If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen some pretty terrifying images of the French Broad River swallowing parts of Asheville. It’s natural to wonder: is Biltmore Estate flooded right now, or is the "castle" safe? Honestly, the answer depends entirely on whether you’re talking about the famous 250-room house or the historic village that sits just outside the gates.
The short version? No, the Biltmore House isn’t underwater. It never was.
But saying the estate wasn't "flooded" is kinda misleading. While the mansion sits safely on a high ridge—exactly where George Vanderbilt’s architects planned it—the lower-lying parts of the 8,000-acre property took a massive hit during Hurricane Helene. We’re talking 20-plus feet of water in some spots. As of early 2026, the estate is very much open, but the landscape is forever changed.
Is Biltmore Estate Flooded? The Real Story of the 2024 Surge
When people ask if Biltmore is flooded, they’re usually thinking of the Big House. That massive stone chateau is basically a fortress. During the record-breaking surge in September 2024, the house, the Conservatory, and the Winery stayed dry.
The entrance was a different story.
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Water at the Lodge Gate—the iconic main entrance—crested at roughly 27 feet. That’s higher than the legendary 1916 flood. If you visit today, you can still see the high-water marks on the pebbledash finish of the gatehouse. It’s a sobering sight. The Swannanoa River basically turned the entrance into a lake, washing away decades-old trees and damaging the Gate House Shop so badly it required a total gut job.
What Actually Went Underwater
- The Farm and Sunflower Fields: These low areas near the river were submerged for days.
- Lodge Gate: The water reached the bottom edge of the stone archway.
- Biltmore Village: This is the most common point of confusion. The village is outside the estate gates. It was devastated.
- The Allée: The grand entrance road lost many of its historic tulip poplars to wind and water saturation.
Why the Biltmore House Stays Dry (Every Time)
George Vanderbilt wasn’t just rich; he was smart about where he put his stuff. He hired Frederick Law Olmsted—the guy who designed Central Park—to handle the landscaping. They chose a site for the main house that sits at an elevation of about 2,200 feet.
The French Broad River, which borders the estate, sits much lower.
Even when the river reaches "catastrophic" flood stages, it has a lot of room to spread out over the estate’s farm fields and forests before it could ever hope to reach the ridge where the house sits. It’s basically built-in flood insurance.
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The Current State of Biltmore Village in 2026
If you’re planning a trip, you need to know that Biltmore Village—the cute shopping district right outside the entrance—is in a "hybrid" state of recovery. About 70% of the shops have reopened as of early 2026.
It’s been a rough road.
Some favorites, like the Well-Bred Bakery, decided not to come back because the risk of future flooding is just too high. Others, like the "fancy McDonald's" (you know, the one with the grand piano), had to be completely rebuilt. The Grand Bohemian Hotel is back in action, which was a huge win for the local economy.
Walking through the village now feels different. It’s still charming, but there are gaps where buildings once stood. It’s less of a "perfect museum" and more of a living example of Appalachian grit.
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What to Expect When Visiting Now
Is it worth going? Absolutely. In fact, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most interesting years to visit the estate. Because they had to remove so many damaged trees near the entrance, the views are actually more open than they’ve been in a century.
New Attractions for 2026
The estate hasn't just been repairing; they've been building. This spring, they’re launching Luminair, a massive outdoor evening experience. It uses light and sound projections directly onto the Biltmore House and the surrounding gardens. It’s basically their way of saying, "We’re still here, and we’re still grand."
The estate also repurposed the wood from the fallen white oaks. You can actually buy wine aged in barrels made from the very trees that Hurricane Helene knocked down. Talk about making lemonade out of lemons.
Quick Facts for Your Trip
- Is the Biltmore House open? Yes, it reopened in November 2024 and has stayed open since.
- Can I stay on property? Yes. Both the Village Hotel and the Inn on Biltmore Estate were largely untouched by the flooding.
- Are the gardens okay? Mostly. Some lower paths were eroded, but the Walled Garden and Conservatory are in great shape.
- Is there still construction? You’ll see some "work in progress" signs near the riverbanks and the main gate, but it won't ruin your tour.
Honestly, the best way to help the region recover is just to show up. Asheville’s economy basically runs on tourism, and Biltmore is the engine. The estate is safe, the house is dry, and the wine is still flowing.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the official Biltmore website for "Luminair" ticket dates, as the 2026 spring season is expected to sell out.
- Book your dining reservations in Biltmore Village at least three weeks in advance; since fewer restaurants are open compared to 2023, the remaining spots fill up fast.
- Bring sturdy walking shoes—some of the temporary paths near the river recovery zones are gravel rather than paved.