THE GRAYSTONE INN
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA
Located in the heart of Wilmington’s historic district, just three blocks from the Cape Fear River, The Graystone Inn was built during 1905 and 1906 as the private residence of Preston and Elizabeth (“Miss Betty”) Bridgers. Preston was the son of Robert Rufus Bridges, who was a two-time representative to the Confederate Congress and the president of the Atlantic Coast Line Railway. Seven Bridgers children were raised in the house.
Originally published in Inn Traveler
After Miss Betty passed away in 1932, the Bridgers Mansion served as a private home, a boarding house, and an active American Legion Post. Innkeepers Paul and Yolanda Bolda bought the dilapidated structure in 1998 and spent almost $1 million restoring it. This was the fifth such renovation for the Boldas and it shows throughout.
The huge Indiana limestone structure was built in the neo-classical revival style on three lots. The soaring entrance walls are white Italian Carrara marble, with solid red oak woodwork and 14-foot Corinthian columns. To the left, the large parlor includes a fireplace edged with pale green onyx, a concert-ready baby grand piano, and solid brass wall sconces.
Behind the parlor, the library is completely paneled with Honduran mahogany--complimentary wine awaits guests in this cozy room each evening, where those in the know also wander out to the terrace and garden. A sitting room to the right of the entrance features oil-glazed ragged walls to compliment the Italian Verdi marble fireplace and large-scale mantel.
Highlighted by an American Empire-style chandelier from the mid-1800s, the Renaissance-style staircase rises to the second and third floors, where seven varied guestrooms await. Each of the spacious rooms features period furnishings, beautiful draperies, Queen size beds, fine pima cotton linens, telephones with dataports, televisions, and full bathrooms with luxury toiletries, towels, and robes. Two suites offer King size beds and separate sitting rooms.
At the top of the stairs on the second floor, the Latimer-St. Thomas Suite was named because it features views of the 1846 St. Thomas Church. At 1,100 square feet, it has lots of space, including a large bedroom and a separate sitting room that both feature fireplaces. With a nice view of the garden, fireplace, and a four-poster bed, the Bridgers Bedroom was used by Miss Betty during her entire time in the mansion. The Burgwin-Wright Jr. Suite is named for its view of the 18th century Burgwin-Wright house (which is open for tours). This 750-square-foot suite offers a wonderful sitting area, original built-in window seats, and a fireplace. The French country-style de Rosset Bedroom features large windows, a welcoming fireplace, and a bathroom located in the original clothes and linen closet. Completing the second floor, the St. James Bedroom features a great view of St. James Episcopal Church, more masculine furnishings, and a bathroom that was once Miss Betty’s dressing closet.
On the third floor, the Bellevue Suite is the Inn’s largest guestroom (1,300 square feet). The bedroom offers a stunning view of the river, while the sitting room features a view of the garden. The suite offers one of many clawfoot tubs in the inn (this one holds two), as well as a great walk-in shower. The seventh offering, the USS North Carolina Bedroom, has a great view of the famed battleship (and a large cedar-paneled bathroom and walk-in shower).
Breakfast is served in the large dining room, where the Honduran mahogany was painted in 1972 to brighten the atmosphere. Yolanda Bolda typically prepares creative breakfasts in the large renovated kitchen, where the options might include Eggs Benedict with asparagus and Hollandaise sauce or Yolanda’s own country ham gravy, Belgian waffles, strawberry pancakes, and many more popular choices. There is also a Continental buffet, with fresh fruits, cereal, homemade baked goods, and juices. With advance notice, the Graystone staff will accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
The Graystone Inn has frequently been used as a set for motion pictures and television, as well as playing host to many celebrities. For obvious reasons, the Inn is also a fittingly popular spot for weddings, receptions, and other events.
The Boldas have seemingly thought of everything to make any stay romantic. From evening wine to menus from nearby restaurants (Wilmington has a great dining scene), the entire Graystone experience provides the essence of romance from the moment of arrival.
The Graystone Inn
800-763-4773
http://www.graystoneinn.com/