Not Many People Realize This Incredible Palace Is Hiding In North Carolina
While our castle road trip is an absolute must-do, there’s one other castle that deserves it’s own write-up. Hiding on 55-acres not far from downtown Winston-Salem, Graylyn Estate is stunningly beautiful, and if you get to spend the night in this hotel and conference center, consider yourself lucky. It’s a place of North Carolina inspired luxury!
Graylyn Estate was built in 1928, with the Gray family officially moving in by 1932. It was the family residence for Bowman Gray Sr., the son of the founder of Wachovia Bank. By the time Gray had moved into his luxury estate, he was Chairman of the Board for R.J Reynolds Tobacco Company.
Construction of the Graylyn Estate included some 136 workers at any given time. The home encompassed 46,000 square feet and had 60 rooms. Tragically, in 1935 just three years after completion on the magnificent home, Bowman Gray Sr. died 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. Until 1959, the estate operated as an academic psychiatric hospital facility.
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.
The Graylyn has seen extensive renovations and restorations that hone in on its former glory. The International Conference Center is home to 86 private guest rooms and 15 meeting rooms. It is considered to be one of the finest conference centers in the U.S.
The grounds of the Estate are breathtakingly beautiful and perfect for an afternoon stroll. Graylyn has also risen to prominence as a popular wedding venue.
There's also no surprise you can be treated to a fabulous meal. The Grille Room is a great place to grab cocktails and enjoy the light fare menu.
The elegant Graylyn Estate Dining Room is located in the Manor House and available by reservation. The menu is curated by Executive Chef Greg Rollins and includes signature dishes and innovative creations.
The Graylyn is a regal, unique attraction that is perfect for a weekend away or celebrating special occasions.
What a gorgeous place! To book a night or get more information, visit their website. Have you visited Graylyn Estate before?
For more extravagant North Carolina places, these 7 houses are sure to grab your attention!
