Graylyn Estate named to Top 25 Best of Adaptive Reuse by Historic Hotels of America

June 6, 2024

The Graylyn Estate, was honored on Historic Hotels of America’s 2024 Top 25 Best of Adaptive Reuse. The Graylyn Estate was honored alongside other North Carolina and South Carolina hotels. A popular and creative approach to historic preservation, “adaptive reuse” saves unused historic buildings from demolition by rehabilitating and renovating them for a new purpose.

“The Graylyn Estate awakens the feeling of home. Preserving the Gray family estate as a boutique hotel and conference center is a privilege. We are honored to be among 25 prestigious properties recognized by Historic Hotels of America as a Top 25 for Best Adaptive Reuse. An adapted family home adds a special touch of warmth and hospitality to the experiences of our clients and guests visiting Graylyn for meetings, weddings, special events, and getaways.” said Vice President of Hospitality & Auxiliary Services John Wise.

Spaces recognized include:

• The home’s original Adam-style dining room, open for lunch and dinner on OpenTable
• The original Library, adorned with rare French wood-paneling from an actual hotel in France
• Original sleeping rooms of the Gray Family including Mr. Gray’s Suite and Mrs. Gray’s Suite where overnight guests can stay
• The Atlantis Room, once the indoor pool of the family honoring their experience on cruise ships, now a corporate conference event space, reception hall, and special event location

Graylyn Estate and Conference Center is a historic, award-winning boutique hotel and event venue owned by Wake Forest University. The estate is a 55-acre property with 85 guest rooms and features a 1930s Manor House, world-class amenities, chef-curated dining, and 25,000+ square feet of meeting and event spaces. Guests visit Graylyn for historical tours, dining, overnight leisure travel, corporate events, conferences, weddings, and special occasions. Graylyn is the second-largest historic home in North Carolina, an honored Historic Hotel of America, and was named the #5 Best Boutique Hotel by USA Today. The Graylyn Estate was established in 1932 by Mr. Bowman Gray, former CEO of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, and Mrs. Nathalie Gray.