The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, will reopen on November 2 after being damaged by Hurricane Helene. This historic estate, spanning 8,000 acres, was closed temporarily because of the storm.
According to ABC News, Bill Cecil Jr., president and CEO of Biltmore, announced that reopening the estate will support the local economy and community. “Welcoming guests back to Biltmore brings critical support to our region’s economy to aid area employees, local businesses, and friends,” he said.
Biltmore has been working hard to repair the damage and will be decorated for Christmas by the time it reopens. All attractions and restaurants will be open, and guests can stay overnight in the estate’s lodging properties. However, some trails and the Outdoor Adventure Center will remain closed for further cleanup.
The Biltmore team shared their gratitude for the community’s resilience and the hard work of first responders, utility workers, and volunteers in an Instagram post. “Thanks to the incredible work of so many generous people, recovery is happening all around us,” the post read.
Hurricane Helene, the deadliest storm in North Carolina’s history, struck Florida late last month as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm caused widespread destruction, resulting in at least 250 fatalities, with North Carolina recording 95 deaths. Twenty-six people are still missing.
The Biltmore Family Relief Fund, established by the Biltmore family, has pledged $2 million to help the region recover. The reopening of the estate is a step towards normalcy and offers hope for the ongoing recovery efforts in the community.