Tar Heel Travels
The Greystone
Inn
How an All-American boy saved a
Lake Toxaway landmark
By Bill F. Hensley
Growing
up on a tenant farm in Lizard Lick, Tim Lovelace dreamed that someday
he would own a tractor to make his teenaged work life a little easier.
But those dreams soon faded as the tall, intelligent, athletically
inclined youngster began high school in nearby Wendell, in Wake
County, and quickly became the All-American boy.
“He was everything in high school,” says Richard Sykes, a
classmate and now the men’s golf coach at N.C State University.
“He was captain of the basketball team, student body president and
valedictorian. He could do about anything, and his high school
achievements were outstanding.”
After college at Greenville College in Illinois and earning a
master’s from East Carolina, Lovelace went from a would-be farmer to
a successful career as an investment counselor in Washington, D.C., to
the owner of one of North Carolina’s most luxurious country inns.
“I had no idea I would ever be involved in the hospitality
industry,” says Lovelace, now 60, “but this is the most satisfying
and enjoyable thing I have ever done. I wouldn’t give it up for
anything. My wife (Boo Boo) and I have found our heaven here on Lake
Toxaway.”
The Lovelaces created the Greystone Inn more than a decade ago and
have turned it into one of the highest-rated and most visited
hostelries in the South. Their formula was simple: provide the best
possible accommodations, food and service in unique surroundings, and
listen to what the guests have to say.
“Tim and Boo Boo are incredible hosts,” says Reg Heintish Jr.,
who, along with his late father, developed Lake Toxaway after it had
been abandoned for 45 years following a devastating flood and dam
break in 1916. “They come to the resort every day, have tea with the
guests, have them to their lakeside home for cocktails, lead hikes and
cycling tours, mingle and listen. Then they try to provide the things
guests ask for.”
In addition to personal, hands-on service, the Lovelaces take pride in
the facilities that they established in 1985 after a suggestion by
Heinitsh “that the area sure could use a fine inn.” The area he
was referring to was his 6,000-acre tract of gorgeous mountains and
valleys, streams and waterfalls, and a historic lake that offered
magnificent views.
“Specifically, he mentioned that the 16,000-square-foot Swiss style
mansion that belonged to Lucy Armstrong Moltz was available,”
Lovelace recalls. “It had great potential as an inn and was in a
picturesque, dramatic setting. Boo Boo and I discussed it at length
and then decided to take the plunge.”
After extensive restoration work, the house, on a three-acre peninsula
that juts into the lake, was converted into 19 spacious guestrooms on
six levels, including an award-winning Presidential Suite that is a
showplace of elegance.
Later, a 12-room addition called Hillmont that overlooks the lake was
added, along with a large lakeside dining room, a two-suite cottage
(for a total of 33 rooms), and a comfortable, relaxing spa to pamper
guests with a multitude of services.
“In all we spent about $5 million to get the place the way we wanted
it,” Lovelace says, “but we are pleased — and proud — of how
it turned out.”
One of the most popular activities at Greystone is the daily afternoon
champagne cruise on Lake Toxaway that is hosted by Tim and Boo Boo.
During the one-hour ride in a beautiful reproduction of a classic,
decades-old wooden paneled boat, Lovelace relates the fascinating
history of the lake and the swanky hotel that was abandoned after the
flood in 1916. For years, the hotel hosted America’s corporate
giants — Ford, Firestone, Edison, Rockefeller and others — in a
colorful era of opulence and rich, gracious living. In those days, the
prestigious Blue Ridge Mountain site was often referred to as
“America’s Switzerland.”
“I think we have recaptured some of that lifestyle,” says
Lovelace, “and our guests enjoy it.”
Today’s guests find a lot to like about the Greystone, which has
captured numerous honors for its splendor. It has received the Four
Diamond award from Triple A for 17 consecutive years, and has been
featured in more than 200 newspaper and magazine articles.
Excellent cuisine is an essential part of life at the Greystone. Rates
include breakfast and dinner plus a delightful afternoon tea on the
front and side porches that are in full view of the sparkling lake.
There is evening music in the lounge as well as the dining room.
Most recreational activities revolve around water sports that include
skiing, boating, fishing, and canoeing. In addition, a large outdoor
swimming pool and tennis courts sit adjacent to the inn, plus hiking
trails are nearby. All facilities are available without charge to
guests.
If golf’s your game, the Lake Toxaway Country Club is only a solid
three-wood shot away and guests have full privileges there at reduced
rates.
The resort is located three miles off Highway 64 between Brevard and
Cashiers. The inn is open all year but only on weekends from December
to March. For more information, call 800-824-5766 or visit www.greystoneinn.com.
Return to magazine index
|
|
