The Biltmore Estate's Big Storm Challenge

Hurricane Helene has really shaken things up at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. This massive 8,000-acre property, known for its stunning gardens and outdoor adventures, is temporarily closed due to some serious wind and water damage. The estate's entrance and farm areas took a big hit, with lots of debris and broken buildings. But it's not all bad news – the conservatory, winery, gardens, and hotels escaped most of the harm. The Biltmore Estate is no small place; it boasts 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces! It was built during the Gilded Age in 1895 by George Vanderbilt, who came from a family that made their fortune in shipping and railroads. The hurricane has been tough on the entire Southeast region, with over 200 deaths reported so far. In Asheville and surrounding areas, there's a lot of damage to see – from uprooted homes to submerged cars and broken roads. The estate is working hard to clean up and make repairs. It might take some time before everything is back to normal, but they're doing their best to get things running again.