The shutters of the historic Biltmore Estate are closed after flooding from Hurricane Helene devastated Asheville

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — America's largest private estate has abruptly closed in Asheville after Hurricane Helene caused significant flooding and building damage across the 8,000-acre property.

The iconic Biltmore Estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains spans 175,000 square feet, features 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces and 22 miles of hiking trails.

But the historic property, a tourist attraction known for its gardens and outdoor adventures, tours, exhibitions and restaurants, is temporarily closing, the property announced in a social media post this week, becoming another casualty of the hurricane. On Saturday, the property was guarded by security forces while construction crews threw rubble into trash trucks and removed piles of rubble.

Significant wind, flooding and building damage occurred at the entrance to Biltmore and other low-lying areas, such as his farm, the post said.

There was some luck, however, as damage to the conservatory, winery, gardens and hotels was minimal. “We are still assessing the impact of Tropical Storm Helene on the property and this will take some time,” the property said. “As is the case across the region, the damage varies. There is significant wind damage to properties and some structures in wooded areas, which make up a large portion of the property.” The post also states that crews are clearing roads to begin repair work.

Hurricane Helene and its relentless flooding have killed at least 223 people across the Southeast, and the death toll could continue to rise as dozens of people remain missing since the storm hit Florida on September 26.

Last weekend, branches, tree trunks and a dumpster floated over nearby Biltmore Village after the area was submerged following the initial landfall.

In western North Carolina, including Asheville and surrounding Buncombe County, uprooted homes, flooded vehicles and submerged roads this week illustrate the devastation wrought by a relentless hurricane as school buses were blown away.

George Vanderbilt, who opened Biltmore during the Gilded Age in 1895, is a native of Staten Island, New York, and is the grandson of industrialist Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt, who built the family's wealth through shipping and railroad monopolies in the mid-19th century.