Inside Graceland mansion, Elvis’ former estate that now faces foreclosure

Forty-seven years after the passing of Elvis Presley, his legendary home, Graceland, continues to attract fans from around the globe to Memphis, Tennessee. It’s where Presley resided from 1957 until his death in 1977 — and, to a degree, shows a sense of immortality.

However, the property’s fate lies in limbo as it faces a foreclosure auction on Thursday, prompting a fierce legal challenge from his granddaughter, Riley Keough, who has labeled the impending sale as “fraudulent.”

According to a notice from the Shelby County Courthouse, Graceland and its surrounding property are slated to be auctioned off for cash to the highest bidder on May 23.

Keough, 34, is firmly opposing the sale. She has filed a lawsuit alleging that the auction is a sham, and on Monday, her attorney secured a temporary restraining order. An injunction hearing is set for Wednesday.

Situated on a sprawling 13.8-acre estate off what is now Elvis Presley Boulevard, Graceland is a two-story Colonial Revival-style mansion built in 1939.

The property includes eight bedrooms and four bathrooms, though half of its 23 rooms, including the entire second floor where Presley’s master suite is located, are off-limits to visitors.

The public areas available for tours include the living room, the kitchen, the TV room and more.

In 1982, Graceland opened its doors as a museum dedicated to Presley’s life and career. Since then, it has welcomed more than 20 million visitors from around the globe. Ticket packages start at $77 for adults, providing fans a glimpse into his home life and personal spaces.

One of the mansion’s most memorable events occurred on Aug. 16, 1977, when Presley collapsed and was found unconscious in his Graceland home by his girlfriend, Ginger Alden. She later recounted the incident in her 2014 memoir, describing how she discovered him on the master bathroom floor.

Graceland’s interior is as remarkable as its history. The living room boasts a custom-built 15-foot sofa, originally metallic blue but later reupholstered in white, and a 10-foot coffee table.

The stained-glass windows, installed by Presley in 1974, feature a peacock design symbolizing eternal life and resurrection.

The dining room, with its black marble flooring and strategically placed TV, was a favorite gathering spot for Presley and his friends.

One of the most iconic spaces within Graceland is the Jungle Room, a Polynesian-themed sanctuary adorned with tropical plants, a waterfall, and shag carpet on both the floor and ceiling.

This room, which Presley personally designed to reflect his love for Hawaii, also served as a recording studio for some tracks on his album “From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee.”

The estate’s TV room — designed in navy, white and yellow — features three televisions, inspired by US President Lyndon Johnson’s habit of watching multiple news broadcasts simultaneously.

Although the upper floor remains closed to the public, fans can view Presley’s office desk, gifted by RCA for his million-selling “Blue Hawaii” soundtrack, now part of an exhibit downstairs.

Graceland’s exterior is equally as fascinating. The musical score-themed entrance gate, installed by Presley shortly after purchasing the mansion, cost $1,339 and often saw throngs of fans hoping for a glimpse of their idol.

Today, the brick wall surrounding the estate is covered in messages from fans who continue to leave personal notes in memory of Presley.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006, Graceland preserves many aspects of Presley’s life.

The Hall of Gold in the Trophy Building showcases his gold records and memorabilia. In 2017, the estate updated this building to feature exhibits on Presley’s personal life, including his wedding outfit, family photos and his daughter’s toys.

Another notable feature is the racquetball building, which Elvis loved to play and which was converted into a trophy hall displaying Presley’s posthumous awards and jumpsuits. This space was restored to its original condition in 2017, and the trophies were relocated to a new exhibit.

Presley’s final resting place is in the Meditation Garden on the grounds of Graceland, alongside his parents, daughter Lisa Marie and grandson.

Every year, fans gather for Elvis Week, held from Aug. 9 to 17, to commemorate the anniversary of his death. The event attracts visitors from around the world, all coming to pay their respects and leave flowers at his grave.