Situated among North Carolina’s majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville is considered the largest privately owned home in America. The 129-year-old French renaissance chateau was forced to close its doors last month following the impact of Hurricane Helene, but is now set to reopen Nov. 2 — just in time for the holiday season.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support for our community and the determination of our first responders, utility workers, and community volunteers,” Biltmore President and CEO Bill Cecil Jr. told Good Morning America. “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.”
Construction began on the 250-room mansion in 1889, after George Vanderbilt commissioned famed architect Richard Morris Hunt — known for his work on the Statue of Liberty — to build a country home for entertaining family and friends. It was completed in 1895, and began welcoming members of the public in 1930, in a move to increase area tourism amid the Great Depression.
From its inception, Biltmore was intended to be a self-sustaining property that nurtured both the land and its resources, and it has lived up to that vision, earning a National Historic Landmark designation in 1963 for contributions to conservation.
Visitors can come for the day or stay overnight in its inn, hotel, or individual cottages. Inside the Biltmore House — which has 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces — the Vanderbilts’ vast art collection is on display, as well as vintage clothing, furniture, and decor. The 8,000-acre grounds are home to gardens, a farmyard, a winery, and other attractions, including shopping, dining, and rotating exhibits.
One of the location’s most beloved traditions is its annual Christmas at Biltmore experience, when the entire estate is decked out in twinkling lights, fragrant wreaths, garlands, and thousands of ornaments to commemorate the winter holiday. This year, the event runs from the day of reopening through Jan. 5. It harkens back to the first Christmas celebrated on the property.
Per the estate: “The first Christmas at Biltmore House in 1895 was a joyous occasion. Biltmore Estate records show that George Vanderbilt paid close attention to every detail to ensure a memorable holiday experience for his guests. Requests were placed for a large Christmas tree in the banquet hall; mistletoe and holly were gathered, and handmade garlands were hung throughout the house.”
The road to recovery following Hurricane Helene’s devastation hasn’t been easy, and some wooded areas and roads on the property remain in the cleanup process, per GMA. In an effort to help the thousands affected by the storm, Biltmore has pledged $2 million to support area nonprofits that are aiding the region.
“For more than 125 years, Biltmore has been a witness to the resilience of this community. The compassion and resolve of our region have been rising every day from beneath the weight of this storm,” the estate wrote in a re-opening announcement posted to Facebook. “Thanks to the incredible work of so many generous people, recovery is happening all around us.”
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