Was the Biltmore Estate hit hard by Helene? [Video]

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — After Helene tore through the Carolinas late last week, early images showed flooded areas and devastation in communities around the Asheville, North Carolina area. Among those areas was the Biltmore Village area, which leads into the famed Biltmore Estate.

The estate itself is a major tourist attraction. Built over the course of six years beginning in 1889, the sprawling 250-room mansion features more than four areas of floor space that guests can explore and immerse themselves in the history of the legacy left by George Washington Vanderbilt II. Vanderbilt, a native of Staten Island in New York, chose the rolling hills near Asheville to become his country home. 

As of Oct. 3, the estate itself remains closed to the public. In an update shared to Facebook Thursday, estate management said the house itself received either minimal or no damage, along with the conservatory, winery, gardens and hotels.

However, the property does …