Biltmore Estate to Reopen In November

After Helene forced its closure, Biltmore Estate is now to reopen in November.

By Sheenu Gupta On Oct 21, 2024 Share with new partner:

The Biltmore Estate is set to reopen on Saturday, Nov. 2 following its closure due to damage from tropical Storm Helene, which has severely impacted Western North Carolina. The reopening date was announced in a press release on Oct. 19.

According to earlier reports from The Citizen Times, parts of the Biltmore Estate’s grounds and several buildings experienced serious flooding due to Tropical Storm Helene.

However, the Biltmore House, Conservatory, winery, gardens, and the estate’s hotels sustained little to no damage.

The Biltmore Estate will reopen on Nov. 2, just in time for the holiday season. Spanning 8,000 acres and employing around 2,400 people, the estate will welcome visitors to attractions like the Biltmore House and its restaurants. However, cleanup efforts are still underway in some areas, so the Trails and Outdoor Adventure Center will stay closed for now.

Bill Cecil Jr., Biltmore’s president and CEO, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community and the dedication of first responders, utility workers, and volunteers. He noted that reopening Biltmore not only allows them to welcome visitors again but also provides vital economic support to local businesses, employees, and the community. According to Biltmore spokesperson Marissa Jamison, no storm-related fatalities were reported among staff, and all employees have been accounted for, though some lost their homes in the storm.

He said, “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support for our community and the determination of our first responders, utility workers and community volunteers. As recovery unfolds, welcoming guests back to Biltmore not only means we can open, but also brings critical support to our region’s economy to aid area employees, local businesses and friends.”

Some employees are currently out of work. Due to “a significant decline in tourism expected to continue in the short term,” Biltmore, one of Buncombe County’s largest employers, has temporarily furloughed an unspecified number of workers, according to Marissa Jamison. She noted that the furloughs are temporary, and staff will return to work in phases once the estate reopens.