Damage to America’s largest home revealed

America’s largest home was caught in the middle of Hurricane Helene. The sprawling estate’s owners have revealed just how bad the damage is.

America’s largest home - The Biltimore Estate - has suffered extensive damage after Hurricane Helene rolled through North Carolina.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of concern for our region as communities face the aftermath of this storm,” the estate said in a statement, highlighting the damage that has impacted the 8,000-acre property.

While the Biltmore House itself, along with the conservatory, winery and hotels, “received minimal or no damage from the storm,” other areas of the estate were not as fortunate.

“In forested areas, which is a large portion of the estate, wind damage is extensive to grounds and some structures,” the statement noted, The NY Post reports.

Crews are working to clear roads and assess the overall damage.

The lodge gate has been damaged. Picture: The Biltimore Company

The estate entrance in Biltmore Village, the lodge gate center, the gatehouse shop (left) and group sales office (right). Picture: The Biltimore Company

The estate’s entrance in Biltmore Village and “other low-lying areas,” such as its farm, experienced “significant flooding and damage to buildings,” the statement said.

Built in the late 19th century by George Washington Vanderbilt II, the architectural marvel spans a jaw-dropping 175,000 square feet, boasting 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces.

It is one of North Carolina’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing over 1.4 million visitors annually.

With its sprawling gardens, forested grounds and world-class winery, the estate serves as a cornerstone of tourism in the region.

Unfortunately, the storm also impacted some of the estate’s animals.

“We sadly lost a few of our animals during the storm, but the vast majority are safe and accounted for thanks to our dedicated agriculture and equestrian teams,” the statement continued.

The estate remains closed as damage assessment and repairs continue, with a tentative reopening date set for at least October 15.

A recent photo of the Biltmore mansion following the hurricane. The home went largely unscathed. Picture: The Biltimore Company

Floodwater from the French Broad River covers low-lying fields near Antler Hill Village on the Biltmore Estate. Picture: The Biltimore Company

Hurricane Helene, one of the most powerful storms to hit the Southeast in recent memory, left a trail of destruction across Asheville and its surroundings.

Biltmore Village, a bustling tourist hub located at the entrance to the estate, experienced severe flooding that damaged homes and businesses alike.

With its massive role in the local economy, the closure of Biltmore is expected to have ripple effects across the region.

Marissa Jamison, senior public relations manager at Biltmore, echoed the estate’s gratitude for the public’s concern but asked that attention be focused on the broader region.

“We ask that the public put their focus on our deeply devastated broader community and region at this time and contribute to the relief efforts if they have the means to do so,” she told The Post in a statement.

Crews on the Biltmore Estate work to clear roadways. Picture: The Biltimore Company

The deer park on Biltmore Estate. Picture: The Biltimore Company

As the estate and the community at large work toward recovery, the estate’s staff expressed their hope for a swift restoration.

“As with all of our neighbors who experienced the effects of Helene, we are working on our plans for a swift recovery and look forward to welcoming our guests to this region as soon as it is safe to do so.”

This article first appeared in The NY Post and has been republished with permission.

Originally published as Damage to America’s largest home revealed