The Graylyn Estate

In 1925, Bowman Gray, president of tobacco company R.J. Reynolds, Inc., and wife Nathalie Lyons Gray purchased 87 acres of rolling pasture land to begin building their dream home. Employing the finest artisans and craftsmen, Graylyn emerged as the second-largest home in North Carolina, with nearly 85 rooms and 46,000 square feet of living space. Today, the Graylyn Estate is owned and operated by Wake Forest University and is Winston-Salem’s only luxury boutique hotel and conference center. A unique blend of Old World charm and personalized service with innovative technology, the estate’s opulent interiors, and 55 acres of lush grounds create a memorable experience for guests. Traditions were important to the Gray family and are still celebrated at the Graylyn Estate today, with Mrs. Gray's butterscotch cookies in the afternoon in honor of their dogs, Butter and Scotch, as well as complimentary ice cream, Mr. Gray's favorite treat.