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While many of us think castles only exist in fairytales or faraway lands, you don’t have to be a King or Queen to spend the night in one. North Carolina is home to more than just ‘America’s Castle,’ (AKA Biltmore Estate) but the regal and romantic Graylyn Estate where you can spend the night, weekend, or even get away for a week.

Yelp / Katharine B
Graylyn Estate is located in Winston-Salem and built in 1928. It was home for the family of for Bowman Gray Sr., the son of the founder of Wachovia Bank. By the time Grays moved in in 1932, he was Chairman of the Board for R.J Reynolds Tobacco Company. Throughout the years the Estate underwent ownership changes and purposes. Tragically, Bowman Gray Sr. only lived in the house for three years, he died in 1935 on his shipboard in the Northern Atlantic Seaboard while vacationing with his family. In 1946, Mrs. Gray and her sons gave the estate to Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University. It operated as an academic psychiatric hospital facility until 1959.

In 1972, Gordon Gray purchased the estate back from the medical school and gave it to Wake Forest University on the same day. In 1980, a fire destroyed the top portion of the Manor House (pictured above) as a crowd of 7,000 watched - at the time the fire started there was a concert on the lawn by Winston-Salem Symphony. WFU announced the home would be restored to its former 1932 glory. By 1993, Graylyn had become an international conference center and stays that way today. Famous visitors to the estate include Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George Bush Sr.
Today, the sprawling estate encompasses 46,000 square feet and features 86 private guest rooms and 15 meeting rooms. While its considered one of the finest meeting centers in the U.S., you don't have to be a former president or socialite to enjoy the amenities. Many stay here for a special occasion weekend like anniversaries or birthdays. The Estate features two restaurants, sprawling gardens, luxurious architecture and rooms.

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Facebook / Graylyn Estate
There's no surprise it's also a popular wedding venue. A weekend here might seem fit for only a King and Queen, and you're sure to shell out more than your average rental, but if you're seeking an upscale, unique escape from the world this is just the place to do so. Rooms here range from French-inspired estates, cozy cottage-style with dormer windows, modern and efficient, and even antique, elegant charm.
Graylyn Estate
While you'll be in close-proximity to downtown Winston-Salem and all the culinary flare offered, there's also two restaurants on the 55-acre estate. The Grille Room features cocktails and a lighter-fare menu. There's also the upscale Dining Room. Executive Chef Greg Rollins curates the menu which includes signature dishes and innovative creations.
Facebook / Graylyn Estate
Perfect fall getaway? Seeking something different for a special occasion? In search of an elegant wedding venue? Graylyn Estate is a bit of everything mixed into one. A taste of the finer side of life with a dash of coziness and approachability.

How enchanting is this! Just think how pretty it’ll be once the leaves change

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