*Sponsored Article by Visit Winston-Salem*
From mid-1700s colonials to grand estates of the Roaring ‘20s, many of Winston-Salem’s oldest and most intriguing homes have been thoughtfully restored and transformed into fine dining restaurants, art museums, splendid hotels, historic attractions for visitors to enjoy during their stay.
Dating to 1753, Historic Bethabara Park is the site of the first Moravian settlement in North Carolina and features reconstructed mid-18th century homes of this early religious village.
Old Salem Museums & Gardens is one of the countries most authentic and comprehensive history attractions, with approximately 100 preserved and restored homes and buildings. It is also home of the internationally renowned Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), featuring furniture, textiles, silver and paintings of the early American South.
Known as the “strangest home in America,” Körner’s Folly showcases the talent, ingenuity and genius of interior decorator, designer and painter Jule Gilmer Körner. Built in 1880, the home is a winding maze of doorways and staircases leading through 22 rooms in the three-story, seven-level marvel.
Listed as one of “The Great Houses of the South,” Reynolda House Museum of American Art is now one of nation’s premier American art museums. It was originally the home of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds and his wife Katharine, who spearheaded the design and construction of the 1917 estate.
One of Winston-Salem’s downtown fine-dining establishments, the Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar occupies the 1920 home of Agnew Hunter Bahnson. Once neighbored by the homes of R.J. Reynolds and Bowman Gray, the two-story English Country House-style building is listed on the national register of historic places and is the last remaining mansion on “Millionaire’s Row.”
Located on the Reynolda Mile, guests of the Graylyn Estate marvel at its international décor and exceptional butler service. This 55-acre international conference center and hotel is the former home to Bowman Gray, once president of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and his wife, Nathalie Lyons Gray.
To learn more about all aspects of the Historic Homes Tours offered in Winston-Salem, go to VisitWinstonSalem.com/Historic Homes or to book a guided tour contact Kay Calzolari, group tour and services manager, by phone at 336.728.4237 or email Kay@VisitWinstonSalem.com.
