The Biltmore Estate, a popular tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina, will reopen next month after deadly Hurricane Helene devastated the area in September, officials announced Saturday.
The historic, 8,000-acre estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains sustained varying degrees of damage from Hurricane Helene, which slammed into western North Carolina on Sept. 28, bringing unprecedented flooding and destructive winds to the region.
“For more than 125 years, Biltmore has been a testament to the resilience of this community,” Biltmore officials wrote on social media. “The compassion and resolve of our region has risen every day under the weight of this storm. Thanks to the incredible work of so many generous people, rebuilding is happening all around us.”
Staff wrote that Biltmore is scheduled to reopen on Nov. 2, in time to "celebrate the joy of the holiday season together" during the popular Christmas at Biltmore holiday tradition.
The estate, built by George Vanderbilt in the 1890s, suffered extensive wind damage in the wooded areas that make up much of the 8,000-acre property. Low-lying areas such as the farm were flooded and buildings damaged, staff said.
The Biltmore House, conservatory, winery, gardens and hotels suffered little to no damage from the storm, staff previously said. Some of Biltmore's animals also died during the storm.
"We hope to welcome our guests back to the estate soon," Biltmore staff said.
Hurricane Helene has killed at least 95 people in North Carolina. Thirty people are still missing as of Monday morning after the storm caused historic rainfall, flooding and mudslides in the mountains of North Carolina.
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