Helene's Influence on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville | WONDER WILLS

Helene's Aftermath: Impact on the Biltmore Estate and Surrounding Areas

While the extent of the damage to the Biltmore mansion itself remains unclear, the nearby Biltmore Village was heavily impacted by floodwaters.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — In the wake of Helene’s passage through the Carolinas late last week, early images captured the widespread flooding and destruction across communities in and around Asheville, North Carolina. Among the hardest hit was the Biltmore Village, a historic area leading into the renowned Biltmore Estate.

The Biltmore Estate, a major tourist attraction, was built between 1889 and 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt II. This 250-room mansion, set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, allows visitors to explore its expansive interior while learning about Vanderbilt’s legacy. As of October 1, the estate remains closed to the public, with no immediate reports on the extent of any potential damage to the mansion or its surrounding structures. In an online notice, estate management announced that the grounds would be closed until at least Tuesday, October 15, due to flooding, road closures, and utility outages. Estate employees have been asked to remain in contact with supervisors, and access is restricted until further notice.

Annual passholders and club members are also currently unable to enter the estate. Visitors holding daytime tickets are advised to either request a refund online or reschedule their visit for a later date. Ticket rescheduling is available once the estate reopens, with calls to reschedule not recommended until it is safe to do so. To reserve future visits or exchange tickets, guests can contact the estate at 800-411-3812 or visit the Reception and Ticketing Sales Center. Any price differences may apply.

Overnight guests who had reservations from Friday, September 27, to Tuesday, October 15, will have their stays automatically canceled, with a 12-month credit for future bookings. Visitors planning to arrive after that period should check the estate’s weather notice page for updates.

Biltmore Village, home to various shops, boutiques, and restaurants, was particularly devastated by Helene. Several buildings were damaged, and local waterways overflowed. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the nearby Swannanoa River rose to about 26 feet on Friday, September 27, significantly surpassing the 18-foot mark classified as major flooding by NOAA standards.

In addition to the estate’s closure, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, a major draw for travelers seeking mountain views in western North Carolina, remains shut down following the storm.

Across the southeastern U.S., officials have reported 150 storm-related deaths spanning multiple states. Rescue efforts continue in the mountainous regions of western North Carolina, where crews, including cadaver dogs, are searching for additional victims. The devastation is particularly visible in smaller communities reliant on tourism, which have been left reeling in Helene’s wake.