Biltmore Estate, recognized as “America’s largest home,” has reopened to the public for the holiday season after enduring a month-long closure due to the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. The storm, which struck on September 27, caused widespread flooding in Western North Carolina, claiming 102 lives and significantly affecting areas like Biltmore Village, which was established alongside George Vanderbilt’s historic estate. Chase Pickering, a descendant of the Vanderbilt family, indicated that recovery efforts have been extensive, enabling essential parts of the estate to resume operations, albeit with some limitations. This reopening symbolizes hope for the local community, which heavily relies on tourism revenue, and Pickering urged visitors to travel with respect and awareness of the ongoing recovery needs.
As the estate reopens, it also launches its much-anticipated “Christmas at Biltmore” program, which aligns with the holiday spirit. The celebration commenced with the traditional raising of a 28-foot Fraser fir tree in the Banquet Hall on October 30. Complementing this festive atmosphere, an art exhibit featuring Dale Chihuly’s works has been extended through February 2, further enhancing the estate’s appeal. Despite the recent obstacles, the estate welcomed approximately 7,200 guests over the reopening weekend, which is about 35% of the typical holiday season audience. This encouraging response has led the marketing team to collaborate with regional tourism agencies to reach broader audiences and contribute to the community’s recovery.
Pickering noted that this closure marks the third significant interruption in the estate’s history—previous instances occurred during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, many core attractions, such as Biltmore House, the Conservatory, gardens, and restaurants, suffered minimal damage and have resumed normal operations. Guests can now partake in daytime visits, festive evening events, and guided tours while enjoying the various amenities of Biltmore’s Antler Hill Village. However, some areas, including the Outdoor Adventure Center, are presently unavailable due to seasonal closures, and certain nature trails remain closed as cleanup efforts continue.
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, Biltmore Estate faced considerable repair challenges. Significant flooding along the Swannanoa River caused damage to several structures, including guest cottages and the front entrance facilities. As cleanup progressed, the estate’s staff worked diligently to clear the affected areas, aided by the community’s support. Notably, seven buildings were damaged, and structural repairs were prioritized to allow for a timely reopening. Furthermore, plans are underway for replanting trees that were lost during the flood, reinforcing the estate’s ongoing commitment to restoring its beauty and historical significance.
While staff members were temporarily furloughed during the closure, there has been a concerted effort to ramp up operations as visitor numbers begin to rebound. Approximately half of the workforce has returned, and the estate’s management is optimistic about increasing staffing levels in correlation with growing guest volumes. In a show of solidarity, Biltmore introduced a relief fund to support local recovery efforts, pledging a substantial sum for community recovery projects. The involvement of the estate’s leadership in organizing fundraising events has also been a vital aspect of supporting the local community during this trying time.
Amid the ongoing efforts to recover and attract visitors back to the estate, the focus remains on restoring the vibrancy of Asheville and its surroundings. By welcoming guests back and providing memorable experiences that showcase the unique culture of Western North Carolina, Biltmore aims to facilitate economic recovery and resilience. Through effective collaboration and community support, both the estate and local businesses can hope for a brighter future, enabling both the estate and the region to once again thrive as a destination for tourists and locals.
