The devastation was sweeping, and a full recovery will take years.
At the end of September, Hurricane Helene tore across the Southeast United States, causing unimaginable devastation in North Carolina, which doesn’t usually bear the brunt of storm season. Over 250 people were killed, 95 of whom live in the state.
When the news first broke, many in the Olmsted community thought of Biltmore and wondered how our friends— and Olmsted’s iconic landscape— fared. Getting through by email or phone was impossible. It took a few days for clear reports to emerge.
“We are heartbroken for our friends, family and neighbors across this region who have been devastated by this storm,” Biltmore wrote in a statement on October 1. “To our first responders, utility workers and community volunteers, we are deeply grateful for your endless compassion, care and courage. We will all work together to recover from this unprecedented event.”
Even those who have never visited Asheville know of Biltmore’s massive Gilded Age mansion and sweeping 8,000 acres. Thankfully, the magnificent home, Conservatory, winery, gardens and hotels received little damage from the storm. Other areas of the property weren’t so lucky.
The high winds battered the grounds, downing trees and leaving many roadways and paths unpassable. The entrance to Biltmore, which sits in Biltmore Village, and other low-lying areas experienced catastrophic flooding and significant damage. A handful of farm animals were lost in the devastation.
Efforts to clean up the property and care for the community are still underway and will be long after Biltmore Estate reopens on November 2— just in time for its renowned Christmas season.
Having been a part of the community for over 125 years and recognizing the immediate need, Biltmore Estate and its family owners — including Olmsted Network Council Member Diana “Dini” Cecil Pickering — launched the Biltmore Relief Fund for West North Carolina, pledging $2 million in immediate localized Helene relief alongside additional resource commitments and employee crisis support.
“Inspired by the legacy of George and Edith Vanderbilt, the focus for this fund is to provide critical and immediate financial relief for people in need, including supporting employees in crisis, providing support to area non-profits aiding our region, and investing in the recovery of our community.”
For more details on this fund and other ways you can help, please visit Biltmore’s Tropical Storm Helene Response webpage.
All images courtesy of Biltmore and taken from their Facebook page.