardens and outdoor activities. While some areas, such as the conservatory, winery, gardens, and hotels, sustained minimal damage, others experienced significant destruction. Crews are currently assessing and clearing roads for repairs. Hurricane Helene, which has killed at least 223 people across the Southeast, caused widespread devastation in western North Carolina, including uprooted homes, submerged vehicles, and sunken roads. The storm made landfall in Florida on September 26, and its impact is still being felt. The Biltmore Estate was opened by George Vanderbilt in 1895 during the Gilded Age and is an iconic symbol of wealth and luxury. The Vanderbilt family’s fortune was established through shipping and railroad monopolies in the mid-1800s. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene serves as a reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and recovery efforts in affected areas.
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The Biltmore Estate Closes Temporarily Due to Hurricane Helene Flooding in Asheville
