Add This Castle-Like Estate In North Carolina To Your Vacation Bucket List

Relax in a historical, countryside setting with the amenities of a city a few minutes away.

A few minutes outside of downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sits the enchanting and historic Graylyn Estate. Built with 85 rooms to accommodate overnight guests in several lodging facilities, the estate-turned-hotel and conference center combines plenty of charm with a splendid hospitable staff while preserving rich, local history. In a way, it resembles a more intimate version of the Biltmore, another expansive estate to visit in North Carolina.

Related: The Best Things To Do In Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The History of Graylyn Estate

Built in the 1920s, the Graylyn Estate was owned by Bowman Gray and his wife Nathalie, who constructed the home to reflect their frequent European travels. A lover of European and French Rivera design, Nathalie made specific aesthetic choices guests can observe within the home during their stay such as paneling in the main floor library/sitting room imported from Paris, France, a castle-like stone exterior, and weathered-looking finishes inside the home. Another key room of the house to check out is the Persian Card Room.

The country estate was first opened to the public in 1984 after serving as dorms for nearby Wake Forest University. In 1980, the estate sadly experienced a fire on the third floor of the Manor House but has since been restored to its former glory and is open to guests for lodging.

When you check in to the Graylyn Estate, you'll be transported back in time to a moment of quiet luxury and incredible refinement with lots to enjoy on the property. You can also travel a few minutes outside of the grounds to downtown Winston-Salem or other nearby attractions.

Things To Do at Graylyn Estate

The better question is what is there not to do at the Graylyn Estate? This hotel specializes in providing a relaxing, family-engaging environment with amenities that involve you with the estate by enjoying the unique history the property has to offer. Or, you can enjoy the quiet and beautiful grounds for a time of pure relaxation.

One of their more unique offerings is a tour that allows you to walk the ground and learn firsthand from one of the estate's butlers what makes the estate so special from its conception to present-day connections. These tours come with one of their experience packages or you can add this to your stay depending on availability, and may we say, the tour is a delight!

Of course, overnight guests can enjoy a plethora of other amenities inside and out of the estate, such as:

• An outdoor pool (note that it's seasonally operated: opening Memorial Day weekend and closing Labor Day Weekend)

• Yard games in the expansive backyard (badminton, volleyball, cornhole, horseshoes, croquet, and bocce).

• Paved walking or biking trails

• Exercise in one of two fitness centers

• Billiards room

• Grille room with stocked-bar

• Browse the gift shop

Plus, whenever you're in the mood for a sweet treat, the estate serves "Mrs. Gray's Butterscotch Cookies" daily in the Manor House Lobby or Mews Keeping Room. If you book their Graylyn's Traditional Package, these cookies will be delivered to your room daily along with milk.

Though there's plenty to do on the estate property, there are other activities you can take part in that are only a few minutes away. Reynolda Village, a quaint shopping center with unique shops and restaurants, is only a four-minute drive away as well as the Reynolda House Museum of Art, both of which also have historical ties to the Graylyn Estate you'll learn about on the tour.

And, if you want to sprinkle in a little bit of city nightlife, downtown Winston-Salem is only a 10-minute drive where there are countless breweries, pubs, coffee shops, retail shopping, and another historical site known as Old Salem.

Where To Stay at Graylyn Estate

There are several lodging options available on the Graylyn Estate property. The 85 rooms belonging to the boutique hotel are divided between five options: the Manor House, Mews, Bernard Cottage, Gardner's Cottage, and Bungalows.

Each lodging facility is unique in its own way but two special features to highlight are the rooms in the Manor House and Mews. The Manor House contains 34 guest rooms, some with antique appeal that make you feel as if you're staying in the same room when the house was originally built. Choose from premium suites, estate suites, antique rooms, or guest rooms with a charming sitting area.

The Mews is a few yards away from the Manor House and has a courtyard feel to its 35 guest rooms and suites, but our favorite is the silo room. This room is purely whimsical and charming with spiral steps leading up to the main bathroom and bedroom and the main floor containing a sitting area.

The estate does have a variety of special lodging rooms but due to the originality of some room themes, certain options might not be available when you book your stay. However, in our opinion (after seeing the property and rooms in person), there isn't a bad place on the property!

Dining Options at Graylyn Estate

The Graylyn Estate offers a delectable menu in their two dining spaces both in the Manor House. For breakfast and fine dining, you'll want to visit the dining room off to the right of the main floor which also extends onto their elegant outdoor patio that is heated in the winter.

On the bottom floor in the Grille Room is where you'll want to go for more of a lounge atmosphere in the evenings. This room has several tables, chairs, and leather seating along with a cocktail bar and light fare menu. Additionally, it's just down the hall from their Billiard room.

However, if you feel like fancying it up and ordering room service, you can stay in and have your meals delivered to you from seven in the morning to nine at night.

Special Events & Packages at Graylyn Estate

Though this estate is favored as a charming hotel and exquisite conference center, it also serves as a beautiful wedding venue or special events center.

Throughout the year, the estate hosts a series of special events around major holidays such as Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Christmas, and New Year's. These events consist of special dining meals and fun experiences (like the Santa's Experience around Christmas) that are available to overnight guests with reservations.

Apart from these special events, the hotel offers five unique reservation packages such as:

• Romantic Getaway Package: Includes in-room champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and fresh roses, a chef-curated breakfast for two, complimentary amenities, and more.

• European Touch Spa Package: Includes spa and dining credits, complimentary amenities, and more.

• Overnight Escape Package: Includes complimentary amenities like Wi-Fi, parking, and more.

• Graylyn Traditions Package: Includes Butler's tour, Manor House stay, special Graylyn history book, and more. This package must be booked at least 14 days out from the reservation date.

• The Reynolda Museum & Garden Experience Package: Includes Butler's tour, dining credit, Reynolda House Museum tickets, and more.

Best Time To Visit Graylyn Estate

The best time of year to visit the Graylyn Estate relies entirely on your interest and intention for your stay! In our experience, this estate is best to visit during the spring or summer months to see the estate gardens' beautiful florals and enjoy the peaceful outdoor amenities like the biking trails, yard games, and outdoor pools. However, with the property sitting on 55 acres and containing lots of beautiful trees, the fall season would be just as beautiful to enjoy the changing of the leaves while relaxing in traditional history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pets allowed at Graylyn Estate?

There are limited pet rooms available at the Graylyn Estate, so it's best to call reservations and ask about availability prior to booking.

Is parking available at Graylyn Estate?

Yes, parking available at the Graylyn Estate, including valet and complimentary options.

Are there any nearby attractions to visit while staying at Graylyn Estate?

There are several nearby attractions to visit while staying at Graylyn, including Reynolda Village, Reynolda House Museum of Art, Old Salem, and downtown Winston Salem.

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