The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is set to reopen soon

The historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is set 

to reopen on November 2 after being closed for over a month due to Hurricane Helene. The estate will also kick off its popular Christmas at Biltmore event, which will run from reopening day through January 5.

The grand house, completed in 1895, was not damaged by the storm. However, lower areas of the estate, including the entrance and the farm, “suffered significant flooding and damage to buildings,” according to an early storm damage update from the Biltmore. "Unfortunately, we lost a few of our animals during the storm, but the vast majority are safe and accounted for."

In the forested sections, which cover a large portion of the estate, wind damage to the grounds and some structures was extensive, the Biltmore reported.

The main entrance in Biltmore Village, along with many businesses in the historic mixed-use area outside the estate, was also damaged. The entrance is currently “undergoing extensive repairs,” with crews removing weakened poplar trees that line the roadway, according to the estate’s website.

The entrance to the Biltmore Estate, shown in this photo from October 20, sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene.

Guests with visits scheduled between September 27 and November 1 were offered the option to reschedule for a later date or receive a refund.

The estate and its owners have established a $2 million Biltmore Relief Fund for Western North Carolina (WNC).

“Western North Carolina has been our family’s home for more than 125 years, and we are heartbroken by the impact of Hurricane Helene on our region,” said Bill Cecil, Jr., President and CEO of Biltmore, in a statement.

“We are committed to supporting our employees and neighbors as they recover from this unprecedented storm, and we will continue to assist with long-term rebuilding efforts. Now more than ever, we must come together to stabilize and rebuild our community."

Cecil is a descendant of George Vanderbilt, the estate’s founder and grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the renowned shipping and industrial magnate. George Vanderbilt first visited Asheville in 1888 and chose it as the location for his grand country home, the largest privately owned residence in the U.S. The 250-room French Renaissance château, featuring 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces, opened to the public in 1930.